A machine devised by the Brazilian José do Patrocínio. The machine was variously named the Aerostato Santa Cruz or the Dirigível Santa Cruz. It was a mix between lighter and heavier than air. The balloon (hydrogen gas filled) mounted on top of the fuselage lifted the machine in the air, where it paddled along with the “Mississippi-wheels” mounted at the side. To navigate the machine several rudders were installed. It seems the construction at the top were auxiliary wings. Patrocínio started construction in mid-1901, but fate struck as on December 12, 1901 a violent storm hit Rio de Janeiro and destroyed the building hangar completely, killing two of the workforce and wounding five man. In already failing health Patrocínio started all over again, selling everything he had to fund the new project. In the end he lived in a small room next to the building hangar. But his life work was not finished and he passed away in 1905.
All Aero 