René Mouille
René Mouille | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1924-10-30 France |
| Died | 2019-01-10 |
| Occupation(s) | Engineer, helicopter designer |
| Known for | Development of French helicopters including SNCASE SE.3110, SE.3120 Alouette, Aérospatiale Alouette II and III, SA 321 Super Frelon; invention of fenestron tail rotor, Starflex and Spheriflex rotorhead technologies |
René Mouille (30 October 1924 – 10 January 2019) was a prominent French engineer and helicopter designer whose work significantly influenced numerous helicopters widely operated by military forces around the world.
Education
Mouille completed his studies at the École spéciale des travaux aéronautiques (ESTAé) located in Orsay, an institution later integrated into Arts et Métiers ParisTech.
Sud Aviation
He began his professional journey at SNCASE, where he contributed to the creation of France's inaugural helicopter, the SNCASE SE.3110, which first took to the skies in June 1950. This was succeeded by the SNCASE SE.3120 Alouette in July 1951. Working alongside Charles Marchetti, Mouille played a key role in developing the Aérospatiale Alouette II, produced between 1956 and 1975, as well as the Aérospatiale Alouette III, which had its maiden flight in 1959 and saw over 2,000 units manufactured.
The SNCASE SE.3200 Frelon was introduced in June 1959, followed by the Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon in December 1962, both models produced under Sud Aviation's banner.
During the late 1960s, Mouille collaborated with aerodynamicist Paul Fabre to pioneer the innovative fenestron tail rotor concept. He also invented the Starflex and Spheriflex rotorhead technologies. In 1960, he was appointed chief designer of Sud Aviation's helicopter division.
Sud Aviation relocated its principal helicopter manufacturing plant from La Courneuve to Marignane in southeastern France; this facility continues to serve as the main production site for Airbus Helicopters, formerly known as Eurocopter Group.
Aérospatiale
Mouille held the position of chief designer for the helicopter division at Aérospatiale until 1988.
Awards
The American Helicopter Society, now recognized as the Vertical Flight Society, awarded him its top three honors:
- In 1975, he was named Honorary Fellow for his advancements in vertical flight technology, particularly the development of the Fenestron fan-in-fin tail rotor.
- The Alexander Klemin Award was bestowed upon him in 1979 for his notable contributions to vertical flight aerodynamics.
- In 1990, he received the Alexander A. Nikolsky Honorary Lecturer award acknowledging a distinguished career in vertical flight research and development; his lecture was titled "Technological Evolution of French Helicopters."
Additionally, in December 1977, Mouille was honored with the Breguet Trophy by the Royal Aero Club.