Gassier

   The Gassier monoplane commonly referred to as the Sylphe was actually designed and built by 4 men, Messrs Hamelis, Delamare, Mathieu, and Gassier. A high rectangular wing fitted with large drooping ailerons sat on top of an uncovered triangular fuselage with 2 large semicircular frames surrounding the pilot and the engine; the pusher had a forward elevator coordinated with the aft one, and an oval rudder. The Sylphe made its first taxi runs on 16 February 1911, and its first flight on 11 April at Juvisy. Although designed to carry 2, it could barely lift the pilot alone, with its over-heavy fuselage. Only the propeller survives today, in the possession of the Gassier family.

   (Span: 12 m; length: 11 m; wing area: 30 sqm; empty weight: c 450 kg; speed: c 80 kmh; 50 hp 4-cylinder inline inverted Gregoire-Gyp)