W.Green, G.Swanborough The Complete Book of Fighters

GOURDOU-LESEURRE GL-1 (TYPE A) France

   The first aircraft to be designed by Charles E P Gourdou and Jean A Leseurre, the GL-1 (also known as the Type A) was a single-seat parasol monoplane fighter powered by a 180 hp Hispano-Suiza 8Ab eight-cylinder water-cooled engine. Of mixed construction, with an all-metal fuselage primarily of steel tube with plywood covering and a fabric-covered wing with steel spars and wooden ribs, the GL-1 was officially evaluated at Villacoublay on 10 May 1918. Structurally overweight, the prototype was tested with one of its two 7,7-mm Vickers guns removed and with reduced fuel. It demonstrated in this configuration level speeds higher than contemporary fighters powered by a 300 hp Hispano-Suiza engine. Although the design team believed that the structural weight problem could be resolved, official testing indicated that the wing had insufficient strength, and redesign was therefore undertaken to result in the GL-2 alias Type B.

Max speed, 150 mph (242 km/h) at 3,280 ft (1000 m).
Time to 3,280 ft (1000 m), 2.41 min.
Endurance, 1.5 hrs.
Empty weight, 1,323 lb (600 kg).
Loaded weight, 1,733 lb (786 kg).
Span, 29 ft 6 1/3 in (9,00 m).
Length, 21 ft 7 4/5 in (6,60 m).
Height, 7 ft 6 1/2 in (2,30 m).
Wing area, 179.22 sq ft (16,65 m2).