Mann & Grimmer M.1

Designed by R F Mann and R P Grimmer, the M.I twoseat fighter represented an attempt to combine the superior performance offered by a tractor configuration with the clear forward field of fire provided by a pusher arrangement. The conventionally-mounted Anzani 10- cylinder air-cooled radial engine drove two pusher propellers by means of an extended shaft via a gearbox and chains. The gunner was seated immediately aft of the engine, the pilot's cockpit being just behind the plane of the propellers. The M.1 was first flown on 19 February 1915, but difficulties were experienced with the chain transmission and with handling. Various modifications were made and the 100hp Anzani engine was replaced by one rated at 125hp, but after some 18 hours of flight testing, the M.1 was wrecked on 16 November 1915 before it could be evaluated by the RFC, and although work on the prototype of an improved version, the M.2, was begun, no further aircraft was completed.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1278 x 820)