October 5th, 1933, a man by the name of Trenn filed a patent for the first manned quadcopter, known as the Trenn Flying Platform. It was meant to be used as a hovering VTOL system, much like the VZ-1 Hiller Platform or the HZ-1 Aerocycle to be built by the Americans later on. Tren originally had two ideas for his concept of flying disk. One design features a cockpit located in the annular disc ring, while the other concept features a centered cockpit.
Even though this thing has a 4 propeller lift system, with the technologies of the 1930s’ this machine would be much more difficult to fly. The weight of the engines would have caused problems as well, since they needed large machines to push out the power needed. The design called for the device to be fitted with a 140hp Siemens-Halske SH14 motor from an old Focke-Wulf 44 Stieglitz (Goldfinch). There were also issues with the variable wing-louvres which aimed at controlling the vehicle, while the thick annular wing would be used to contain the fuel, while maintaining balance for the craft. While something of this design might be common for today, with 1933’s technology it seemed impossible, especially without complex avionics, which would be invented later.
This craft also did not have much functionality, due to its lack of maneuverability, control, and speed. It also could not be used as a reconnaissance craft, since the position of the cock pit limited the pilot’s field of view. Not only was the vehicle hard to make, but it also lacked functionality from a military standpoint, even though it could have been the first VTOL vehicle.
It’s believed one prototype started with tail number D-EMKZ, but no photos have surfaced.
While this craft is a unique concept for the 1930’s, it was not pursued, even though similar concept would be developed later, inspiring aviation, and eventually the quad copter.
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