SPCA 10
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
The SPCA 10, also known as the SPCA Paulhan-Pillard E.5, was a sizable French all-metal reconnaissance and bomber flying boat that took to the skies in 1928. Only a single example was constructed, which was ultimately lost in a fatal accident during its development phase.
Design and development
Constructed entirely of metal, the SPCA 10 was a parasol-wing flying boat powered by three engines. Its wing was formed as a single unit, combining a rectangular center section with trapezoidal outer panels that incorporated narrow ailerons spanning the entire trailing edges. The main wing structure consisted of steel spars and duralumin ribs, which were fabric-covered—unlike the remainder of the metallic airframe. Vertical struts connected the wing spars to the hull, while N-shaped struts extended to the floats for added stability. These floats were further reinforced by outward-angled and horizontal steel tube struts enclosed within streamlined fairings.
The aircraft was equipped with three uncowled nine-cylinder radial engines—specifically Gnome-Rhône 9Ac Jupiter models—mounted along the leading edge of the wing. Fuel and oil tanks were integrated within the wing structure but positioned away from the engines to minimize fire hazards. The thickness of the wing allowed an onboard engineer to access most engine components during flight.
The hull featured a slender, flat-sided design with a single-step planing bottom that transitioned from a V-shaped cross-section at the nose to a rounded shape amidships. At the front, an open circular position was provided for a gunner or observer, followed by an enclosed cabin for the navigator. The pilots occupied an open cockpit with dual controls arranged side-by-side, situated roughly midway between the nose and wing leading edge. Inside the hull were compartments designated for radio operators, photographers, and crew rest areas. Two staggered open gunner stations were located between the wing’s trailing edge and the tail, each equipped with floor apertures to facilitate downward observation or firing.
The tail assembly comprised a steel-framed fin covered in fabric, featuring a swept leading edge and a flat top surface. The rudder was nearly rectangular with a rounded lower edge and incorporated servo balancing. Mounted about one-third up on the fin, the tailplane was supported by splayed struts extending from the hull; both it and the elevators were rectangular except for an elevator cut-out designed to allow rudder movement.
Operational history
On 4 April 1928, piloted by Burri, the SPCA 10 completed its maiden flight at La Ciotat. Following its exhibition at the Paris Salon in July 1928, it underwent official evaluation at Saint-Raphaël, Var. These tests uncovered a significant handling problem: when engine power was reduced, the aircraft tended to pitch downward sharply—a behavior linked to how close the propellers were positioned relative to the wing’s leading edge. As a result, landings had to be executed while maintaining full throttle. Testing continued until 18 December 1928 when authorities ordered cessation of trials and called for modifications to the engine arrangement. Unfortunately, this directive arrived at Saint-Raphaël too late; on 8 January, during approach, reducing engine power caused a crash that resulted in fatalities for all onboard. No additional units were produced thereafter.