Flight, July 1928

THE PARIS AERO SHOW 1928

The Farman Machines

   Strictly speaking, only one of the two aeroplanes exhibited by the Farman Brothers is a complete machine, the large twin-engined biplane being shown with wing stumps only, the great span of the complete wing cellule taking up too much space for exhibition purposes. This machine, the type F. 180, is a very large biplane of the usual Farman mixed construction (wood and metal), and the main feature in its design is the central placing of the two engines in tandem in the top plane. The machine has been contemplated both as a carrier of great loads over stages of 500 kms. (300 miles) or so, and as an economical carrier of smaller loads over greater distances. Thus the commercial loads corresponding to stages of 500 kms. (310 miles), 1,000 kms. (620 miles), and 1,500 kms. (930 miles) are 2,500 kg., 2,000 kg., and 1,500 kg. (5,500 lbs., 4,400 lbs., and 3,300 lbs.), respectively.
   The monocoque construction of the fuselage gives a very clear and unobstructed interior, in which, when the machine is to be used for 500-km. stages, there are 22 seats. If to be used on a route with 1,000-km. stages, the cabin is furnished with 17 seats convertible into couches. Finally, for 1,500-km. stages, the cabin, is furnished with 12 berths in the manner of a sleeping car on a train. At the exhibition the various forms of equipment are shown in the one fuselage.
   The wing span of the Farman F. 180 is 26 m. (85 ft.), and the total wing area 172 m.2 (1,850 sq. ft). Fitted with two Farman 12 WE engines of 500 h.p. each, the tare weight of the machine is 4,500 kg. (9,900 lbs.). With a crew of two, wireless and other equipment, etc., this is increased by 200 kg. (440 lbs.). The total loaded weight is 8,000 kg. (17,600 lbs.), the fuel weight for the three lengths of stages being 800 kg. (1,760 lbs.), 1,300 kg. (2,860 lbs.), and 1,800 kg. (3,960 lbs.) respectively.
   The maximum speed is given as 190 km./hr. (118 m.p.h.), and the cruising speed as 170 km./hr. (106 m.p.h.). With full load, the ceiling is 4,000 m. (13,100 ft.), and it is stated that the machine will fly with one engine stopped, provided the loaded weight does not exceed 7,000 kg. (15,400 lbs).
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Flight, October 1928

Berlin Aero Show 1928

The Farman F.180

   In view of the fact that it was exhibited at the Paris Aero Show in July last, no lengthy description of the large Farman twin-engined machine is considered necessary here. As at Paris, only the fuselage with wing stumps and engines is shown in order to conserve stand space. One of our photographs shows the machine as exhibited. The two Farman engines are mounted in tandem above the fuselage, a location which precludes the employment of gravity feed to the carburettors.
   The Farman F.180 is conceived as a de luxe machine for the carrying of passengers in the greatest possible comfort over considerable distances. Perhaps by the time a France - South America service for passengers becomes possible the type may find practical application. At present it seems doubtful if such a machine could be made to pay.
   With a wing span of 26 m. (85 ft.) and a wing area of 172 sq. m. (1,850 sq. ft.), the Farman F.180 has a tare weight of 4,500 kg. (9,900 lbs.) and a total loaded weight of 8,000 kg. (17,600 lbs). The maximum speed is given as 190 kms. per hour (118 m.p.h.) and the cruising speed as 170 kms. per hour (106 m.p.h.). With full load the ceiling is 4,000 m. (13,100 ft), and it is claimed that provided the loaded weight does not exceed 7,000 kg. (15,400 lbs.) the machine will fly on one engine.