GROOMBRIDGE & SOUTH multiplane (C. Groombridge and W.A. South)

   This large aeroplane had two tiers of five wings fore and aft and six propellers carried three on either side of the connecting framework. A seventh screw was mounted on top of the whole structure.
   Two 20hp engines were fitted and these drove the propellers via a central main shaft. The propellers were vanes which worked in the manner of oars with a driving stroke in the vertical position and a return stroke with the blades feathered.
   The machine was fitted with four road wheels linked to the engine so that a speed of 20 mph could be attained before the propelling vanes were brought into use.
   The photograph shows a full size mockup made of wood in 1903 and was rather heavy; the final version would have been built of lighter materials. Patent Nos. 13241 1900 and 25723 of 1902 refer.

   Data
   Span 60ft
   Length 80ft