The (James S & Ralph C) Stephens Engineering Co Aerohydroplane of 1911 was designed by James Stephens as an open biplane on wheel or floats. Interplane stabilizer panels were non-controllable—for a right turn, the right panel stayed in place and the left panel swung free, and vice-versa. This prevented the aircraft (wings) from sideslipping or stalling. Turning was accomplished by the empennage flight control steering system (not wing-warp) which gimbaled 360 degrees. These was no elevator, rudder, or ailerons. 1915 US aircraft patent #1,127,105.
Tricycle gear or all known pictures show two 16′ Burgess pontoons.
Stored in 1914, it was recovered in 1990 to the American Wings Air Museum at Blaine MN, where reassembly began in Feb 2002. It was to be fitted with the tricycle landing gear, which incorporates pneumatic shock absorbers, independent main gear brakes, and has nosewheel steering.
Engine: 50hp Gnôme Omega
Span: (upper) 41’8″
Span: (lower) 36’0″
Length: 31’0″
Speed: 50 mph
Seats: 1
All Aero 