Antoinette VII

The Antoinette VII was an early French aircraft, flown in 1909.

VII
Antoinette VII example showing seating arrangement for two
Role Experimental aircraft
Manufacturer Antoinette
Designer Léon Levavasseur
First flight 1909

History

The VII was a further development of the Antoinette IV, with increased engine power and using a wing warping system developed by Levavasseur for the Antoinette V in place of the Antoinette IV's ailerons.

With this aircraft, Levavasseur hoped that Antoinette test pilot Hubert Latham would be able to make the crossing of the English Channel that he had previously attempted in the Antoinette IV and claim the Daily Mail prize then on offer. As it happened, the Antoinette VII's first flight took place on 25 July 1909, the same day that Louis Blériot succeeded in crossing the channel in his Blériot XI. Undaunted, Latham made the attempt anyway on 27 July. Unfortunately, the result was the same, with Latham making a forced landing this time within sight of the English coast only 1.6 km (0.99 mi) away. He and the aircraft were rescued by HMS Russell.

Antoinette VII, 1909
Latham's Antoinette VII. This is a 1910 version with 100 hp V-16 engine.

The following month, Latham flew the same aircraft at the Grande Semaine d'Aviation de la Champagne, winning the prize for altitude (155 m, 509 ft) and coming second in the contest for the fastest circuit, with a speed of 68.9 km/h, 42.8 mph[1]

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: one, pilot (later versions after 1910 could accommodate one passenger)
  • Length: 11.50 m (37 ft 9 in)
  • Wingspan: 12.80 m (42 ft 0 in)
  • Height: 3.00 m (9 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 50 m2 (538 sq ft)
  • Gross weight: 590 kg (1,300 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Antoinette 8V , 37 kW (50 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 70 km/h (44 mph, 38 kn)
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See also

References
  1. Gibbs-Smith, C.H. (2003). Aviation. London: NMSO. p. 176.
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. p. 63.
  • World Aircraft Information Files. Brightstar Publishing: London. File 889 Sheet 63.
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