Thomas Brothers 1911 Headless Biplane

The Thomas Biplane first appeared in 1911 and was possibly the first dual-control trainer. Early versions had a four wheel undercarriage, which was changed during the time to a two double wheel and skid undercarriage.

This Thomas Biplane with 65 hp Kirkham C6 engine was used in this configuration for record flying of which the most famous one is the US Endurance record flown on October 31, 1912.

Referred to in contemporary literature as Thomas Headless biplane and Thomas 65.

Engine: Kirkham I-6, 65hp pusher
Wingspan: 31’6″
Length: 20’0″
Seats: 2

Thomas Brothers Aeroplane Co

USA
1910: (William T & Oliver W) Thomas Bros Co, Hammondsport NY, USA and Hornell NY, USA.

Founded at Bath, New York, 1912 by William and Oliver Thomas, who built their first aircraft in Winter 1909-1910.

1912-13: Thomas School of Aviation Inc, Cayuga Lake NY. USA.

1915: Thomas Aeromotor Co.

Products included T-2 biplane (similar to Curtiss J) and D-5 two-seat observation biplane, of which two evaluated by US Army.

Merged and re-capitalised in January 1917 with Morse Chain Company to form Thomas-Morse Aircraft Corporation, Ithaca NY, USA.

THK THK-15 / MKEK Model 4 Uğur (Luck)

A tandem two-seat primary trainer, the THK-15 was an updated Magister, made of metal, and with a cockpit canopy.

Of 100 ordered for the Turkish Air Force, 60 had been delivered and production ceased in 1956.

54 were used by the Turkish Air Force 1955-1963 and the remaining THK-15 were donated to the Jordan Royal Air Force.

After the change to MKEK the MKEK-4 designation was used.

(TC-KUJ)/44 MKEK 4 Ugur (5144)

Gallery

MKEK 4 Ugur
Engine: DH Gipsy Major 10 Mk.I, 145 hp
Wing span: 31 ft 2.5 in / 9.50 m
Wing area: 171 sq.ft
Length: 24 ft 7.25 in
Empty weight: 1465 lb
Loaded weight: 2045 lb
Max speed: 135 mph
Cruise: 110 mph
ROC: 800 fpm
Service ceiling: 16,000 ft
Range: 300 mi
Seats: 2 tandem