Astra C

The Astra C was a 1912 French single engine biplane, manufactured by Société Astra at Villacoublay. In 1913, the Astra CM Hydro-avion three-seat floatplane version was used to make the world's first scheduled passenger-carrying flights.

Astra C
Astra CM Hydro-avion
General information
Type	Sports plane and observation aircraft
Manufacturer	Société Astra
History
First flight	1912

Design and development

The Astra C was initially designed as a single seat biplane, powered by a single 50 hp Renault engine in tractor configuration. It was constructed primarily as wooden framework sections, covered in canvas and wire-braced. The fuselage was of triangular cross section, with a wheeled main undercarriage plus nose skid and tail skid. The wings were of unequal span, and employed wing-warping for roll control.^[1]

The Astra CM was developed from the Astra C, with a more powerful engine and added accommodation for two observers, for military reconnaissance.^[1][2][3]

The Astra Hydro, (an Astra CM 'Hydro-avion' (seaplane)), was a further development in 1913, with a 75 kW (100 hp) Renault V-12 engine and 3 Tellier floats (2 main floats 4.5 m × 1.15 m (14.8 ft × 3.8 ft), and one small tail float). The wooden frame elements were largely replaced by steel tubes, and the wing ribs and floats were the principal remaining wooden components.^[4] at least two were built and an order for two from the Royal Navy (RN), serialled 106 and 107, was not completed.^[5]

Operational history

During the St. Malo races, 14-26 August 1912, the first CM Hydro was flown to first place by Labouret. The second CM Hydro, powered by a horizontally mounted 82 kW (110 hp) Salmson M.9 water-cooled radial engine, flew at Monaco but crashed.

On 22 March 1913, using at least one Astra CM Hydro-avion, French operator Compagnie générale transaérienne started the world's first scheduled passenger-carrying flights, operating from Cannes to Nice. Two passengers could be carried. On 29 March 1913, the service was extended to Monte Carlo.^[6][7]

Variants

Astra C

Civil version, with 50 hp Renault engine.^[8]

Astra CM

Military version, with 75 hp Renault or 75 hp Chenu engine.^[8]

Astra Hydro

Floatplane version of the Astra CM, with 100 hp Renault engine.^[8]

Operators

 France

• Compagnie générale transaérienne

 Greece

• Royal Hellenic Navy
  • Hellenic Naval Air Service

Specifications (Astra CM)

General characteristics

• Crew: one pilot
• Capacity: two observers
• Length: 10.97 m (36 ft 0 in)
• Wingspan: 12.32 m (40 ft 5 in)
• Wing area: 48.2 m² (519 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 673 kg (1,484 lb)
• Gross weight: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Renault , 63 kW (85 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 85 km/h (53 mph, 46 kn)