Ellehammer triplane

The Ellehammer triplane was a pioneering aircraft built in Denmark in 1907. Unlike Ellehammer's semi-biplane of the previous year, this (otherwise un-named) triplane was capable of making free, untethered flights. The aircraft featured three sets of triangular wings attached to an open tubular framework. The upper set was one continuous-span, but the lower sets were split and attached either side of the frame. A horizontal stabiliser was fitted aft of the frame.

On 14 January 1908 Ellehammer achieved a flight in this machine of 175 m (574 ft) and on 13 February, one of 300 m (1,000 ft). Around this time, he also started making curved flights. In June, Ellehammer demonstrated the triplane in Kiel, where he was able to collect a M 5,000 prize from Prince Henry of Prussia for making a powered flight in Germany.

References

• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. pp. 348.