The Wright Model H and Wright Model HS were enclosed fuselage aircraft built by the Wright Company
Design and development
A direct development of the Model F, the Model H introduced side by side seating for the two pilots, with long-span wings similar to the Model F. A short-span version was also produced as the Model HS, marketed as a "Military Flyer" with the improvement of an enclosed fuselage and dual controls. Its wings were shorter than the Model H for increased speed.
The Model H was a two place, side-by-side configuration seating, open cockpit, biplane with twin rudders, powered with a single engine, propelled by two chain driven pusher propellers. The engine was fully enclosed in the nose of the aircraft with a driveshaft running rearward to the propeller drive chains.
Operational history
Howard Reinhart purchased a Wright Model HS for Pancho Villa, who hired him in support of his insurgent force. It was one of three aircraft in his small air force.
In 2003, a Wright propeller matching the Model HS specifications was auctioned for over US$25,000. The construction of the propeller was hand carved wood with a linen covering, metal tips and a custom finish.
Variants
- Model H
- (1914) 32 ft (9.8 m) span 3-bay wings similar to the Model F, also introduced side-by-side seating.
- Model HS
- (1915) Short span 26 ft 6 in (8.08 m) 2-bay wings
Specifications (Wright Model HS)
Data from Flying
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 26 ft 6 in (8.08 m)
- Wingspan: 32 ft (9.8 m)
- Height: 9 ft (2.7 m)
- Wing area: 350 sq ft (33 m2)
- Powerplant: 1 × Wright 6-60 6-cylinder water cooled inline piston, 60 hp (45 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed pusher propellers aft of the wings, 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) diameter
Performance
- Maximum speed: 70 mph (110 km/h, 61 kn)
- Stall speed: 30 mph (48 km/h, 26 kn)
- Rate of climb: 400 ft/min (2.0 m/s)
References
External links
- Air Force photos of the Wright Model HS
- Image at Library of Congress
