Mignet Pou-de-Ciel / HM-14

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Mignet - HM-4 / HM-8 - 1922 - Франция Mignet - HM-18 / HM-19 / HM-210 / HM-360 / HM-380 - 1936 - Франция

Страна Country: ФранцияFrance

Год Year: 1932

Mignet Pou-de-Ciel

Ультралегкий самолет Pou-du-Ciel француза Анри Минье, название которого буквально означало "небесная вошь", но чаще переводится как "небесная блоха", стал одной из первых машин, чертежи которой легко могли достать конструкторы-любители. Анри Минье и сам был таким любителем-энтузиастом, не имел опыта постройки самолетов и, в общем-то, игнорировал накопленный опыт в аэродинамике и конструкции при создании своего проекта. Его целью и мечтой было разработать простой в постройке и пилотировании самолет, который бы позволил тысячам любителей-энтузиастов подняться в небо при минимальных затратах. Прежде всего, он постарался увеличить устойчивость, используя фюзеляж с низким расположением центра тяжести, затем установил два крыла, переднее и заднее, отказавшись от горизонтального оперения. Угол атаки переднего крыла мог меняться для управления по тангажу. Анри Минье полагал, что большое поперечное V крыльев обеспечит достаточную устойчивость, и установил большой руль направления. Пилот имел единственную ручку, передвижение которой в продольном направлении управляло самолетом по тангажу, а в поперечном - по курсу. Затем Минье выпустил руководство с чертежами и инструкцией по постройке самолета. Вскоре множество энтузиастов по всей Европе, особенно во Франции, Германии, СССР, Италии, Скандинавии и Британии были заняты изготовлением собственных машин. Ряд катастроф привел к запрету полетов на этом самолете во Франции. Изучив проблему, специалисты выдали ряд рекомендаций, но разразившаяся Вторая мировая война поставила крест на любительской постройке аэропланов.
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Flight, September 1934

SIMPLIFIED FLYING
A French Experimenter, M. Henri Mignet, has produced an Aeroplane, the "Pou-du-Ciel" which neither stalls nor spins

   BEING the fourteenth which he has designed and constructed since the war, the latest product of the very active brain and hands of the French experimenter, Monsieur Henri Mignet, is not to be treated lightly, as the impractical endeavour of an aviation enthusiast to produce “something different." M. Mignet has persevered, and, after innumerable disappointments, he does appear to have produced a machine which, if not, perhaps, the last word, is, at any rate, a practical flying machine on which the designer has, up to the present, made nights totalling more than forty hours' flying and over eighty take-offs. Nonstalling and non-spinning qualities, coupled with simplicity of control, have been the ideals at which M. Mignet aimed. In his earlier models he did not quite achieve his object, but in his latest type, the Sky Louse, it would appear that he has evolved a practical solution.

Preventing the Spin

   Spinning always seemed to M. Mignet to be connected with ailerons and aileron control, and when he came to design the Pou-du-Ciel he decided from the start that he would have no ailerons. If he had none, he argued, they could not very well get him into trouble. The decision was a drastic one, it will be admitted. Since the Wright Brothers first evolved wing-warping, and coupled it to the rudder control, aeroplanes have had lateral control, in most cases capable of being worked independently of the other controls. M. Mignet found, when looking around at other aircraft, that such things as kites, parachutes, and airships had no lateral controls. Why, then, he asked himself, should an aeroplane be compelled to use a form of control which was getting pilots into trouble? The ability of the other air-borne contraptions to do without ailerons was due solely to the fact that they had pendulum stability. The centre of gravity was below the centre of support. Very well, then, he would make his aeroplane so that its c.g. was below the centre of lift. A low position of the c.g. and a high position of the wing should do the trick. If his vertical surfaces, such as fuselage sides and rudder areas, were properly disposed in relation to centre of lift, dihedral angle, etc., that should suffice. After experimenting for some months, M. Mignet did get his fin areas so disposed that it was impossible to get his machine to do an incorrectly banked turn. He proved it by fitting a transverse bubble level. Any turn that could be made at any speed of which the machine was capable failed to budge the bubble more than about 2 mm.
   And now what about the non-stalling qualities? M. Mignet argued that it was really rather absurd to fit an elevator which, if powerful enough to give him the control he wanted, would be capable of getting his wing into a stall. Well, let us do away with the elevator, he said. But we must have fore-and-aft control of some sort. What alternative is there? In the end, a wing arrangement was chosen which is somewhere between the heavily staggered biplane and the tandem monoplane. Actually, neither the one nor the other. The front wing is carried en parasol, the rear wing, which is also the tailplane and of smaller span than the front wing, lies on top of the fuselage. The trailing edge of the front wing is above the leading edge of the rear wing, and separated from it by a gap which is small if the arrangement is regarded as a biplane, but large if one looks upon the opening between the wings as a variable slot. M. Mignet states quite definitely that he does get a slot effect of sorts from the arrangement. The front wing is hinged to its supporting trestle, and fore-and-aft control is by altering the angle of incidence of this wing.
   Simplicity of piloting is achieved by doing away with any foot control. The "joy-stick" is universally mounted as in the orthodox aeroplane. Fore-and-aft movement alters the incidence of the front wing, and thus performs the function of an elevator. The directional control, a large balanced rudder at the stern of the fuselage, is connected up to the joy-stick by cables in such a way that when the stick is pressed to the left, the machine turns to the left, with the appropriate bank for the turn, owing to the relative position of e.g., centre of lift and centre of side area. When the stick is moved to the right, the machine turns to the right in the same way. The throttle is the only other control.

