L.Opdyke French Aeroplanes Before the Great War (Schiffer)

Журнал Flight

Flight, November 9, 1912.

THE PARIS AERO SALON.

R.E.P.

   AMONGST the hydro-monoplanes there is little doubt but that the R.E.P. two-seater is the favourite, partly because of its attractive appearance, but mainly because of the excellence that is shown in its construction and design throughout. When resting on the water its main weight is sustained by one large Fabre float 10 ft. wide, and measuring 8 ft. from front to back. A single float seems to harmonise with the general appearance of a monoplane a great deal better than a pair of pontoon-like floats such as most of the other constructors fit. In assembling this float to the fuselage the same system of flexible suspension is made use of that is employed on the standard land machine. It is the only hydroaeroplane shown at the Salon in which provision is made for the absorption of any shock that may be caused by landing suddenly upon the water. In addition to this, the construction of the Fabre float materially assists in deadening the shock. This, in fact, is M. Henri Fabre's chief claim for his floats, that they are flexible and give to a certain extent under the hammering influence of the waves. The bottom of his floats are covered with three-ply wood 5 mm. in thickness. There are no transverse struts to support this, except one at the leading edge, for, were they fitted, it would render the float too solid for M. Fabre's liking. The top of the float is covered in with strong fabric, tested to withstand a tension of 7,000 kilos, per square metre.
   As for the remainder of the machine, it is purely standard in every respect, and remains one of the most notable examples of monoplane construction existing. It is interesting to mention that the machine shown on this stand is the identical one with which Molla carried off the first speed prize at the Tamise hydro-aeroplane meeting in Belgium some time since. It is equipped with an 80-h.p. Gnome engine.