The first model ‘flyer’ of 1893 had 40 narrow wings, and just lifted when driven round a circular track at 40mph by a steam engine.

The multiplane model of 1902 had 120 wings and was driven by a powerful petrol engine. It was capable of lifting 385 lbs in tethered flight.

The 1904 man-carrier had 20 wings and managed a short ‘hop’ of about 50ft.

The second man-carrier of 1907 had four rows, each with 50 wings, and an 8ft propeller. Phillips made an uncontrolled, powered hop of 500ft- the first in England.