Arsenalul Aeronautic
| File:Pantea 1921.jpg The Arsenal, labeled "Atelierele Corp de Aviație" on the Cotroceni airfield map from 1921 | |
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Rezerva generală a aviației |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Defunct | 1939 |
| Fate | Integrated into ASAM ("Administrația Stabilimentelor Aeronauticii și Marinei" - Administration of Air Force and Navy Establishments) |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Romania |
Key people | Ștefan Protopopescu |
Arsenalul Aeronautic (translated as Aeronautical Arsenal) located in Bucharest holds the distinction of being Romania’s inaugural factory dedicated to aeronautical manufacturing. Its operations spanned from 1919 until 1939. The facility produced three aircraft types: the Hansa-Brandenburg C.I, Proto 1, and Aeron models, in addition to modifying De Havilland planes for passenger and cargo services, specifically tailored for early domestic airline use. Furthermore, the Aeronautical Arsenal was a center for conducting material research and testing within the aviation sector.[1][2]
History
The establishment of an aeronautical manufacturing facility in Bucharest took place in November 1919 on the Cotroceni field, following the relocation of equipment and most personnel from the Rezerva generală a aviației (General Aviation Reserve or RGA) based in Iași. On 1 July 1920, this workshop was officially designated as the Aeronautical Arsenal. Initially, its primary function involved repairing various aircraft and engines supplied to Romanian military aviation. However, within two years, production advanced to constructing airplanes. The factory’s scope encompassed repair services, design, manufacturing, and research activities related to aerospace until June 1939, when it was incorporated into the Administration of Aeronautical and Naval Establishments.[1]
Hansa-Brandenburg C.I
The Hansa-Brandenburg C.I became the inaugural aircraft to be produced in large quantities at the Aeronautical Arsenal, commencing production in 1922. During the period from 1922 to 1923, a total of 120 units were manufactured.[3][4] This two-seat reconnaissance and observation plane was powered by an Austro-Daimler 160 hp engine. By 8 May 1922, ten examples had been completed, each bearing the inscription "Construit în România" ("Made in Romania") on their fuselage. By the conclusion of 1922, production had reached 72 aircraft delivered.[2]
Proto 1
Two years following the establishment of the Aeronautical Arsenal, in 1922, the Proto 1 was developed and manufactured. This biplane served primarily as a training and school aircraft and was conceived by Major Ștefan Protopopescu alongside engineers Dumitru Baziliu and Gheorghe Ticău. Protopopescu personally conducted the initial test flights. Due to its favorable performance, the Ministry of War commissioned a batch of 25 units from Fabrica de avioane Astra located in Arad. Production ceased after the accident involving Ioan Sava Câmpineanu in 1924; subsequently, the aircraft underwent enhancements and were produced by Fabrica de avioane Astra under the designation Proto 2.[2]
Aeron
The Aeron was a sesquiplane created in 1934, available in two distinct versions. The initial prototype featured a Cirrus 105 hp engine, whereas the second prototype was equipped with a Salmson 120 hp powerplant. The design and construction were led by Lieutenant-Commander Petre Macavei together with Captain Cristea Constantinescu, Captain Constantin Istrate, and Lieutenant Simion Stănculescu. A notable innovation of this model was the staggered wing configuration without any struts connecting the upper and lower wings.[2]
French aviator Lepreux also piloted the Aeron and expressed high satisfaction with its flight characteristics. Despite its advantageous attributes, this aircraft did not enter mass production.[2]
Specifications (Salmson engine prototype)
Modifications to De Havilland aircraft
The Aeronautical Arsenal embarked on a project to alter the fuselage of De Havilland bombers, transforming them into planes suitable for either passenger or cargo transportation. These adapted De Havilland planes were designated for use by Romanian domestic airlines. In total, 10 De Havilland aircraft underwent modification, with 6 completed at the Aeronautical Arsenal and 4 at SET.
Material research
Romania's first dedicated laboratory for materials analysis and testing was established within the Aeronautical Arsenal, overseen by Captain Ion Gudju. In 1923, engineer Gheorghe Ionescu developed both the manufacturing process and installation setup for Emaillite, a varnish applied to airplane canvas coverings.
Maintenance and repairs
The Aeronautical Arsenal was also responsible for repairing a variety of aircraft—including captured Fokker D.VIIs, Hansa-Brandenburg C.Is, Potez XVs, and SPAD XIIIs—as well as engines such as Austro-Daimler, Hispano-Suiza, and Renault models.
See also
References
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