Leading Particulars

   A side elevation of the Pou-du-Ciel, reproduced by courtesy of our excellent French contemporary Las Ailes, shows the relative position of the wings. It does not show the unequal spans. From a photograph published in our contemporary, it appears that both wings have a straight centre-section of considerable span, and that the dihedral angle, is obtained by slightly up-tilting the outer wing portions. The span of the front wing is 6 metres (about 20 ft.). That of the lower wing would appear to be about 12 ft. The overall length of the machine is 3.5 m. (11 ft. 6 in.), and the tare weight 100 kg. (220 lb.).
   The engine fitted is an Aubier-Dunne two-stroke inverted two-cylinder air-cooled of 500 c.c. capacity. At 4,000 r.p.m. it develops 20 h.p., and continues to develop it. The airscrew is geared down, so that its maximum speed is 1,600 r.p.m. For prolonged climbing M. Mignet throttles down to an airscrew speed of 1,500 r.p.m., and when cruising at an airscrew speed of 1,350 r.p.m. with the throttle one-third open, the machine is, M. Mignet estimates, taking but 12 b.h.p. from the engine. He has had it up to 1,800 m. (5,900 ft.) in three-quarters of an hour, and his consumption (oil is mixed with the petrol) is 9 litres (2 gallons) per 100 km. (62 miles). A height of 12 metres (13 yards) is reached 250 metres (273 yards) from the starting point with no wind and from standing start. The machine cruises at about 100 km./h. (62 m.p.h.), and lands at 30 km./h. (say 20 m.p.h.). Materials for its construction cost M. Mignet 1,200 francs (not, of course, including the engine), and took him twenty-seven working days of ten hours each. This included the propeller, which is of beech wood and carved out of the solid chunk.
   A very simple undercarriage appears to be used. The wheels are carried on short, straight axles hinged inside the fuselage, and under the tail there is a pair of small wheels, side by side, connected to the "bloaters" of the rudder. Steering on the ground is therefore easy.

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Flight, April 1935

PAVING the WAY for the "POU"
"The Pou Club" and British Constructors: An Engine Difficulty: Wheels Too Expensive: The Supply of Materials

   THINGS are beginning to move in the Pou World. Some time ago we announced, following a suggestion made by a Flight reader, the formation of "The Pou Club" within the Air League of the British Empire, Air Comdre. J. A. Chamier, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., O.B.E., Secretary-General of the Air League, appointing himself as first president and committee.
   Negotiations with M. Henri Mignet, the designer of the "Pou-du-Ciel," and author of the book “Le Sport de l’Air: pourquoi et comment j'ai construit le Pou-du-Ciel,” have been begun, and will, it is hoped, lead to better information and greater facilities becoming available to potential British builders of the Pou. In the first place, the Pou Club, which is to say Air Comdre. Chamier, has approached a publishing firm with the object of bringing out an English translation of the constructional chapters of M. Mignet's book. In the second place, the Club has obtained quotations from a number of British firms for the different materials required for the construction of the machine. In the third place, the Club has got in touch with a British firm concerning the marketing of a suitable engine at what is regarded as a reasonable price. Here it might be pointed out that engines are already in existence which would probably suit the Pou, such as the A.B.C. "Scorpion" of 34 h.p., and the Douglas motor cycle engine fitted in the B.A.C. "Drone," which is of some 17 b.h.p. The former is rather more powerful than necessary, but would probably give the machine a very good take-off, while the latter is a little under the power used by M. Mignet, a more serious objection to its use being, perhaps, that it is direct-drive, and cannot, therefore, be expected to give quite as good a take-off as M. Mignet's geared Aubier-Dunne two-stroke.
   To make an English text of M. Mignet's constructional chapters available quickly, it has been decided, pending the publication of the English book, to translate the essential chapters into English. This work will be done by the Pou Club for the benefit of its members, who are advised to obtain the original French book for the sake of the drawings and sketches. This will enable them to get on with the work, even if they do not read French. A charge of 7s. 6d. is made for the translation. This amount will go towards the price of the English book when it is published. Should negotiations with the publishers fall through, the amount will be retained by the Pou Club as the translation fee. And, finally, should M. Mignet object to English translations of some of his chapters, the money will be returned, and the expense incurred will be "written off" as part of the Air League's service to the Pou Club. All of which sounds complicated and rather as if the Pou Club had failed to make proper arrangements with M. Mignet.
   A list of prices of materials for the Pou, obtained by the club from manufacturers, indicates that it should be possible to buy all wood, tubing, sheet, bolts, fabric, etc., for approximately ?25. The two largest items, as might have been expected, have proved to be the engine and the wheels. It is expected that a suitable engine may be available for a price of approximately ?60. A well-known firm has quoted ?4 13s. 6d. per wheel and tyre, which seems rather expensive in view of the fact that serviceable wheels can be bought in France for about 25s. each.

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Flight, August 1935

L'AUTRE AVIATION
Henri Mignet Flies in England: Air Ministry Test Suggested
By C. N. COLSON

   LAST Saturday M. Henri Mignet, ably assisted by Madame Mignet, flew his "Pou" at Shoreham Airport. This was the first of a series of demonstrations taking place in England during the next three weeks.
   Flight has kept its readers fully abreast of "Pou" developments since M. Mignet first announced, to a somewhat sceptical French flying public, that he was going to fly without ailerons or rudder-bar, and that he was going to do it with greater safety than is provided in normal aeroplanes. It was, therefore, with the greatest interest that I went to Shoreham last week-end to see this interesting pioneer himself.
   He is not at all the dogmatic type of inventor usually associated with radical developments. He is just a vivacious Frenchman of small build, with a petite and equally vivacious wife. Together they have undoubtedly produced a machine worthy of the closest investigation. Opinions differ as to whether safety in the air is to be obtained by the elimination of the ailerons or the rudder. There are both schools of thought among aircraft designers, but so far there has been more experiment with machines lacking a tail rudder than with those lacking ailerons, as, for example, the "Pterodactyl" in England and the Waterman "Arrowplane" in the U.S.A.
   After seeing the "Pou" and its flying capabilities I feel that any money involved would be well spent if the Air Ministry were to acquire a "Pou" and test it thoroughly with a view to giving all manufacturers the benefit of the result of the tests. It is too early to say whether "there is anything in it," but it certainly seems a promising path down which Martlesham Heath or Farnborough might well send some of their experts at Government expense.
   On Saturday M. Mignet was flying a new machine built for him by Felix Louis, a French aircraft constructor, at Pantin, with the Aubier et Dunne two-cylinder inverted two-stroke engine (Flight, April 11, 1935). The machine was well made for its type, although certain details are a little crude in comparison with English aeronautical practice. Apparently M. Mignet is so busy with demonstrations that he now has little time for building his own machines, and, with the exception of a two-seater, in which he is going to teach Madame. Mignet to fly, he has no construction on hand at the moment. I learnt that he has now flown some 145 hours in "Pous" and that, contrary to general belief, he has tried piloting conventional aircraft, but I gather that the results did not encourage him to continue; in fact, they made him more than ever convinced that his "Pou" was a better method of flying.
   Before making his demonstration he broadcast a talk about flying and the "Pou," describing the latter amusingly as "a small insect which has made people in France scratch their heads."
   Starting up seemed to call for a considerable amount of energy. The airscrew had to be twirled round many times before the entitle was deemed ready, and then the actual start appeared to be dependent upon swinging the airscrew so hard that it turned over several compressions. The cockpit contained quite an array of instruments. Across the ample-sized dashboard, from left to right, I saw an A.S.I., a variometer, a revolution counter, an altimeter, and a home-made variometer. Beneath them were: dock, compass, and air thermometer.
   There has, according to reports, been a large number of crashes in France among the fifty "Pous" which are already flying out of the 500 being built, and most of these crashes are said to have occurred during the take-off. I therefore watched this initial stage of the flight very closely. I asked M. Mignet if there was any special difficulty to be anticipated during the stage when the machine was gathering speed over the ground, but he did not seem to think that the controls need be touched very much. Certainly his own take-offs showed no signs of any necessity for coarse use of the rudder.
   The "Pou" seemed extremely easy to manage on the ground, and the steerable tail wheel turned it in its own length without difficulty. In flight there was evidence of adequate control even when doing steep turns close to the ground and the spectators, but somehow the general feeling could not have been better summed up than by the remarks of a small girl, aged about four years, to her equally small brother when her piping, pedantically correct wording announced: "It doesn't appear to be very safe, Harold; it looks as if it might slide to one side at any moment!" It somehow didn't look as if the pilot was always certain of what it was going to do. This was probably because lateral stability is dependent upon the large dihedral angle and use of the rudder; the result is a sort of swaying recovery when a wing drops.
   The take-off was only a very few yards long, and the landing equally short; even a landing from altitude without the engine running was carried out without apparent difficulty as the glide was very steep.

