1910 Harvard Biplane

Photo from the collection of Kees Kort

Information from Kees Kort

The Harvard Aeronautical Society, numbering 400 members, lays claim to having the lightest biplane in the world. its weight being but 165 pounds, including wheels, but without engine. The riding surface is 200 sq. ft. and the control surface 35 sq. ft. Equipped with disappearing wheels and offset surfaces, it is constructed of hollowed and laminated air-dried spruce without bolts, screws or nails. The after cross-piece is on top of ribs, while the fabric is underneath the ribs. The machine, which was built by S. L. Saunders and certain Harvard students, has made several 125 yard flights within Soldiers‘ Field, fitted with a regular Cameron 4-cylinder, air-cooled automobile engine, at a height of 8 or 10 ft. However, the engine was not developing more than two-thirds of its horsepower and weighed with equipment 250 pounds. The engine itself weighed 196 pounds. The propeller was a Herring four-bladed, giving 200 pounds thrust at 1.200 r.p.m. The control device is novel in the “Harvard I.” There are two elevators in front, each operated by separate levers at the right and left hand of the aviator. In ascending or descending, both are moved to the same extent, but one or the other is moved individually to maintain lateral equilibrium. The levers lock automatically on being released. The vertical rudder is regulated by the operator's foot. The motor and direct-connected propeller is swung in a revolving cradle, with the axis of support passing through both the center of gravity and the line of thrust of the motor. By a simple movement of either hand or foot the operator can adjust the thrust angle at will. The device is self-locking and free from vibration. The norm of the line of thrust passes through the aeroplane's center of pressure. Detachable wheels equipped with spring shock absorbers are attached to the skids. The "Harvard l" was designed, patented and flown by James V. Martin, manager of the society.