[aerohydro]

More information and images:

The following images come from the PRHA website:







The following quote is courtesy of Google Books. I have not been able to define the publication date, other than that it's from 1904. It might well be using the aforementioned Scientific American issue as its source.

SCIENCE ABSTRACTS Page 1083
by Institution of Electrical Engineers, 1904

Illustrations are given of the motor-driven aeroplane designed by RH Botts. The machine is a combination of a circular aeroplane with two sets of two propellers, the screws of each set working in opposite directions, by which neutralising properties are said to be obtained which are of importance (?).

The aeroplane itself is circular, 20ft diam., and attached to two hoops, the outer of steel tubing and the inner, 6ft diam., of wood. In the centre a bamboo framework supports the boiler, engines, and the car. One set of screws (upper 5ft 1in. and lower 6ft 2in diam.) is placed above the car, and these run on a vertical axis, the thrust upward in both, though rotating oppositely. Fore and aft of the aeroplane are the other propellers, when are of the fan-wheel type, and 6ft 2in diam., work on a horizontal axis.

There are two engines,each with a cylinder 3in. diam. x 6in. stroke. The boiler has 60sq.ft. of heating surface, but is not further described. A cloth-covered rudder is so pivoted as to be able to be set at any angle either vertical or horizontal. The airship is stated to be intended for the St. Louis competition. Total weight of engines 33 lbs.; of complete apparatus with operator (of weight not stated, 214 lbs)

Cheers,
Paul