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Flight, April 1936

MODERN LIGHT AIRCRAFT REVIEW

POU-DU-CIEL

   EVOLVED by a Frenchman, M. Henri Mignet, the Pou-du-Ciel differs from other aircraft in that it has no ailerons for lateral control. The large dihedral of the wings gives the machine a pendulum action so that when the rudder is moved the machine automatically banks to the degree appropriate to the turn. The rudder is operated by moving the control stick from side to side, and the front wing is pivoted so as to have a variable angle of incidence; this takes the place of the elevator of the orthodox aircraft and is operated by moving the control stick forwards and backwards. The feet are not used at all in controlling the Pou.
   Although the Pou-du-Ciel was originally designed for amateur construction, and large numbers have been so built, several firms supply the machine complete, ready to fly. It is also available with different power plants, such as the water-cooled Carden, the Aero Douglas fiat twin, the British Anzani inverted vee twin, the Scott "Flying Squirrel" two-cylinder two-stroke, and, just lately, the Austin Seven engine adapted to Pou work.
   One firm which makes the complete Pou is the Putnam Aircraft Co., of 407, Hornsey Road, Holloway, London, N. Their machine is fitted with the Carden four-cylinder water-cooled engine and sells at L175. It differs somewhat from the original machine. For instance, the front wing has its leading edge covered with plywood up to the spa. The incidence control is of the rigid type, and the rudder controls are taken direct to kingposts on the rudder. In addition to the standard instruments, an oil pressure gauge and a radiator thermometer are fitted.
   Aircraft Constructions, Ltd., of Sidcup, Kent, supply all parts and also the complete machine. When fitted with the British Anzani engine the price of their complete machine is L157 10s.
   Abbott-Baynes Aircraft (a branch of E. D. Abbott, Ltd.), Farnham, Surrey, have an improved type coming through, but, unfortunately, are not quite ready to disclose details.
   Anything from a nut to the complete machine is also supplied by Purkess Light Aircraft, Ltd., of 204, Ballards Lane, Finchley, London, N.3, and complete parts can be obtained from Snellings Light Aircraft Service, 404, Blackburn Road, Darwen, Lanes, who are also distributors of the Anzani engine.

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Flight, May 1936

A CANTILEVER "POU"
Performance and Appearance Improved: Greater Strength for Less Weight

   ONE of the disadvantages of the "100 per cent. Mignet" Pou-du-Ciel is that, with the cable controls below the wing, there is nothing but a slender telescopic strut to hold up the trailing edge when taxying, and the wing flaps rather alarmingly at times. Also, should the pivot be a little too far back, the centre of pressure can move ahead of the pivot and bring the trailing edge down, thereby causing the wing to stall. A dive may follow, and accidents which have occurred are thought to have been due to this. Introducing a rigid type of control, in the form of tubular struts from the operating cranks to the wing, gives the pilot the means of holding the trailing edge up, but then another possible trouble may arise. Should the wing be subjected to a down-lead in flight, it has little strength and may collapse. Top bracing would probably cure this, but would add still more drag to a wing which is already plentifully supplied with that commodity.
   Mr. L. E. Baynes has designed, and Abbott-Baynes, of Farnham, have built, an improved Pou in which all these problems were taken into consideration. Mr. Baynes decided to make the wing of cantilever form, and in this way it is as strong under down-loads as under normal up-loads. He has retained the single spar (of box section, however), but uses a different wing section (do not tell M. Mignet, but it has a rounded leading edge!), and carries the wing on two tripods, very much in the manner made familiar by the upper wings of the Fokker biplanes.
   On the two points of, these tripods the front wing is carried in trunnions, and may be detached by withdrawing two pins. When the control struts have been disconnected, the wing can be lifted off the fuselage. The rear wing is, of course, carried directly on the top of the fuselage. Dismantling or erecting the wings occupies but three or four minutes.
   To avoid any possibility of wing flutter, Mr. Baynes has incorporated a mass balance system. Apparently it has not occurred to anyone before that a wing pivoted as is the front wing of the Pou might need a mass balance; yet it is fairly obvious that such may well be the case. A mass balance on the wing itself would have been very heavy, and Mr. Baynes hit upon the idea of mounting the weights on arms projecting forward from the incidence control tube. Owing to the gearing between crank and wing, much smaller weights suffice to mass balance the wing.
   Of improved aerodynamic form, the fuselage has been considerably strengthened in the region of the cockpit. Otherwise it is generally similar to the previous Abbott-Baynes Pou.
   According to Mr. Appleby, the new machine is more stable, has a less severe stall, and is nicer to handle in every sense. This can well be believed after seeing his demonstration at Heston last week. Full control is available at 40 m.p.h.

CANTILEVER POU
Garden Engine: 30 h.p.

   Span 22 ft,
   Length 12 ft.
   Weight, empty 327 lb.
   Weight, loaded 550 lb.
   Top speed 80 m.p.h.
   Cruising speed 70 m.p.h.
   Take-off run 100 yd.
   Initial climb 400ft,/min
   Price complete ?108
   Makers: Abbott-Baynes Aircraft, Ltd., Farnham, Surrey.

