The Cody No.4 Monoplane and the 1912 Military Trials
After building three biplanes, pioneer Samuel Franklin Cody turned his attention to the development of monoplanes. His first venture into this type was the Cody No.4, an aircraft he presented with high hopes at the renowned Military Aeroplane Trials of 1912.
The design of the Cody No.4 heavily utilized bracing for wing strength and was engineered for a two-person crew. Cody was confident that his monoplane would emerge victorious in the rigorous military evaluations.
An Unexpected Incident: The Collision
Despite its creator’s confidence, the Cody No.4’s fate in the military trials was unfortunate. During one of its initial evaluation flights, the monoplane sustained irreparable damage following an unusual collision. The incident, caused by an impact with a cow, rendered the aircraft inoperable for further operations.
The Engine’s Legacy and the Winning Biplane
Although the monoplane could not continue, Cody successfully salvaged the intact Austro-Daimler engine. This valuable component was promptly repurposed and installed in a biplane of Cody’s typical design, the Military Trials Biplane. This biplane, embodying Cody’s previous experience, was ultimately declared the winner of the 1912 Military Trials, solidifying his reputation despite the monoplane’s setback.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Cody No.4 |
| Wingspan, m | 13.26 |
| Length, m | 11.00 |
| Height, m | 3.81 |
| Wing area, m2 | 24. 00 |
| Empty weight | 1088 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1406 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Austro-Daimler |
| Power, hp | 1 х 120 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 134 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 112 |
| Crew, crew members | 2 |
Image gallery of the Cody No.4 Monoplane
