Esnault-Pelterie REP.1
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| REP.1 and REP.2 | |
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| Type | Experimental aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Robert Esnault-Pelterie |
| Designed by | Robert Esnault-Pelterie |
| Maiden flight | 19 October 1907 |
| Number built | 2 |
The Esnault-Pelterie REP.1 and the substantially alike REP.2 that followed it were experimental aircraft built and flown in France in the early twentieth century. Designed by Robert Esnault-Pelterie, they were single-seat wire-braced monoplanes. The landing gear was unusual in that the main gear consisted of a single wheel, with a small tailwheel behind it. Large outrigger wheels were fitted to the tips of the wings, which featured marked anhedral. These aircraft are especially significant historically in that they were the first to employ a joystick as their main flight control. The REP.2 differed from the REP.1 in having a slightly different undercarriage (of the same general unusual arrangement) and having a dorsal fin for lateral stability in place of the REP.1's large ventral fin. Lateral control was via wing-warping. Its construction was also ahead of its time, featuring a welded steel frame for the fuselage.
Esnault-Pelterie commenced testing the REP.1 in September 1907, initially flying the aircraft as a glider before attempting powered flights. Throughout October, these flights became increasingly successful. Tests with the REP.2 commenced in June the following year, and before long had set a height and distance record for monoplanes. This aircraft was then substantially modified to create the REP.2bis. In this form, it was demonstrated at the 1909 Reims Air Meet.
The REP.1 is preserved at the Musée des Arts et Métiers.
[edit] Specifications (REP.1)
General characteristics
- Crew: One pilot
- Length: 6.85 m (22 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan: 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 18.0 m² (194 ft²)
- Empty weight: 350 kg (770 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × custom built 7-cylinder, 26 kW (35 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 60 km/h (37 mph)
[edit] References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 351.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing, File 893 Sheet 06.
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