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Описание:Description:

Mignet Pou-de-Ciel
Flight, September 1934
SIMPLIFIED FLYING
Flight, April 1935
PAVING the WAY for the "POU"
Flight, August 1935
L'AUTRE AVIATION
Flight, April 1936
MODERN LIGHT AIRCRAFT REVIEW
Flight, May 1936
A CANTILEVER "POU"

Мировая Авиация 190
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEBB [3]
Многочисленные "Блохи", подобные этой, летали в Великобритании, пока по соображениям безопасности не был наложен запрет на их эксплуатацию.

Aeroplane Monthly 1993-08 / M.Oakey - Grapevine
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADVU
Mignet Flying Flea “G-ADVU” / BAPC-211, newly completed by Ken Fern at Stoke-on-Trent, has been on static display at the Congleton garage of project sponsor Ian Burns, whose father built and flew one (unregistered) in the Thirties.
Aeroplane Monthly 1996-08 / 1996 UK Aircraft Collections and Museums Guide (2)
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADRX
Beautifully restored Pou-du-Ciel “G-ADRX" at the RAF Millom Museum.
My photos 2010-03 / Switzerland - Luzern - Verkehrshaus der Schweiz

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Fieseler Fi.156 Storch - ГерманияGermany - 1936 Piper Super Cub PA-18 / L-8 / L-21 - СШАUSA - 1949
Aeroplane Monthly 1997-06 / G.Jones - The Flea fights back

Could be the mid-1930s rather than 1992 at Luskintyre, New South Wales, Australia. Bob Cornwell’s completed Flea stands next to period pumps.
Aeroplane Monthly 1998-12 / M.Oakey, T.Harmsworth - News

The Museum Orleans showed its Mignet H.M.14 Pou-du-Ciel, rebuilt in 1994.
Aeroplane Monthly 1997-06 / G.Jones - The Flea fights back

Jacques Laurent’s Rennes based Rotax 447-powered H.M.14 hops into the air at Marennes in August 1993.

Flight 1935-08 / Flight

M. Mignet "trundling" his "Pou" on Lympne aerodrome. The engine is an Aubier et Dunne two-stroke.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-11 / H.Shore - Flea fever (1)

The master himself; Henri Mignet about to fly an H.M.14 Pou-du-Ciel at Orly in October 1935. This “Flea” was fitted with a three-cylinder Aubier et Dunne engine, developing 28 h.p. at 3,400 r.p.m.
Aeroplane Monthly 1995-12 / I.Harwood - Fleas over Popham

Henri Mignet’s H.M.14 Pou du Ciel during his 1935 Daily Express-sponsored tour of Britain. He arrived on the evening of August 13, having flown from St Inglevert to Lympne in 52min.
Flight 1935-08 / Flight

PORTRAIT OF A PIONEER : A remarkable photograph of M. Henri Mignet flying his "Pou-du-Ciel."
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-02 / A.Ord-Hume - Isn't it time we stopped poo-poohing the pour Pou? (2)

Mignet flying his HM14 at Orly in October 1935.
Flight 1935-10 / Flight
Aeroplane Monthly 1995-12 / I.Harwood - Fleas over Popham

Henri Mignet flying his H.M.14 during his Daily Express-sponsored tour of Britain. The H.M.14 was powered by a 17 h.p. Aubier et Dunne engine.
Flight 1935-08 / Flight

1909-1935! As then so now, a French pioneer crosses the Channel in a machine of his own creation. At. Henri Mignet in his "Pou-du-Ciel" approaching Folkestone on August 13th.
Flight 1935-03 / Flight

The Mignet Pou-du-Ciel in flight
Aeroplane Monthly 1995-12 / I.Harwood - Fleas over Popham

Henri Mignet in his H.M.14 during his 1935 British tour. Born in 1893, Mignet died of cancer on August 31, 1965.
Flight 1935-08 / Flight

A Pioneer's "Pou." M. Henri Mignet, designer, or, one might say, inventor, of the "Pou-du-Ciel" with his personal machine. The engine is an Aubier et Dunne.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-01 / A.Ord-Hume - Isn't it time we stopped poo-poohing the pour Pou? (1)

Bereted Henri Mignet sitting behind a whining Aubier et Dunne, whilst the French crowd stand transfixed with amazement.
Flight 1935-10 / Flight

M. Mignet's installation of the new three-cylinder Aubier-Dunne engine. Note the three carburetters, and the air scoop for cylinder cooling.
The French 22 h.p. Aubier et Dunne was fitted to Mignet’s cross-Channel Flea.
Flight 1935-11 / Flight

The Pou, says our contributor, "is rather ugly and so full of wires you cannot get in" Here is the machine and its originator, M. Henri Mignet
Flight 1936-04 / Flight

The Scott Flying Squirrel is particularly suitable for Pou-du-Ciel. At 2,800 r.p.m. (normal) it gives 16 h.p., but at 5,200 r.p.m. the power is 34 h.p.
The 25 h.p. Scott Flying Squirrel engine, a version of the motor cycle engine, was designed expressly for the Flea.
Flight 1935-10 / Flight

Raymond Pic's Pou equipped with a flat-twin Clerget engine of 16 h.p. has a neatly faired-in nose. He retains the rubber tensioners attached to the leading edge.
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-03 / P.Underhill - Birth of a Bebe

Edouard Joly's Pou has a 35 h.p. flat-twin Poinsard engine
Edouard Joly's Mignet Pou-du-Ciel about to be started at the Orly Flea meeting in October 1935. The engine was a 25 h.p. flat-twin Poinsard.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings

A signed photograph presented by Mignet to the author and inscribed, “To my old friend S. V. Appleby, who has just finished an HM8 ‘D’ and which flies perfectly. Souvenir of the Pou du Ciel”
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings

Appleby seated in a four-metre span Pou at Maux, France. Along the wing leading edge is written: “Le plus petit avion du monde” - the smallest aeroplane in the world.
Flight 1935-07 / Flight

