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Farman Aviation Works

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Farman Aviation Works
Company typePrivate
IndustryAeronautics, Automotive, Boat manufacturing
Founded1908
FounderRichard Farman, Henri Farman, Maurice Farman
Defunct1956
FateNationalized and merged into SNCAC (1936); later became part of Sud-Ouest (1944); ceased operations (1956)
SuccessorSociété Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre (SNCAC), Sud-Ouest
Headquarters
France
,
France
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Richard Farman, Henri Farman, Maurice Farman, Marcel Farman
ProductsAircraft, aircraft engines, automobiles, boats
OwnerFarman family

Farman Aviation Works () was a French aeronautical manufacturer established by the Farman siblings: Richard, Henri, and Maurice Farman. Active between 1908 and 1936, the company developed and produced more than 200 different aircraft models and engines. When the French aviation sector was nationalized, Farman’s operations were incorporated into the Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre (SNCAC).

In 1941, the Farman brothers reconstituted the enterprise under the name Société Anonyme des Usines Farman (SAUF), but it became part of Sud-Ouest by 1944. Later, Marcel Farman, Maurice’s son, revived SAUF in 1952; nonetheless, it ceased operations by 1956.

Beyond aircraft manufacturing, Farman also produced automobiles until 1931 and boats until 1930, expanding its industrial activities.

Background

In 1907, Henri Farman acquired an aircraft from Gabriel Voisin and refined its design, resulting in the Farman I or Voisin-Farman I. By 1908, after enhancements such as Continental rubberized fabric covering and side-curtains, it was renamed Farman I-bis. Following Wilbur Wright’s demonstration at Le Mans in 1908, ailerons were incorporated.

A second plane, the Farman II, was constructed by the Voisin brothers according to Farman’s specifications but was sold to J.T.C. Moore-Brabazon, who took it to England as the Bird of Passage. This transaction ended Farman’s partnership with Voisin and marked his transition to independent aircraft construction.

Aircraft designed by Henri Farman bore the HF prefix, whereas Maurice’s designs used MF.

List of aeroplanes

Cars

The Farman company manufactured a range of distinguished automobile models, such as:

Boats

During the 1920s, Farman Aviation capitalized on its aeronautical knowledge to venture into the airboat industry by producing "hydroglisseurs." In World War I, engines and propellers from Farman MF.7 aircraft were adapted to power airboats deployed successfully in the British-led Mesopotamian Campaign along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This operational achievement resulted in British commissions for specially designed airboats from both Farman and Charles de Lambert’s firm.

Following the war, Farman focused on creating civilian airboats, unveiling its first non-military model in 1920. The prototype, named Le Ricocheur, featured an enclosed cabin accommodating twelve passengers and could reach speeds up to 125 km/h. Farman aimed these vessels at sectors including water taxis, light freight transport, and patrol duties, particularly for French colonial regions such as the Mekong and Niger rivers. These open-cabin craft were larger than contemporary equivalents, offering greater freeboard but lacking protective guards around their propellers.

With prices ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 francs depending on specifications, Farman’s airboats faced limited commercial success due to their premium cost. As a result, the company withdrew from the boat manufacturing market by the end of the 1920s.

See also

Bibliography

  • Green, William; Swanborough, Gordon. The Complete Book of Fighters. Salamander Books, Godalming, UK. pp. 201–202.
  • Opdycke, Leonard E. French Aeroplanes Before the Great War. Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 1999.

External links

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