Antoinette V

The Antoinette V was an early French aircraft, first flown on 20 December 1908.

Antoinette V
The Antoinette V recognisable by the revised undercarriage
Role Pioneer aircraft
National origin France
Manufacturer Antoinette
Designer Léon Levavasseur
First flight 20 December 1908[1]
Number built 1
Developed from Antoinette IV
Variants Antoinette VI

Design

Following closely to the winning formula that Levavasseur had introduced, the Antoinette V introduced a revised undercarriage, with a closely spaced pair of mainwheels at the rear of a carriage/skid which extended forward of the propeller, a tail-skid attached to the lower fin framework prevented damage to the tail section. Lateral stability on the ground was provided by outrigger wheels supported by a wire-braced framework at about half-span.

The Antoinette V with Réné Demanest at the controls

Design and development

A development of the Antoinette IV, the Antoinette V differed somewhat in having increased upper vertical tail area with no fabric covering the lower fin framework. The fuselage consisted of a wooden framework of triangular section covered with fabric, except in the cockpit area abreast the wing trailing edge. The wings were built in a similar fashion and were also covered in fabric.

Control was affected by wheels either side of the pilot's seat for roll and pitch, and a rudder bar for yaw. The pilot operated a triangular elevator hinged to the tailing edge of the large tailplane, rhomboidal ailerons hinged from the trailing edges of the wingtips, and two triangular rudders above and below the tailplane.

Delivered to Réné Demanest, the Antoinette V proved easy to fly and enjoyed some success.[1]

Specifications (Antoinette V)

Data from [1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 11.5 m (37 ft 9 in)
  • Wingspan: 12.8 m (42 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 34 m2 (370 sq ft)
  • Gross weight: 520 kg (1,146 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Antoinette 8V V-8 water-cooled piston engine, 37 kW (50 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed Antoinette paddle-bladed, 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) diameter

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 72 km/h (45 mph, 39 kn)

See also

Related development

Notes
  1. Jane 1909

References
  • Jane, Fred T. (1909). Jane's all the World's Airships 1909. London: Sampson, Low & Marston. SBN 7153-4649-0.

Further reading
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. p. 63.
  • Munson, Kenneth. Pioneer Aircraft 1903-14
  • World Aircraft Information Files. Brightstar Publishing: London. File 889 Sheet 63.
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