Magnificent Edwardian Flying Machines - Avro Triplane, Bristol Boxkite & Deperdussin

The Shuttleworth Collection's Avro Triplane (replica), Bristol Boxkite (replica) and Deperdussin, flying at Old Warden Aerodrome during the Shuttleworth Flying Festival of Britain Airshow 2021.

The Avro Triplane was built by the Hampshire Aeroplane Club at Eastleigh, Southampton for the 1965 film, ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines - or how I flew from London to Paris in 25 hours and 11 minutes‘.
It is powered by an upright 4 cylinder inline Cirrus Hermes engine which is of a similar configuration to the original aircraft's 35hp Green engine.

The Shuttleworth Collection was closely involved with the making of the film and as this reproduction is largely true to the original, of considerable technical interest and an impressive flyer, the Trustees decided in 1966 that it was worth acquiring.
Like other Collection aircraft of its era it's flown sedately and only in calm weather.
The Bristol Boxkite:-

Bristol’s first aeronautical venture was the Zodiac, built under licence from Societe Zodiac although it was hugely unsuccessful due to insufficient power and poor wing design.

Bristol's Chief Engineer, G.H. Challenger designed the highly successful Bristol Boxkite. The first aircraft off the line was taken to Larkhill, where it was first flown by Frenchman Maurice Edmond to around 150 feet on 29th July 1910. By then construction of the 20 aircraft was well underway with the twelfth aircraft featuring an increased span upper wing; this version being known as the ‘Military’ type.

Just 10 days after its maiden flight, two Boxkites took part in the Lanark Aviation Meeting on 8th August where they proved successful displaying their features to the assembled crowds. The aircraft were subsequently assigned to The Bristol Schools at Larkhill and at Brooklands, where they were used for both instruction and training of Army Pilots. Many of the type were sold to private owners, together with an order for 8 aircraft for the Imperial Russian Army.

Boxkites were exported to countries around the world including Australia, New Zealand and India with production reaching a rate of two per week. In the event, 78 Boxkites were built, making the type one of the most successful early British designs.

The final Boxkites were built at Brislington and it was not until the autumn of 1915 that the last Boxkite was retired from service.

This Boxkite, which is the only Boxkite still flying, is one of three replica's built by F.G. Miles for the film 'Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines...'

The Deperdussin:-

This Deperdussin, which is owned by The Shuttleworth Collection, is completely original and was built in 1910. Deperdussin monoplanes were produced in quantity and were a great improvement over the earlier Bleriot type machines. They had enough power and reliability to be able to make sustained cross-country flights, were ideal for training and equipped several flying schools and were successful as cross-country racers. One example came third in the 1911 Daily Mail Circuit of Britain contest. The Deperdussin was available throughout the course of its life with several different engines, and seating arrangements. Versions were used by the military during 1912 and up until World War One. The Shuttleworth Collections Deperdussin seen here, is believed to have been the 43rd example built and was used at Hendon as a training machine until it was damaged. It was then put up for sale and acquired by Mr. A.E. Grimmer who repaired and flew it, from the polo ground near Bedford. Richard Shuttleworth acquired the aircraft in 1935 and restored it to pristine condition at Old Warden. It flew again in 1937 and with only a period of storage during the Second World War has flown regularly since that time. The Deperdussin was also involved in the film 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines...'. As with most Edwardian aircraft the Deperdussin is very susceptible to weather conditions and so is only flown when conditions are just right. Today it is normally only hopped along the runway although it is capable of longer flights. Height: 7ft 6in Length: 24ft 10in Wingspan: 28ft 9in Engine: one 35hp Anzani 3 cylinder 'Y' type

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