Humphreys Biplane

The Humphreys Biplane was the first serious attempt to build a flying boat in the United Kingdom. Also known as the Wivenhoe Flyer it was designed by dentist Jack Humphreys; it failed to fly.

Humphreys Biplane
Role Biplane flying boat
National origin United Kingdom
Designer Jack Humphreys
Introduction 1909
Number built 1

Design and development

With the help of Forrestt's boatyard, construction by Humphreys of the biplane started in 1908 near Wivenhoe on the River Colne, Essex.[1] With a span of 45 feet it was a sesquiplane biplane with a single-seat hull.[1] The biplane had a 35 hp (26 kW) JAP V8 air-cooled engine which drove two counter-rotating propellers.[1]

The biplane was launched on 3 April 1909 but it turned turtle and sank due to an accident.[1] Recovered and tested again, The Times reported in April 1909 that a further trial was abandoned when the gearing between the engine and the propellers failed.[2] In May 1909 it did manage to skim the water at speed of 12 knots but failed to overcome the drag in the design and failed to fly.[1]

Specifications

Data from London[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 38 ft 0 in (11.58 m)
  • Wingspan: 45 ft 0 in (13.72 m)
  • Wing area: 650 sq ft (60 m2) approximate
  • Gross weight: 1,750 lb (794 kg) approximate
  • Powerplant: 1 × J.A.P. 38hp V-8 air-cooled piston engine, 38 hp (28 kW)

References

Notes
  1. London 2011, p. 2
  2. "Eastern Counties." Times [London, England] 21 Apr. 1909: 19. The Times Digital Archive. Web. 5 June 2014.
  3. London 2011, pp. 260-261

Bibliography
  • London, Peter (2011). British Flying Boats. The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7524-60550.
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