Design and Purpose
In 1925, the Caudron firm released the C.109, a light multi-purpose aircraft designed for sports and initial training in aeroclubs. This two-seater parasol-wing monoplane was equipped with a 40 hp Salmson 9Ad engine. Its wing center section rested on four short vertical struts positioned around the front cockpit, while its outer panels were attached to the lower fuselage longerons by a pair of duralumin struts on each side.
Early Success and Records
The C.109 prototype made its first flight in May 1925 and quickly gained some success. It was chosen by famous aviators of the time, such as Thoret and Delmotte, for their multi-stage long-distance flights. The aircraft also appealed to French women pilots, including Maryse Bastié and Léna Bernstein.
The aircraft’s good flight characteristics and reliable design attracted customers, leading to the sale of 14 C.109 units within two years. A total of 24 aircraft were serially manufactured, with six of them purchased by the French Air Force for liaison duties.
The C.109 was instrumental in setting several records. On May 19, 1927, a C.109 piloted by Juste Thoret covered a record distance of 868 kilometers for light aircraft in the 350 kg class. On October 27 of the same year, pilot Max Knipping improved this record by flying 1581 kilometers. Furthermore, on July 27, 1929, aviator Maryse Bastié set a new women’s flight endurance record of 26 hours and 47 minutes.
Later Modifications
Approximately in 1950, the sole surviving C.109 (the sixth production aircraft) was modified into the C.109/2. This conversion involved fitting it with an 85 hp (63 kW) Salmson 5Aq radial engine, significantly enhancing its performance.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C. 109 |
| Wingspan, m | 11. 50 |
| Length, m | 6.44 |
| Height, m | 2.53 |
| Wing area, m2 | 19. 14 |
| Empty weight | 345 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 572 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Salmson 9Ad |
| Power, hp | 1 x 40 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 1 26 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 102 |
| Flight endurance, h | 4 |
| Crew | 2 |
Image and diagram gallery of the Caudron C.109
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