René Couzinet
René Couzinet | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 20, 1904 La Roche-sur-Yon, Vendée, France |
| Died | December 16, 1956 (aged 52) |
| Occupation(s) | Aeronautical engineer, inventor, aircraft manufacturer |
| Known for | Founder of Société des Avions René Couzinet; designer of Couzinet aircraft including the Arc-en-Ciel series |
René Couzinet (20 July 1904 – 16 December 1956) was a French aeronautical engineer, inventor holding 91 patents, and aircraft manufacturer. His enterprise, Société des Avions René Couzinet, was responsible for producing several significant aircraft throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Biography
Motivated by early aviation achievements and natural inspirations, Couzinet pursued his education at the École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et Métiers in Angers, followed by studies at the École supérieure de l’aéronautique. To support his education, he worked in a turbine manufacturing plant before enlisting as a lieutenant in the French Air Force in 1925.
In 1927, he designed the Couzinet 10 Arc-en-Ciel, an innovative three-engine monoplane characterized by a streamlined fuselage and robust wing structure. With backing from Jacques Lacoste of Hispano-Suiza—who provided engines without charge—and a loan of $50,000, the aircraft completed its maiden flight on 7 May 1928.
The initial prototype's production was overseen by ANF Les Mureaux with Couzinet acting as consultant; engineer Albert Caquot also played a role in its development. In 1928, the four-seat Couzinet 27 suffered a fatal crash during testing.
A devastating fire in 1930 destroyed important workshops and prototypes including the twin tri-motor Couzinet 20 and the Couzinet 27 Arc-en-Ciel II.
The Couzinet 33 Biarritz, a passenger aircraft accommodating four people, made its first flight on 25 November 1931. It successfully completed the inaugural air route from France to New Caledonia in early 1932 but was subsequently dismantled due to damage from a rough landing. After undergoing repairs and enhancements, it operated across Europe and Africa before crashing in October 1933.
The Couzinet 70 Arc-en-Ciel III took to the skies for the first time in February 1932. In January 1933, pilot Jean Mermoz flew it across the South Atlantic from Senegal to Brazil in less than twelve hours. The aircraft received acclaim upon its return and remained in service with Air France until 1937.
Although Couzinet introduced several advancements, his three-engine aircraft designs never fully gained endorsement from French aviation authorities. Financial challenges forced him to part ways with ANF Les Mureaux in 1933, after which his research unit was absorbed into Breguet Aviation at Villacoublay.
In 1952, Couzinet presented models of his VTOL flying saucer concept known as the RC-360. This design featured contra-rotating discs powered by multiple engines, including Lycoming piston engines alongside a Dassault Viper turbojet.
Family
In 1936, Couzinet wed Gilberte Chazottes, who was previously married to aviator Jean Mermoz.
Death and commemoration
During World War II, Couzinet relocated to Brazil where he oversaw national aviation policy. Upon returning to France after the war, he encountered limited prospects; many of his advanced projects such as hydrofoil vessels and VTOL aircraft failed to materialize. Overwhelmed by despair, he took his own life along with that of his wife in December 1956. He is interred at Bagneux Cemetery in Paris.
The airport at La Roche-sur-Yon is named Aérodrome René-Couzinet in his honor, and a secondary school (collège) located in Chantonnay carries his name.