Spencer-Stirling biplane explained

The Spencer-Stirling biplane was a 1910s British pusher configuration biplane designed and built by Herbert Spencer. It was sometimes referred to as a Spencer-Farman in reference to the design similarity to Henry Farman's designs.

Mainly based at Brooklands Aerodrome it was also flown around the country by Spencer on demonstration and training flights.^[1]

Initially powered by an RH 4-cylinder in-line engine rated at 40hp70hp, the Spencer-Stirling biplane was re-engined in July 1911 with a 50hp Gnome Gamma rotary engine.^[2] On 29 August 1911 Spencer obtained his Aviator's Certificate at Brooklands flying the biplane he built.^[3]

Operational history

After initial straight hops, the Spencer-Stirling was successfully tested by Henri Pecquet in June 1911 shortly before the Gnome engine was fitted. After passing his aviators certificate, Spencer used the Spencer-Stirling for competition and demonstration flights until the aircraft crashed on 25 February 1912.^[4]

Further reading

• Book: Lewis, Peter . British Aircraft 1809-1914 . 1962 . Putnam . London. 493.

Notes and References

1. Flight. Mr. Spencer in Dorset. 27 February 2017. 17 August 1912. 760.
2. Flight. 5 August 1911. From the British Flying Grounds - Brooklands Aerodrome. Henri Pequet was up on Mr. Spencer's biplane, which has Just been fitted with a new Gnome engine, making a good ten minutes' flight at 1,500 ft., after which he took up Mr. Spencer as passenger.. 681.
3. Flight. Aviator's Certificates. 2 September 1911. 27 February 2017. 754.
4. Book: Goodall. Michael H.. Tagg. Albert E.. British aircraft before the great war . limited. 2001. Schiffer Pub.. Atglen. 9780764312076. 306.