Air Enthusiast 2003-09 / K.Ellis - Back to the biplane

Images of the Bi-Mono under test at A&AEE Boscombe Down, November 1941. Note guard rails on the tailplane. Could the small fairing behind the pilot on the rear of the cockpit fairing be a parachute for spin recovery?

Aeroplane Monthly 1990-04 / P.Jarrett - Nothing ventured... (1)

Two similar flying views of the tiny 20ft span Hillson Bi-mono, showing it with and without the disposable top wing. It is seen here with the later short-span slip-wing. The Bi-mono was powered by a 200 h.p. D. H. Gipsy Six engine which added to its “sawn-off Percival Proctor" appearance - Hillson licence-built hundreds of Proctors during the war.

Air Enthusiast 2003-09 / K.Ellis - Back to the biplane

Aeroplane Monthly 1990-04 / P.Jarrett - Nothing ventured... (1)

The Bi-mono shows its likeness to a Proctor in miniature in this side view.

Aeroplane Monthly 1990-04 / P.Jarrett - Nothing ventured... (1)

Two further views of the Bi-mono.

Aeroplane Monthly 1990-04 / P.Jarrett - Nothing ventured... (1)

The Hillson Bi-mono fitted with the original long-span slip-wing - the photograph is dated November 1941.

Air Enthusiast 2003-09 / K.Ellis - Back to the biplane

A view of the diminutive Bi-Mono, showing the inter-plane struts anchored above the main undercarriage attachment points.

Aeroplane Monthly 1990-04 / P.Jarrett - Nothing ventured... (1)

The Bi-mono with the short-span slip-wing.

Aeroplane Monthly 1990-04 / P.Jarrett - Nothing ventured... (1)

Two views of the Bi-mono fitted with the original long-span top wing. The wing struts remained attached to the upper wing upon its release in flight.

Air Enthusiast 2003-09 / K.Ellis - Back to the biplane

A view of the Bi-Mono in biplane configuration. Note the differences in the shape of the upper and the lower wing. Also, it would seem that just like the full-scale Hurricane that followed, the ailerons on the Bi-Mono needed enlarging.

Aeroplane Monthly 1990-04 / P.Jarrett - Nothing ventured... (1)

Three views of the Bi-mono in flight, with and without the short-span slip-wing.