Following the Bernard S-72 aircraft accident near Lyon, the firm’s designers embarked on an attempt to modernize the plane. In late 1930, the S-72 (civil registration F-AJTH) received a seven-cylinder radial 300 hp Gnôme-Rhône K 7 engine and a wooden two-bladed propeller.
The Birth of the S-73 and its Specifications
Repainted in different colors (though still variegated), the S-73 was presented at the XII Air Show in 1930. Before the exhibition, a Levasseur metal propeller was installed. The S-73 featured a wingspan of 9.20 m, a length of 6.72 m, and a height of 2.45 m, with a wing area of 13.45 m².
Ready for Competition
With an empty weight of 774 kg and a normal take-off weight of 1004 kg, powered by its Gnome & Rhone 7Kb engine, the S-73 could achieve a maximum speed of 290 km/h and had a practical range of 450 km. After receiving its airworthiness certificate in June 1931, the aircraft was prepared for the Michelin Cup races. The S-73’s chances were excellent.
An Unexpected Fate
Unfortunately, on June 16, pilot Paillard passed away. As no other pilot was available, testing was halted, and the aircraft was abandoned, bringing a promising aviation project to an untimely end.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | S-73 |
| Wingspan, m | 9.20 |
| Length, m | 6.72 |
| Height, m | 2.45 |
| Wing area, m2 | 13.45 |
| Empty weight | 774 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 1004 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Gnome & Rhone 7Kb |
| Power, hp | 1 x 300 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 290 |
| Practical range, km | 450 |
| Crew | 1 |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bernard S-73
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