A BRITISH "POU" FLIES. The Flight photographs above show Mr. Appleby with his Pou-du-Ciel (special 10 h.p. Ford engine) and (in circle) during one of his initial "hops" at Heston a few days agp. On the right is the "Pou" built by Mr. Philip Priest of Huddersfield, with the help of his cousins, Allen, Kenneth, and Geoffrey; its behaviour during experimental taxying has been promising. At present it is fitted with a Douglas motor cycle engine, but awaits a special Scott unit, as does the Pou built by Messrs. C. Brooke, A. Morton and F. Lawton, also in Huddersfield. Mr. Priest says that he and Mr. Brooke have each spent about ?30 on their "Pous," so, unless the matter of a C. of A. proves troublesome, the total cost, with engine, should be about ?75 in each case.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Appleby in his Flea G-ADMH at Heston in August 1935. Note the uncowled Carden Ford engine.
Aeroplane Monthly 1981-11 / Skywriters
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Stephen Appleby sitting in his yet unregistered Flea G-ADMH at Heston in June 1935. Sir John Carden is seen at left.
Flight 1936-10 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Evolution: The photograph shows the first British Pou built by Mr. S. V. Appleby. Note the exposed engine and the radiator in front of the pilot's face. After a crash the machine was rebuilt with the engine lowered and partly enclosed, and the radiator in the nose of the fuselage.
Мировая Авиация 190
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Этот самолет G-ADMH был построен и облетан Стивеном Эпплби. Он был известен в Британии как "Appleby Flea" (Блоха Эпплби).
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
G-ADMH at Heston in 1935.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Mr. S. V. Appleby took off from Heston aerodrome in his Carden-engined "Pou" -
The author's Flea G-ADMH in original form with uncowled Carden Ford engine.
Aeroplane Monthly 1984-07 / J.Viner - The great Flea race
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
A small boy watches as Stephen Appleby demonstrates his Flea G-ADMH, the first British-built Pou du Ciel to be completed. The registration of the Flea was cancelled in 1938. Stephen Appleby is still with us; we wonder what happened to the little boy!
Flight 1935-08 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
- and landed in an allotment just outside. The plough furrows proved his undoing. On grass he would probably have landed safely. Even as it was, surprisingly little damage was done.
Aeroplane Monthly 1981-11 / Skywriters
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
The same Flea after overturning in a ploughed field near Heston on July 29, 1935. Had the Flea landed on grass it would probably not have turned over.
Flight 1935-12 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
A side view - note how the sides of the cockpit, previously open, have been filled in.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Flight 1935-10 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
The placing of the radiator in the fuselage nose gives a much neater appearance.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Sir John Carden stands with the author and G-ADMH at Heston in 1935.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Bereted Stephen Appleby at Lympne on December 5, 1935 just prior to his Channel flight.
Flight 1935-10 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
This Pou is now a steady flier, even in gusty weather.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-01 / A.Ord-Hume - Isn't it time we stopped poo-poohing the pour Pou? (1)
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Evolution: After a crash the machine was rebuilt with the engine lowered and partly enclosed, and the radiator in the nose of the fuselage.
Stephen Appleby obviously delighted with the performance of his re-built Flea, modified by L. E. Baynes and powered by a repositioned 30 h.p. at Carden-Ford engine, Heston in August 1935.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
After modification by L. E. Baynes. Note lengthened wings and enclosed engine and radiator.
Flight 1936-03 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
THIS ONE FLIES! Remembering the general tendency to be humorous at the expense of the Pou, here is photographic evidence of the fact that the Carden-engined model flies - and flies well. Mr. S. V. Appleby, of course, is the pilot. A reasonable supply of power with careful construction and rigging help to explain its successful performance; one of the rigid incidence control rods can be clearly seen.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Stephen Appleby crossing the English Channel in his Flea, G-ADMH, on December 5, 1935.
To say that Mr. S. V. Appleby had an escort on his Channel flight would do an injustice to his 70 m.p.h. Pou.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / S.Appleby - On home-made wings
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
The author crosses the coast of France on his way to St Inglevert, where he landed 35min after leaving Lympne, Kent.
Air Enthusiast 1997-03 / B.Marshall - The 'Flea' and Me
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Photographs of ‘Fleas’ in the air are quite rare. An enchanting shot of a Carden Ford-powered example amid a British pastoral scene. This is possibly Stephen Appleby flying G-ADMH after it was modified by L E ‘Baron’ Baynes.
Aeroplane Monthly 1991-10 / Personal album. Civil
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADPV
Mignet H.M.14 Pou-du-Ciel (we called them Flying Fleas) G-ADPV was built by E. G. Perman Ltd at their Mews premises in Gray's Inn Road in London. Built for E. W. Cavendish, 'PV was fitted with a 25 h.p. Scott Squirrel and is almost certainly seen here at its Heston base. Perman built 11 Fleas at the time; powerplants included the Anzani and the firm’s own Perman-Ford as well as the Squirrel.
Air International 1983-11
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADPW
The photograph of the Pou du Ciel G-ADPW supplied by Mr Herman.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-02 / A.Ord-Hume - Isn't it time we stopped poo-poohing the pour Pou? (2)
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADPX [3]
Mr. Appleby flying over the newsreel cameras.
The Perman-Ford powered Perman Pou, G-ADPX, seen performing for the "movie" cameras at a meeting near Southend in April 1936.
Air Enthusiast 1997-03 / B.Marshall - The 'Flea' and Me
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADVM
The Planes Ltd HM.14 ‘Flea’ G-ADVM, presumably at Ingatestone. A young Bert Marshall is at the controls, the man with his hands on the propeller is thought to be Harold Bowen.
Aeroplane Monthly 1995-08 / D.Menzies - Highland Flea
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADWX [4]
Mr Lamb’s Mignet H.M.14 is hitched on to a car to be towed to a suitable field for flight tests. The designation F.B.1 on the rudder signifies Fraser Brothers No 1, referring to the Dingwall coachbuilders responsible for construction of the fuselage and wings of G-ADWX. The type numbers appear to have ended at that point.
Aeroplane Monthly 1995-08 / D.Menzies - Highland Flea
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADWX [4]
G-ADWX ready for towing, with its wings supported above the fuselage in a fore-and-aft position to keep the width to a minimum.
Aeroplane Monthly 1995-08 / D.Menzies - Highland Flea
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADWX [4]
Mr Lamb’s completed Flea, minus propeller. It was powered by a 25 h.p. Scott Squirrel engine.
Aeroplane Monthly 1995-08 / D.Menzies - Highland Flea
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADWX [4]
The long exhaust extending beneath the cockpit on the starboard side is evident here. Following the Flea’s crash, the registration was cancelled as “lapsed" in 1945.
Air Pictorial 1961-10
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADXS [2]
Built by C. L. Storey late in 1935, Pou du Ciel G-ADXS is now on display in Storey's Garage, Alexandria Street, Southend-on-Sea.
Aeroplane Monthly 1986-01 / 1986 UK Aircraft Collections and Museums Guide
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADXS [2]
Mignet H.M. 14 Pou-du-Ciel G-ADXS.
Aeroplane Monthly 1984-07 / J.Viner - The great Flea race

