The BENOIST BIPLANE

The Benoist Biplane

The Benoist Biplane of 1912 was a collaborative effort of Tom W. Benoist and Antony “Tony” Jannus. It held two people, was powered by Roberts 6-X vertical engine and was able to stay aloft for about three hours. The control surfaces were unusual for the horizontal tail surface and the ailerons (which were mounted outboard of the wings) were warped rather than hinged. What is believed to have been the first parachute jump from an aeroplane was accomplished by Albert Berry from an aeroplane of this type, piloted by Tony Jannus.