As the world’s eyes are in France watching the Summer Olympics, we look at the skyes to see which French aircraft have been flying under the radar. We found eight that are worth discovering or re-discovering.
The Blériot XI was a pioneering aircraft that made history when Louis Blériot successfully crossed the English Channel in it in 1909. This iconic monoplane, with its innovative design, marked a significant milestone in aviation and paved the way for future flight advancements.
The Dorand AR1 A2 200 was a French two-seat biplane used extensively during World War I. Known for its sturdy construction and reliable performance, this aircraft served as a crucial tool for observation, reconnaissance, and light bombing missions.
The Caudron Rafale 430 was a sleek, high-performance French touring monoplane. Known for its speed and elegance, this aircraft pushed the boundaries of aviation technology during the 1930s, even setting a speed record shortly after its first flight.
The Bugatti Model 100 was a cutting-edge raceplane designed to dominate the 1939 Deutsch de la Meurthe Cup. Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War II halted its development, leaving this aerodynamic masterpiece as a tantalizing glimpse into the future of aviation.
The Farman F-60 Goliath was a pioneering passenger aircraft that played a crucial role in establishing commercial aviation. This large biplane, originally designed as a bomber, carried up to 12 passengers and helped define the early era of air travel.
Can a 17hp engine get you airborne? Apparently, yes. Construction of the HM.14 employs mostly birch plywood sheet, spruce laths, steel tubing, steel cables, proprietary metal fittings and fixings, adhesives, and linen fabric making it easy to take off.
The Fouga Magister was a popular jet trainer aircraft renowned for its distinctive V-tail design. This nimble and versatile plane served as a cornerstone for pilot training in many air forces around the world, and its legacy continues to be celebrated in aviation history.
The TB-30 Epsilon is a light military trainer aircraft produced by Socata. With its tandem seating configuration and retractable landing gear, it was designed to provide efficient and effective pilot training. This versatile aircraft has been used by numerous air forces around the world.
