BATTERSEA AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION 1909

and then – HEAVIER-THAN-AIR

The first aeroplane the three Short brothers built was in the Battersea railway arches and was Horace’s first design called the Short No.1. It was bought by Frank McClean. Horace went on to be recognised as a design genius by knowledgeable others in the aeroplane design and construction business. The three brothers were noted for the quality of their work. 

No.1 was a tailless pusher biplane with a front elevator and wing-tip rudders and never got into flight due to the weight of the car engine used. 

It was 24 foot 7 inches long, had a 40 foot wingspan and weighed 1200 lbs. (pounds).