Gourdou-Leseurre Type A

Last updated
Type A, GL.1
RoleFighter
National originFrance
Manufacturer Gourdou-Leseurre
Designer Charles Gourdou and Jean Leseurre
First flightMarch 1918
Number built1

The Gourdou-Leseurre Type A, retrospectively named the GL.1, was a prototype fighter aircraft built in France in 1918. It was a conventional parasol-wing monoplane with fixed tailskid undercarriage, with main units connected by a cross-axle. The pilot sat in an open cockpit. Construction was of fabric-covered wood and steel. Initial flight testing revealed performance superior to most contemporary biplane fighters and led to an order of 100 aircraft being placed. However, further tests suggested that the aircraft structure could be considerably lightened, and that the wing needed to be stiffened, leading to a cancellation of the order.

Contents

Only a single prototype was built, but this led to the development of the successful Gourdou-Leseurre Type B.

Operators

Flag of France.svg  France

Specifications

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

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