UAC BIRDLING monoplane

   The Birdling monoplane first appeared at Brooklands as a competitor in the Daily Mail Circuit of Britain Race of July 1911. It raced as No.2 flown by Astley, as a substitute for the Macfie Racer, which was not ready. Astley retired at Harrogate but flew back to Brooklands. The aircraft was bought by FK. McClean soon after the race, and was No.9 in his fleet of aircraft. A second Birdling monoplane with modified chassis was referred to by Astley in October 1911. When it emerged at Brooklands it was fitted with a 40hp ABC engine. The undercarriage was a substantial twin skid type. There were no features of the first Birdling to identify it from a Bleriot.