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Lieutenant John W. Seddon of the Royal Navy belived to be on the right of this picture
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Lieutenant John W. Seddon of the Royal Navy belived to be on the right of this picture
Lieutenant John W. Seddon of the Royal Navy belived to be on the right of this picture inspired by a flying paper model designed a giant tandem biplane called the Mayfly. In with which he hoped to win the Daily Mail prize for the first Manchester to London flight. The aircraft was built out of hoops of high-tensile steel tubing which were much more efficient than conventional wood and wire bracing. The Navy allowed him to pursue the project by giving him leave and his family largely pay for it. The aircraft was built in a bicycle factorynear Wolverhampton and used up 610m of steel tubing. On its only high-speed run, a wheel collapsed and the aircraft was damaged. Repairs were hampered by Seddons return to the navy and the Mayfly never did fly. 6th September 1910
Staff
Daily Mirror
Mirrorpix
England
Media ID 21568020
© Mirrorpix
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Lieutenant John W. Seddon of the Royal Navy, believed to be on the right side of this picture. Lieutenant Seddon's determination and creativity were fueled by his encounter with a flying paper model, which inspired him to design an extraordinary tandem biplane named the Mayfly. His ultimate goal was to win the prestigious Daily Mail prize for accomplishing the first-ever flight from Manchester to London. The Mayfly stood out from conventional aircraft due to its innovative construction using high-tensile steel tubing instead of traditional wood and wire bracing. This groundbreaking approach significantly enhanced efficiency and performance. With support from the Navy, who granted him leave, as well as financial assistance from his family, Seddon embarked on this ambitious project. Constructed in a bicycle factory near Wolverhampton, this remarkable aircraft consumed a staggering 610 meters of steel tubing during its assembly process. However, tragedy struck during its sole high-speed run when one of the wheels collapsed, causing substantial damage. Unfortunately for Seddon and his dream machine, repairs were impeded by his return to naval duties before they could be completed. Regrettably consigned to history without ever taking flight, the Mayfly remains a testament to Lieutenant John W. Seddon's pioneering spirit and unwavering pursuit of aviation excellence. This photograph captures an era defined by daring pioneers pushing boundaries in aviation—a true relic from September 6th, 1910—an emblematic representation of early 20th-century innovation in aircraft design and
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