The Tellier monoplane flown by Dubonnet was so easy to fly that he obtained his pilot’s license on his fourth outing, and occupied the examiners only half an hour. Shortly thereafter, he made an impressive flight over Paris, and later Dubonnet and others showed the Tellier to be a peculiarly strong and reliable machine. It was very much like the other French monoplanes of the time in general aspect, but differed considerably in the shape of the tail, frame-work, etc.
Specifications from “Monoplanes and Biplanes,” by Grover Loening, 1911
The Frame
The frame is a very light and strong wood and cross-wire construction, and resembles the Bleriot frame. At the center between the two halves of the plane is a large frame mast, and this, with the struts out on the plane, makes the bracing very similar to the Antoinette.
The Main Wing
The plane is divided into two halves set at a small dihedral angle, and more solidly built up with wooden ribs and spars than is customary. The planes are therefore exceptionally strong. They are medium curved, and about 3 inches thick at the center. The planes are very strongly braced, and are covered on both sides. The spread is 29 1/2 feet, the chord (maximum), 71/2 feet, and the surface area, 220 square feet. A two-passenger type of this machine is built, in which the spread is 383/4 feet, the chord 8 feet, and the area 280 square feet.
The Elevators
At the rear is a trapezoidal-shaped horizontal keel, and hinged to the rear of this is the single-surface elevation rudder. Several different types of control have been used, the most common being a Bleriot cloche, on which the wheel moves. To-and-fro motion is for elevation or depression.
The Direction Rudder
The single direction rudder at the rear is placed above the elevation rudder. It is operated by a steering wheel mounted on the Bleriot type cloche, and turned as usual, clockwise for a turn to right.
Roll Control
The planes are warped by the side-to- side motion of the cloche, as usually done.
Tail
Beside the horizontal tail surface already mentioned, there is a small triangular vertical keel just in front of the direction rudder.
Propulsion
On the small type a four-cylinder Panhard 45 horse-power motor is used, and drives direct a two-bladed wooden propeller 8 feet in diameter. On some of the larger types a six-cylinder 60 horse-power Panhard is used. R. E. P. motors are also fitted.
Landing Gear
This machine is mounted on three wheels, two at the front and one smaller one at the rear. The two at the front are mounted on springs and on an elaborate chassis. The Seat is comfortably placed near the rear of the main surface.
Speed, Weight, Loading and Aspect Ratio
The speed is 53 miles an hour. The total weight is 850 to 900 pounds; 19 pounds are lifted per horse-power, and 4 per square foot of surface. The aspect ratio is 4.2 to 1.