Mr. S. V. Appleby, flying the Putnam Flea, indulges in a little formation work with an Aeronca;
Aeronca C-3 G-ADYR dices with a Flea while an elderly gentleman tries out the Flea Taxying Machine's cockpit for size. This device had insufficient power to fly but gave those in search of adventure a quick thrill, though one very small boy managed to get the contraption airborne at an earlier meeting.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Aeronca C - СШАUSA - 1929
Jane's All the World Aircraft 1980 / Encyclopedia of Aviation - Aircraft A-Z - v4
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEBB [3]
Mignet Pou du Ciel.
Air Pictorial 1968-11
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEBB [3]
Pou du Ciel G-AEBB at the Shuttleworth Air Pageant, Old Warden 8/9/68
Flight 1936-04 / Flight Advertisements
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEEC
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-02 / A.Ord-Hume - Isn't it time we stopped poo-poohing the pour Pou? (2)
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEEH
Squirrel-powered Pou G-AEEH built at Bath in 1936.
Flight 1936-08 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEFV
A Pou on test in the large wind tunnel at Farnborough.
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-03 / J.Battison - Flea circus
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEFW [3]
A later picture of the Aero-Eight Club's Flea, showing it marked correctly as G-AEFW.
Flight 1936-05 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEGD [3]
In aerodynamic design the new machine is a big step forward in Pou development. The 30 h.p. Carden engine is neatly installed.
Flight 1936-10 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEGD [3]
The Abbott-Baynes Cantilever Pou with 30 h.p. Carden engine.
Aeroplane Monthly 1980-07
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEGD [3]
Mr. Stephen Appleby, in the new cantilever Pou, passes the time of day with Flight's photographer at Heston.
Flight shot of Stephen Appleby flying the Abbott-Baynes cantilever-winged Pou du Ciel (Flying Flea), was taken at Heston on May 4, 1936
Aeroplane Monthly 1974-11 / J.Wood - Seventy hours of Dronish delight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEGV
The Flea that the author first soloed in. It is shown as it is today, with wrong engine. The original Douglas Sprite was used by the Drone syndicate as a spare. The Flea is today owned by the Midland Aircraft Preservation Society.
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-01 / Mignet H.M.14 Pou du Ciel G-AEHM /Preservation Profile/
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEHM [5]
Early photograph of Harry Dolman’s Flea, G-AEHM. The engine is a 35 h.p. ABC Scorpion.
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-01 / Mignet H.M.14 Pou du Ciel G-AEHM /Preservation Profile/
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEHM [5]
'HM pictured at Wroughton on June 27, 1986.
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-01 / Mignet H.M.14 Pou du Ciel G-AEHM /Preservation Profile/
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEHM [5]
ADRIAN BALCH'S plate was also taken at Wroughton, current home of the Flea.
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-01 / Mignet H.M.14 Pou du Ciel G-AEHM /Preservation Profile/
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEHM [5]
G-AEHM on exhibition at the Daily Express “50 Years of Flying” event, held at Hendon Aerodrome on July 21, 1951.
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-01 / Mignet H.M.14 Pou du Ciel G-AEHM /Preservation Profile/
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEHM [5]
G-AEHM on its back at Bristol on May 4, 1936, possibly after its first flight.
Aeroplane Monthly 1984-07 / J.Viner - The great Flea race
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEJC
Competitors itching to take off. At right, the cantilever Pou G-AEJC built by E. D. Abbott Ltd at Farnham during 1936. It was powered by a 30 h.p. Carden-Ford engine and was based at Heston. Stephen Appleby's Flea, G-ADMH, can be seen third from right.
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-02 / A.Ord-Hume - Isn't it time we stopped poo-poohing the pour Pou? (2)
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEJD [2]
The Abbott-built Pou G-AEJD covered with wool tufts and flown by Stephen Appleby. Most of the port half of the front wing is stalled due probably to a certain amount of sideslip.
Flight 1936-08 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEJD [2]
In Fig. 1, on the left, the tufts show that most of the port half of the front wing was stalled, due probably to a certain amount of sideslip. The bending inward of the flow at the trailing edge near the tips is seen in Fig. 2, right.
Air Pictorial 1957-03
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEKR
Pou du Ciel G-AEKR (c/n, C.A.C.I) hangs today in the roof of Claybourn's Garage near Doncaster Airport, scene of its third and last flight on 23rd June 1937. Inscribed "This is the Flea that Claybourn's Built", it is fitted with a twin cylinder Anzani inverted motor.
Aeroplane Monthly 1979-06 / A.Ord-Hume - Broughton-Blayney Brawney and Perman Parasol /British pre-war ultralights/
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEFW [3], G-AERF [2]
One of the Aero-8 club machines has a fuselage of unorthodox but pleasing appearance. The engine is a Douglas flat twin.
The Aero-Eight Club's “Super Flea” wearing incorrect registration letters, later changed to G-AEFW. The Flea is seen at the Club's April 1936 Bank Holiday meeting at Canute Air Park in Essex.
Bearing the same registration as the second Brawney, is a Mignet H.M.14 Pou du Ciel. The Pou's correct registration, G-AEFW, was applied later.
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-03 / J.Battison - Flea circus
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEFW [3], G-AERF [2]
The author standing with the Aero-Eight Club’s “high-speed” Flea, G-AEFW. Note the streamlined fuselage and divided undercarriage. The engine was a Douglas Sprite.
Air Enthusiast 1997-03 / B.Marshall - The 'Flea' and Me
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AFUL
A family scene in front of the last British ‘Flea’ to receive an Authorisation to Fly - TH Fouldes’ G-AFUL with modified undercarriage and push-rod controlled rear wing (compare the ‘sit’ of the rear wing to that of G-ADVM) in May 1939.
Flight 1936-04 / Flight Advertisements
Flight 1936-04 / Flight

The Putnam Pou-du-Ciel with Carden engine. Note the window in the wing, which improves the view upwards.
Flight 1936-04 / Flight

POWER FOR THE "POU." The new Carden engine installed in a Pou-du-Ciel. Based on the 10 h.p. Ford, it has an aluminium cylinder head and dual ignition. Carden Aero Engines Ltd., of Heston, are to market the engine at ?65.
Flight 1936-04 / Flight

