1871 PENAUD PLANAPHORE (Full size replica.)
Alphonse Penaud is credited as being the father of model airplane building. His work, studied by historians, aeronautical engineers and model builders, proved that for experimentation, models are as useful as full size airplanes. He was the first to publicly demonstrate twisted rubber band powered models; Helicopters, Ornithopters, and Planaphores (model airplanes). During the 1870s Penaud tested a variety of powered model airplanes. His Planophores were powered by twisted rubber bands. Not only were they the first rubber-powered flying models, they were the first man-made, powered, heavier-than-air objects to fly, proving that powered flight was achievable. The 1871 planaphore flew 200 feet in eleven seconds. Modern versions have flown for as long as fifty-eight seconds. Penaud was among the first to believe that rising air currents were important to gliding. In 1876 he predicted that in the near future, engines suitable for powering aircraft would be available.
Specifications: span 18 in.; length 20 in.; weight 2/3 ounce; power one loop of 1/8 in.- wide flat rubber.
Accession no. 1997G51.
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