PILCHER multi-plane

   By 1897 Pilcher was corresponding with Chanute, a protagonist of multiple wings, which may have influenced him to construct a multi-plane as his fifth machine. On 30 September 1899, at Stanford Park, in addition to the Hawk, there was an untried glider described as a 'three decked machine' at the time. There is some uncertainty whether it was in fact a triplane or perhaps an incomplete quadruplane, as one of Pilcher's surviving drawings shows such a machine. T.W.K. Clarke produced a drawing of a triplane in 1910, from the remains of the machine and the balance of evidence favors a triplane.
   Since his early experiences with the Beetle, Pilcher had contemplated the use of a power unit using steam, carbonic acid, oil or other material to extend the range of his flights. The patent No.9144 for a small pusher driven machine was based on the Hawk. A small 4hp petrol motor was designed by his partner, Walter G. Wilson in 1898-1899 and may have been of twin-cylinder horizontally opposed type. The installation of this engine in the triplane, driving a pusher propeller on a long shaft above the pilot's head, is probably the configuration of the machine that Pilcher was envisaging.
   The Pilcher Triplane, probably named Duck, would have conformed to the drawing shown, which is based on the surviving data.

   Data
   Span 20-24ft
   Area 150-170 sq. ft
   Weight 50-60 lb. as a pure glider
   Weight allup 256-266 lb as a powered machine