The nose of Mr. C. M. Cooper's machine, which has an Austin Seven engine driving the airscrew through a chain reduction gear.
Flight 1936-05 / Flight

Government investigation of the Pou question! Lt. Col. Sir Francis Shelmerdine (Director-General of Civil Aviation) and Lady Shelmerdine inspect the Abbott-Baynes cantilever machine.
Flight 1936-08 / Flight

M. Bret, the winner; he used a 4-cyI. Ava two-stroke.
Air International 1985-01 / G.Jones - In the Mignet Tradition
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-PYLN
M. Turmeau's flying replica of an HM.14. fitted with a 45 hp/1500 cc Volkswagen engine.
Flight 1936-06 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: CF-AYM
A FLEA ON SKATES: Built by an aircraft engineer to the order of a Montreal private owner, this Pou has performed well. The mysterious erection on the tail is actually the St. Hubert airport airship mooring mast, in the background.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-11 / H.Shore - Flea fever (1)

A line-up of Poux at Orly during the October 1935 meeting, when around 15,000 spectators turned up to watch the entertainment. At one stage there were nine Poux airborne at the same time.
Flight 1935-10 / Flight

POUX ON PARADE. Pou-du-Ciel enthusiasts and thousands of the general public visited Orly Aerodrome, near Paris, to watch a rally of Poux-du-Ciel and other ultra-light aircraft
Aeroplane Monthly 1984-07 / J.Viner - The great Flea race

Messrs Dancy and Rowarth flag away the competitors.
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-03 / P.Underhill - Birth of a Bebe

Line-up of Fleas at the Orly Flea meeting, held in October 1935. Joly’s machine is third from the right. The Flea to its left was fitted with a 40 h.p. Salmson, and was the most powerful of the breed.
Aeroplane Monthly 1984-07 / J.Viner - The great Flea race

THE CROWD that came to see the Poux race at Ramsgate on Saturday - and stayed to joy-ride in the airport's Short Scions. Mr. Whitney Straight, incidentally, is having some fine hangars and club buildings erected.
The scene at Ramsgate Airport on August 3, 1936. In the foreground is Ramsgate Airport's Short Scion G-ADDV; behind that is another Scion, G-ACUZ, Monospar ST-6 G-ACGI, a Swallow, Aeronca C-3, a row of Fleas and the Cierva C.30 autogyro.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Aeronca C - СШАUSA - 1929 British Klemm L.25 Swallow - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1933 Cierva/Avro C.30A / Rota - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1932 General Aircraft Monospar ST-4 - ST-12 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1932 Short Scion / S.16 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1933
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-03 / J.Battison - Flea circus
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEEI [2]
Flight 1936-04 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEEI [2]
Some of the 5,000 spectators getting their money's worth
Flight 1936-04 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADPX [3]
Putting together the Perman Pou - two snapshots taken within a few minutes of each other. Assembly seemed to be a really quick and simple business.
Aeroplane Monthly 1979-06 / A.Ord-Hume - Broughton-Blayney Brawney and Perman Parasol /British pre-war ultralights/
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADPX [3]
The Perman Pou du Ciel, G-ADPX, built for F. W. Broughton, was one of eleven Fleas built by the company in their mews off the Grays Inn Road.
Jane's All the World Aircraft 1975 / 01 - Aircraft

Czerniejewski Piast, Polish-built example of the Mignet Pou du Ciel
Aeroplane Monthly 1985-03 / Grapevine
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADRY [2]
Latest arrival at Brooklands is Flying Flea “G-ADRY”, BAPC-29, which Mike Beach has acquired from J. J. Penney at Aberdare, Wales. The fuselage is in excellent condition, but Beach intends to build two new wings - the rear wing is beyond restoration and the front one never existed.
Aeroplane Monthly 1985-12 / Grapevine
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADRY [2]
Meanwhile, at Brooklands, Flying Flea BAPC-29 “G-ADRY” nears completion. The aircraft, built in the late Sixties, was acquired by Mike Beach and brought to Brooklands last winter from its previous home in Wales. A new set of wings has been scratch-built, and work still to be done includes finishing the wing metal fittings, making the rigging wires and covering the flying surfaces. The covering will wait until next spring - the restoration team are not positively itching to do the job - but the Flea will be finished by the summer.
Air International 1985-01 / G.Jones - In the Mignet Tradition

A replica of Henri Mignet's original HM.14 built by the RSA Centre-Loire.
Flight 1936-03 / Flight

LOST: ONE BEDSTEAD? Mr. Tom Proctor, builder of Blackburn's first Pou, being convoyed to the local Pen-proving ground. The engine is by British Anzani and the undercarriage, apparently, by Mr. Drage; but it may be lighter than it looks.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-11 / H.Shore - Flea fever (1)

Rene Coupez’s H.M.14, No 15, being towed to the Orly Flea meeting in October 1935. Built by Coupez jointly with Victor Lane, this Flea was powered by a 25 h.p. Poinsard engine.
Flight 1936-02 / Flight

NOT A POU-BUILDER'S NIGHTMARE, but just a roadside interlude at Karachi, where The Aero Stores have built this Pou-du-Ciel under the supervision of Mr. Wainwright Fahey, of Karachi Airport. A Scott engine is fitted.
Air Pictorial 1964-09

Yet another unregistered Pou, built and flown by a Mr. Troop in 1936, still hangs in a farm building at Wellingore, Lines.
Jane's All the World Aircraft 1974 / 01 - Aircraft

Mignet Pou du Ciel built by a member of AVEX
Aeroplane Monthly 1982-02 / A.Ord-Hume - Isn't it time we stopped poo-poohing the pour Pou? (2)

The most powerful Pou extant - Kohler's 40 h.p. Salmson-engined machine. The fact that the split-type undercarriage considerably raises the centre of gravity must make ground control rather a ticklish process.
The German-built “Lerche” was powered by a 45 h.p. Salmson radial engine and is seen here at Orly in October 1935.
Flight 1935-10 / Flight

In this picture of Kohler's machine, a close-up view of the 40 h.p. Salmson engine is obtained.
Flight 1936-11 / Flight

The tiny Mignet H.M.16, which is claimed to be the smallest aeroplane in the world.
Flight 1936-06 / Flight

POU FOR TWO. This photograph, reproduced by courtesy of Les Ailes, shows a new two-seater cabin version of the Pou-du-Ciel which has been built by M. Henri Mignet. The engine is a 45 h.p. Salmson.
Air Pictorial 1991-09 / G.Jones - French homebuilders rally in Moulins

One of the numerous Flying Flea/Pou-de-Ciel types flown into Moulins, this one an ultralight of Belgian design, the Romibutter.
Aeroplane Monthly 1988-03 / J.Battison - Flea circus

The Aero-Eight Club's Taxying Flea. It was relegated to this non-flying status after a large gent landed it rather heavily and broke the longerons.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-12 / H.Shore - Flea fever (2)

A rear view of the completed fuselage.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-12 / H.Shore - Flea fever (2)

Left, the rear fuselage inspection panel and the stainless steel shim on the tailwheel leg.
Right, a detail shot showing the bolted construction of the wing pylon.

