HILLSON BI-MONO
- Small single-seat cabin aircraft, intended as scale model for a light/cheap
fighter, built in 1940 by F Hills and Sons Ltd as a PV and powered by
205 hp DH Gipsy Six. Extra area of upper wing was to allow take-offs from
grass fields or roads at 'overload' weights, wing then to be 'slipped'
(jettisoned) to allow good fighting performance and maneouvrability. Single
Bi-Mono prototype (with no serial number but in military prototype finish)
flown extensively in both monoplane and biplane configuration at Squires
Gate - upper wing initially with greater span, later reduced to same span
as lower wing. Single, successful, 'slip' made on July 16, 1941, at height
of 4,500 ft (1,372 m) over sea off Blackpool.
Span, 20 ft (6.1 m). Length,
14 ft 6 in (4.4 m). Wing area (each wing), 66 sq ft (6.13 mi).
