Pilcher Triplane Replica
2003 at Cranfield, UK
(respects the September 30, 1899, presence of Pilcher's original triplane) News article.
 in 15 photos taken by Tony Prentice   on the replica's first set of flight trials in 2003.
Click each for larger image.
Notice triangle control airframe subassembly.

Some of Tony Prentice's notes:
  • Many of you will know of Pilcher as a HG pilot pioneer but what is not so well known is how close he was to powered flight.  The above 15 photos show the first flights of a replica of his triplane.
  • Pilcher tri-plane on its first trial flights at Cranfield Unversity.
     
  • Notice the triangle airframe part in front of the pilot. See photo #7 above. Enhanced touched-up photo:
     
  • Friday, September 5, 2003:  Billy Brooks test flew the Pilcher Triplane Replica again for 1 min 25 sec until he came to the end of the runway.
     
  • The original was built in 1899; but Pilcher was killed flying his Hawk HG before he could test out his powered machine. All this was four years before the Wright Brothers.
    At least it proves the concept was sound but it is easy with hindsight to develop the design to a point where it flies properly.
     
  • "There is a documentary being made about Pilcher which should appear on TV for this centennial year of flight."
     
  • Regarding Herring: Chanute was passing information to many of the pioneers. The longest flight, I understand, was 73' into a 23mph wind. His original design was also a triplane but he opted in the end to build the biplane. As with a number of other early pioneers, short powered flights were made before the Wright brothers' sustained controlled powered flights of 1903. Herring's machine was underpowered and it was his intention to build an improved machine, but after his workshop was burnt down he did not continue.
     
  • I can recommend a book about Pilcher which covers much of this period of
    aviation. The title is:-"Another Icarus- Percy Pilcher and the Quest for Flight" by
    Philip Jarrett by Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, DC. London 1987.
    Unfortunately it is not in print at the moment but if you can get a copy from the library you will find it a mine of information.
     
  • Claims of the first to fly require some definition of flight. The Wright brothers are generally acclaimed to have achieved the the first sustained controlled powered flights in a heavier than air machine. No doubt there is a more precise definition but, for all of the pioneers, credit is due for their efforts to advance aviation.
     
  • [ ] Request is pending to Harry Frey for his note.  http://hometown.aol.com/wright1902glider/airshow3.html
     
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