Bonnet-Labranche Aeroplanes

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

Airplane	Airplane
Airplane	Airplane
Airplane	Airplane
Airplane	Airplane
Airplane	Airplane
Airplane	Airplane
Airplane	Airplane
Airplane