Bréguet 900 Louisette

The Bréguet 900 was a single-seat sports glider, developed by the French company Bréguet. Georges Ricard served as the project’s chief designer. The prototype (F-CCBA) made its maiden flight on June 17, 1948, marking the Br.900 as the company’s first glider.

Also known by its unofficial name, Louisette, the Br.900 was a wooden mid-wing glider featuring an oval-section fuselage. Its wings had a span of 14.35 meters, contributing to its distinctive aerodynamic design.

Record-Breaking Flights

Soon after its initial test flights, the glider shattered French distance records. Paul Lepanse flew the Br.900 for an impressive 470 kilometers, a feat later surpassed by Roger Biagi, who flew 525 kilometers.

Furthermore, the glider set a new national speed record over a triangular course, achieving 100 km/h. Despite these high achievements, the glider was unsuccessful in international competitions.

Production and Variants

During its series production, a total of two Br.900 gliders were completed. Additionally, six Br.900S gliders were produced, featuring Schempp-Hirth airbrakes, a new cockpit canopy, and an enlarged rudder.

Technical Specifications

Modification	Br.900S
Wingspan, m	14.35
Length, m	6.47
Aspect ratio	15.85
Wing area, m2	12.90
Wing loading, kg/m2	23.80
Empty weight	211
Maximum takeoff weight	306
Maximum speed, km/h	180
Maximum glide ratio	27
Speed for maximum glide ratio, km/h	78
Minimum sink rate, m/s	0.75
Speed for minimum sink rate, km/h	73
Crew	1

Image and diagram gallery of the Bréguet 900 Louisette

Br.900 Louisette	Br.900 Louisette
Br.900 Louisette	Br.900 Louisette
Br.900 Louisette	Br.900 Louisette
Br.900 Louisette