The Fort Dodge Messenger: March 25, 1912
Fort Dodge Man Invents Air Craft
C.C. Merrill Has Completed Model for New Monoplane – Has Applied for Patent on Invention
C.C. Merrill, a well known farmer, living south of the city, is the inventor of an airship, which he is confident will be a success. He has completed a working model, which he has on display at the Black & Kirkpatrick garage, on Central avenue. The machine is a monoplane, and has several new features never used before on a craft of this character.
One of the principal features is the use of four propellers, two placed on either side of the frame, one pair at the front of the machine and the other at the rear. By the use of four propellers, instead of two as commonly used, Mr. Merrill claims that his machine will be able to make a much quicker ascension and that the descent can be made in a perpendicular line instead of the gliding style as now practiced by all aviators.
Another distinctive feature in the new model is the arrangement of all weight in such a manner as to entirely eliminate the possibility of the craft overturning. This is accomplished by hanging all weight well below the plane in the manner of a gigantic parachute.
Mr. Merrill was formerly associated with H.B. Weld, one of the best known air craft men in the country and president of the recent aviation meet held in Chicago. While in .Chicago, Mr. Merrill conceived the idea of making a monoplane, and this winter during his spare time has constructed a model of what he believes will be one of the most practicable machines ever built.
Photos and article courtesy Webster County Historical Society
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