Innovative Aerodynamic Design
In 1908, French aviator Emile Bonnet-Labranche employed a unique approach to solving the aerodynamic problems of low-aspect-ratio wings for his “flying pancake.” The aircraft he created resembled Voisin or Farman aeroplanes, featuring a pusher propeller and a long tail boom.
The area between the upper wing and the era’s traditional biplane horizontal tail assembly was “filled” with a wing to provide an additional lifting surface. His first model, the Bonnet-Labranche No.1, was also equipped with a forward horizontal empennage, practically unconnected to the main wing structure.
Bonnet-Labranche No.1 Structural Details
It’s noteworthy that the lower horizontal stabilizer had a concave profile to provide some lift, while the upper stabilizer was flat and served as the wing’s trailing edge. In the same year, Bonnet-Labranche built a modernized version, the Bonnet-Labranche No.2.
Evolution of Bonnet-Labranche Aircraft
Subsequently, the designer constructed several more aeroplanes. These included the Bonnet-Labranche No.3 biplane (1909), the Bonnet-Labranche No.4 monoplane (1909), and the Bonnet-Labranche No.5 biplane (1910).
He continued with the Bonnet-Labranche No.6 monoplane, which resembled a Blériot aircraft. His final developments were the two-seater racing aircraft Bonnet-Labranche No.7 and the three-seater military aircraft Bonnet-Labranche No.8, showcasing remarkable versatility in his designs.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bonnet-Labranche No.1 |
| Wingspan, m | 12.80 |
| Aircraft height, m | 3.00 |
| Wing area, m2 | 80.00 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Antoinette |
| Power, hp | 1 x 80 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bonnet-Labranche Aeroplanes
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