Development of the Cody No.2 and the 1910 Michelin Cup
The experience gained from working on the British Army Aeroplane No.1 was utilized by Samuel Franklin Cody to create the improved Cody No.2 biplane in 1910, equipped with a 60 hp ENV type F engine. Cody used this machine to compete for the first British Empire Michelin Cup, so it’s not surprising that the aircraft is widely known as the Michelin Cup Biplane.
The prize was awarded to the pilot (and aircraft) who completed the longest flight on a closed circuit during 1910. On the last day of the reporting year, Cody stayed airborne for 4 hours and 47 minutes, covering 298 km, thus winning the cup.
The Cody No.3 and the “Daily Mail” Challenge
In 1911, Cody built a new aircraft, the Cody No.3, very similar to its predecessors but powered by a 65 hp (45 kW) Green engine. His objective was the £10,000 prize established by the ‘Daily Mail’ newspaper for a 1010-mile (1625 km) flight.
Repeated Victory at the Michelin Cup
Cody’s Circuit of Britain Biplane was the only British aircraft to withstand this challenge, though the pilot only finished in fourth place. With the same aircraft, Cody won the Michelin Cup for the second time on October 29, 1911.
Image and diagram gallery of the Cody No.2 and No.3 Biplanes
