Ferguson monoplane

Ferguson monoplane
Replica of Ferguson Monoplane
Role	Two-seat monoplane
National origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	J.B. Ferguson & Company
Designer	Harry Ferguson
First flight	31 December 1909
Number built	1

The Ferguson monoplane was the first Irish heavier-than-air craft to fly. The monoplane was designed by Harry Ferguson and built by his brother's company J.B. Ferguson & Company in Belfast. ^[1]

Development

Harry Ferguson started as an Irish mechanic and while working with his brother Joe became interested in aircraft. ^[1] Ferguson first flew his monoplane on 31 December 1909, the first flight of an Irish heavier-than-air craft. ^[1] The monoplane was flown during 1910, including one flight of 2.5 miles (4 km), but was badly damaged in a heavy landing in December 1910. ^[1]

Specifications

Data from ^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 30 ft 0 in (9.14 m)
• Wingspan: 34 ft 0 in (10.36 m)
• Wing area: 192 sq ft (17.8 m²)
• Empty weight: 620 lb (281 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 760 lb (345 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × J.A.P. piston engine, 35 hp (26 kW)

References

Notes

1. Orbis 1985, p. 1777

Bibliography

• The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.