DUNNE-CAPPER monoplane glider

   As early as 1905 Dunne had made a model of a monoplane, the design of which was submitted to the War Office and rejected. A full size glider version of this was made at Farnborough in 1907 under Col. Capper's authority. It is believed to have been tested at Blair Atholl, unsuccessfully by Capper, at the end of August during the first official expedition.
   The glider was a parasol monoplane with swept wing and down turned wingtips, which was mounted on a structure of two A-frames, joined by longitudinal members, on which the pilot was supported by his arms, control being effected by weight shift.


DUNNE-CAPPER monoplane

   When designing his early monoplane, Dunne required a 10-12hp engine, but nothing of suitable weight was available, consequently work proceeded on the machine as the glider previously referred to.
   It was not until 5 January 1911 that Capper's monoplane with Green engine was reported undergoing tests on Salisbury Plain (Larkhill) handled by Lt. Cammell. In the week ending 14 January further tests were carried out, in which Col. Capper participated. The machine could not be made to lift and Capper decided that further changes were required.
   In its new form the fuselage consisted of three A-frames, at the lower ends of which, a four wheeled undercarriage and twin skids were fitted. A third skid was fitted forward of these. The pilot and engine were mounted on a floor formed on the crossbars of the A-frames, with a radiator mounted outboard on the port side. The parasol wing, which was attached at the top of the A-frames, was well braced to these, and by additional cables, to three kingposts.
   Parts from the glider, probably the complete wing, were reported to have been used in its construction, which was largely the work of C.R. Fairey and was carried out at Larkhill.