Flight 1935-08 / Flight

On the left our artist shows a side view ol the cockpit, with the engine controls and fuel supply arrangements; on the right is the roomy cockpit with its instrument lay-out and pilot's seat.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-12 / H.Shore - Flea fever (2)

A close-up of the instrument panel, showing, left to right, the airspeed indicator, climb and dive indicator, rev counter, fuel gauge and altimeter. The compass is below in the centre. The Douglas engine is installed.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-12 / H.Shore - Flea fever (2)

Looking into the cockpit, which is “surprisingly roomy”, though there is barely space to get one’s knees under the instrument panel.

Aeroplane Monthly 1993-12 / H.Shore - Flea fever (2)

The business end of the author’s Flea, taken when the Volkswagen engine was fitted. The Douglas later installed greatly improved the “authentic” appearance of the aircraft.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-12 / H.Shore - Flea fever (2)

The fuselage in the back garden, complete with engine, seat, windscreen and undercarriage. Its simple, box-like structure with single-plane curvatures is evident.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-12 / H.Shore - Flea fever (2)

Left, a side view of the engine installation, showing the steel-tube mounting which also supports the front wing. The air-cooled Douglas flat twin was bought by the author’s brother as the result of a chance meeting at an autojumble, and replaced the converted VW 1600 originally installed. Note the throttle and mixture levers at the cockpit edge.
Right, a three-quarter front view of the Douglas engine, showing the propeller handcrafted by the author. It bears the legend “Shore Craft” on its blades.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-12 / H.Shore - Flea fever (2)

The fuselage of the author’s Flea, with metal fittings, emerges from the window of the spare bedroom of his house on the Isle of Wight, ready for final assembly.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-11 / H.Shore - Flea fever (1)

The author’s Flea emerges from an upstairs bedroom at his Isle of Wight home.

Aeroplane Monthly 1984-08 / R.Brooks - Penshurst /Gone but not forgotten/ (15)
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-AEEW
The Air League's official test pilot, Flt Lt Ambrose Cowell, lost his life when he was air testing Flea G-AEEW at Penshurst on May 4, 1936. The aircraft had been built by R. G. Doig of Aircraft Constructions Ltd and crashed on landing after a short flight.

Flight 1935-12 / Flight

Mr. L. H. Sparey's Pou-du-Ciel - a model exhibiting many characteristics of the original.
Flight 1936-03 / Flight
Регистрационный номерRegistry number: G-ADMH [22]
Two views of a model Pou-de-Ciel built by an American enthusiast, Mr. K. W. Hamilton.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-11 / H.Shore - Flea fever (1)

The October 1935 front cover of the magazine Practical Mechanics, containing the first instalment of a three-part article on how to build a Flea.
Flight 1935-04 / Flight

An overgrown Pou-du-Ciel - the drawings.
Flight 1935-07 / Flight

THE "POU DU CIEL" which Mr. S. V. Appleby is building at Heston is progressing fast, and will shortly be taking the air. The engine, as announced in Flight of March 28, is a four-cylinder watercooled unit developed by Sir John Carden. Basically it is a 10 h.p. Ford car engine, with a welded steel-plate sump and a modified light-alloy cylinder head. In this form the output is expected to be 30 h.p. at about 3,400 r.p.m. Engine and fuselage are shown in this sketch
Flight 1935-08 / Flight

(Centre) the simple undercarriage springing; (left) the sprung strut which supports the trailing edge of the front wing; (right) the springing and operation of the sternpost with rudder and double tail wheel.
Flight 1936-05 / Flight

The cantilever wing is pivoted on trunnions at two points and may be detached by withdrawing two pins. On the right is a sketch of the mass balance on one of the arms which operate the wing control rods.
Flight 1936-06 / Flight

The Pou-du-Ciel undercarriage described above.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-12 / H.Shore - Flea fever (2)

Henri Mignet’s elementary “building by numbers” instructions for assembling the Flea fuselage, as published in his book The Flying Flea, first released in France in 1933 as Le Sport de l’Air.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-11 / H.Shore - Flea fever (1)

Two mouthwatering illustrations from Mignet’s book The Flying Flea, published in English by the Air League in 1935.
Aeroplane Monthly 1993-12 / H.Shore - Flea fever (2)

Left, diagrams for construction of the rudder in Mignet’s book. This was the first component built by the author.
Right, how not to build a propeller: Mignet suggested carving it from a solid piece of timber.
Flight 1936-10 / Flight

Left: The rigging of the Pou tested in the 24ft. wind tunnel at Farnborough is shown here. Note that the top of the fuselage is the datum line from which angles of incidence A of the whole machine were measured. The angle of the front wing in relation to the datum line, and thus to the rear wing, is indicated by B.
Right: For comparison, the rigging diagram showing the dimensions which M. Mignet recommended is given here. This combination of dimensions' became known as Mignet's "Polygon of Safety," but is not now held to be a complete safeguard against the uncontrollable dive.
Flight 1936-10 / Flight

Rigging diagram of the Abbott-Baynes Cantilever Pou. It should be noted that the position of the centre of gravity is at approximately 40 per cent, of the chord from the leading edge. This location of the c.g. lengthens the take-off, but it also improves the stability.
Air Enthusiast 1997-03 / B.Marshall - The 'Flea' and Me

General arrangement of a ‘conventional’ Scott A.2S-powered Mignet HM.14.
Flight 1935-03 / Flight

The latest tandem-wing development - M. Mignet's Pou-du-Ciel. The dihedral angle of the wings is not shown.
Flight 1935-04 / Flight

These are the first complete general arrangement drawings of the Pou-du-Ciel to be published in an English journal. A front wing span of 6 m. is shown, but a shorter wing can be used if desired.
Flight 1936-10 / Flight

The Abbott-Baynes Cantilever "Pou"