Wright Model H

The Wright Model H and Wright Model HS were enclosed fuselage aircraft built by the Wright Company[1]

Model H
A Model H at Simms Station Dayton OH in 1914
Role Pioneering aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer The Wright Company
First flight 1914
Primary user Pancho Villa
Number built 5
Developed from Wright Model H

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.[2] Its wings were shorter than the Model H for increased speed.[3]

3/4 rear view of a Model H

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.[4]

Operational history

Howard Reinhart purchased a Wright Model HS for Pancho Villa, who hired him in support of his insurgent force.[5] It was one of three aircraft in his small air force.[6]

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.[7]

A Model H in flight at Simms Station, Dayton OH in 1914

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)
a Wright 6-60 on display at the Smithsonian

Data from Flying[2]

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
  1. "Later Wright Activities". Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  2. Flying: 2. February 1915. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. "Wright Airplane Configuration". Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  4. "Wright Aircraft". Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  5. Sterling Seagrave. Soldiers of fortune. p. 28.
  6. David A. Anderton. The history of the U.S. Air Force. p. 19.
  7. Flying: 26. December 2003. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
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