Verdon-Roe triplane replica too heavy to fly

The painstakingly created replica of Alliott Verdon-Roe's 1909 triplane has failed to make it into the air with the builders reporting the problem to be weight issues resulting from the requirement to use modern materials and add safety provisions..

A. V. Roe, founder of aircraft-builders Avro, constructed his first aircraft and made the first all-British powered flight on Walthamstow Marshes in East London 100 years ago. See our June 2009 news item: 'Roe I Triplane replica to commemorate 100th anniversary of first all British flight'.

The Manchester-based Roe Heritage Group had hoped to fly their replica for the first time at RAF Woodvale but claim Health & Safety requirements have resulted in their version being significantly heavier than the original, and that the authentic 1912 JAP engine was consequently unable to provide sufficient power for take-off despite reaching 20 m.p.h. on the ground. Two attempts at flight were made piloted by the hang glider world champion Judy Leden.

Visit the Daily Mail website for photos of the replica taken on the day of its attempted flight, plus an historic shot of the the original 1909 triplane in the air.