Obre

   While Emile Obre was working as a mechanic in Morteau, he learned of the aeronautical experiments of the Wrights and Santos-Dumont, and he was attracted to the new sport; by 1908 he had designed his first aeroplane.

   1. It was a monoplane with a fuselage of uncovered steel tubing. perhaps suggested by the REP designs. The engine was mounted behind the leading edge of the wing, and drove the tractor propeller through a long shaft; the pilot sat behind the engine. At the rear, functioning as extensions of the 2 upper longerons, were the tailplane and elevator; a long rectangular rudder was set below, hinged to the castering tail wheel. 2 short semicircular wings were fitted to either side, with a longer-than-wide rectangular panel formed with an reverse-curve airfoil section fixed high above.

   (Wing area: 38 sqm; 3-cylinder 30 hp Anzani)
  
   It was soon modified, with an extended fuselage and a triangular elevator hinged to the very stern. The rudder had a new cut-out on its leading edge, and the wings were longer with pointed tips. On 18 January 1909 it was damaged at Issy.