Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

Designed to have a short wing to facilitate stowage aboard aircraft carriers (of which France had none at this time), the NC.1080 was fitted with Pierre Lemoigne’s system of slotted flaps and no ailerons. It is seen here on its roll-out at the Aerocentre factory.

Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

Another view of the NC.1080 in its initial configuration, with the original long tailpipe and short fin. The Lemoigne flaps are seen here deployed, and, although the system facilitated the fitting of an excrescence-free wing, it was found to be useless.

Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

The NC.1080 at Melun-Villaroche having undergone several modifications, including the addition of rather brutal wingtip endplates (to palliate spanwise lift migration) and an extension to the fin. After Fernand Lasne’s short hop with the original configuration at Toussus-le-Noble in June 1949, it became evident that the type would need substantial modification.

Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

Fernand Lasne keeps a cool head in the cockpit of the NC.1080 during its maiden flight on July 29, 1949, despite the fact that he has no lateral control and no radio fitted with which to notify those on the ground. Lasne nevertheless managed to point the aircraft at the CEV airfield at Bretigny-sur-Orge 20km away and land safely.

Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

The NC.1080 in its final configuration at Melun-Villaroche in early 1950, fitted with an extended wing with ailerons (and sans endplates), tall fin, shorter tailpipe and "pig’s ears" on the tailplanes. The sole Nord 2200, parked alongside, is also visible.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Nord Nord 2200 - ФранцияFrance - 1949

Air Enthusiast 1971-07 / Fighter A to Z (2)

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

The NC 1080 with definitive tail

Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

The sole SNCAC NC. 1080, F-WFKZ, in its final configuration at Melun-Villaroche in early 1950, shortly before its demise in April that year. The French were nothing if not ambitious in terms of aeronautical technology in the immediate postwar period, which sadly led to an extremely high attrition rate for test pilots.

Авиация и Космонавтика 2001-07 / М.Никольский - Развитие авиации корабельного базирования после Второй мировой войны

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

NC-1080

Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

After Lasne’s terrifying first flight in the NC.1080, 50cm (20in)-wide ailerons were fitted to 1m (3ft 3in) wingtip extensions, the port aileron with trim tab being seen here at Bretigny-sur-Orge. The Lemoigne flaps remained as initially fitted.

Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

From left to right: pilot and Farman engineer Lucien Coupet; NC.1080 designer Charles Pillon and test pilot Fernand Lasne.

Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

Регистрационный номерRegistry number: F-WFKZ   [11]

The NC.1080 under construction at the SNCAC (Aerocentre) factory at Issy-les-Moulineaux, still fitted with the original trapezoidal canopy frame and flat-fronted windscreen. A more conventional rounded canopy was fitted, probably before the aircraft was partly dismantled and transported to Toussus-le-Noble.

Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

The original trapezoidal canopy frame and flat-fronted windscreen, detailed on the original illustration. A more conventional rounded canopy was fitted, probably before the aircraft was partly dismantled and transported to Toussus-le-Noble.

Air Enthusiast 1971-07 / Fighter A to Z (2)

The NC 1080 with definitive tail

Aviation Historian 38 / J.Mesnard - Trial & terror

SNCAC NC.1080 (FINAL ITERATION)