The first flying machine from Yugoslavia
The first in the area of Serbia, (then
Austro-Hungaria), flying machine, heavier then air, designed, made and flew the
citizen of Subotica, Ivan Saric, (born 27th June 1876, died 23rd August 1966),
taking example of Louis Bleriot plane, which he had opportunity to see visiting
Paris in June 1909, but adding more own original ideas. Newly built aircraft
firstly was exposed mid June 1910 at the lobby of city’s hotel, and then
transferred to the hippodrome, where by the end the month he performed first
flights. During time Saric mastered pilot’s technique so that in September the
same year, on altitude of 30 meters, he flew distance of 3 kilometers, making
also turns. Generaly, he was typical represent of the that time aviation
pioneers, being simultaneously designer, constructer, mechanic and own flying
teacher. Besides, he was universal sportsman, and in a number of occasions
participated in sport event in the Kingdom of Serbia.
Acquiring a certain pilot’s skill and
self-confidence, Saric on 16th October 1910 organized an air show at the
hippodrome at Subotica, attended beside local audience by visitors from
Budapest and journalists. In presence of 7.000 spectators, in spite of a rather
strong wind, he made a flight, during which one of engine pistons broke, but he
managed to land safely, greeted by thundering applause of present audience.
Dissatisfied by flying characteristics of his first
plane, he reconstructed 1911 the №1, into №2, by installing seven piston
rotative 44 kW (60 KS) engine, made by German manufacturer Delphos, at Köln. It
is not known did he succeeded to take off by this plane.
Early 1914 Saric designed and made a model, study of
a biplane, his №3 design, saved and kept in the Air Museum, Beograd. He also
developed a fourteen pistons radial rotative engine, so-called "double
star” type, of 59 kW (80 KS), intended to be power unit for mentioned biplane
№3. He also designed a ten pistons radial rotative engine of 74 kW (100 KS),
non of these project ever realized.
During the W.W.I, Saric was sent to the Austrian
aircraft factory at Wiener Neustadt, where he designed a model of helicopter,
which was 1915 successfully tested at Budapest.
Exhibited (Exposed) aircraft represents the replica
of the Saric’s first variant plane (№1), built 1959 on the basis of saved plans
by members of the Aero club Subotica, assisted by Ivan Saric himself. Some
parts built in are authentic originals.
Sources:
Google images
http://www.muzejvazduhoplovstva.org.rs/
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