WELFORD monoplane (Robert Welford., Mansion House, North Hylton, Sunderland, County Durham)

   Welford patented improvements to flying machines under cover of patent No.8086/1909, which was finally accepted on 24 March 1910. Two main features were covered; the first being alternative means of assisting takeoff, using a spring drum on the undercarriage, or elastic cord tensioned by a winch in the machine. The second feature was the use of large shield shaped, pivoting surfaces attached at the tips of the short span wing, which itself could be adjusted for incidence. A rudder was coupled into the controls and there was a fixed tailplane.
   It is not clear whether the machine built by Welford and his two sons, George and Charles Welford, conformed precisely to the patent, but it was probably on similar lines. A contemporary report described the machine in the following manner:
   "The machine is a monoplane somewhat similar to the Antoinette and Bleriot types, but differs distinctly from both in certain respects, especially in the landing carriage, fuselage and tail. The mainplane is about 29ft by 6ft, and the elevating surface is 6ft by 3ft, whilst the weight carrying tail is also 6ft by 3ft. At each end of the mainplane there are continuations for the purpose of adding stability. The back part of the monoplane has a triangular surface, which distinctly differs from any other machine, offering greater surface to the wind and thereby assisting in the turning, and by steadying the machine, preventing it from bucking to any extent."
   The construction of the fuselage was of bamboo, the wings and other surfaces of ash and silver spruce covered with varnished calico. Two main wheels and skids and a tail wheel were fitted.
   The machine was due to be tested on Boldon Flats in the summer of 1910, but there are no further reports and no illustrations can be traced. A later patent No.29058/1911 was also taken out for an entirely different design. This was a pusher monoplane with front and rear elevators on twin booms. The special feature was the ability to draw the wing ribs and fabric inboard towards the center of the machine for storage purposes. The frames or spars on which the ribs were to slide, could also be telescoped. The idea was to prevent wind damage, particularly to a seaplane on the water. The machine does not appear to have been built.

   Power: Four-cylinder air-cooled of unknown make driving a Chauviere propeller.
   Data
   Span 29ft
   Chord 6ft
   Area tailplane 18 sq. ft
   Weight 530 lb.
   Area elevator 18 sq. ft