History:

In 1930/1931 Mr Ronald Ashworth of Burwood, NSW, designed and built a parasol wing aircraft, known as the Baby Bee, at Blair Park, Croydon, making its first flight in April that year. The aircraft took 18 months to build at a cost of £100 ($200). This machine was fitted with a converted four-cylinder Henderson motor cycle engine, a unit very popular with aircraft builders at the time. Reports at the time stated it was flown to a height of 21 meters (70 ft) at Blair Park.

One report indicated the aircraft was built of electrical conduit steel and that it was taken to a picture theatre in about 1933 and shown outside during the showing of the movie ‘Hells Angels’. It is said it was also flown in the Campsie area, and was taxied up and down a street in the local area.

Wingspan of 5.79 m (19 ft); length 3.65 m (12 ft); max speed 96 km/h (60 mph); landing speed 32 km/h (20 mph); loaded weight 154 kg (340 lb).

Further information:

Information on this aircraft is currently limited. The Author welcomes any further specifications and/or details to update the site.