Antoinette VII

Antoinette · France · first flew 1909 · light aircraft

The Antoinette VII was one of the most advanced aeroplanes of the pioneering era, famously flown by Hubert Latham in two unsuccessful attempts to cross the English Channel in 1909, just days before Blériot succeeded. Its elegant tapered wing and powerful V-8 engine made it the most refined aircraft of its day.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	12.8 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Pioneer French monoplane of 1909 flown by Hubert Latham
Long tapered wings with warping lateral control
V-8 Antoinette engine driving a direct-drive propeller

An unmistakable pioneer monoplane with extremely long tapered wings, an open steel-tube fuselage, and the characteristic triangular tail surfaces — longer and more refined than Blériot's XI.

Specifications

The Antoinette VII has a length of 12.8 m (42 ft).
It has a wingspan of 13.7 m (45 ft).
Its maximum speed is 70 km/h (43 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed by Léon Levavasseur for the Antoinette company, the Monoplane VII competed in numerous early aviation meetings and was one of the fastest aircraft of 1909. Latham's two Channel attempts, both ending in the sea, brought it international fame.

Variants

The Antoinette IV preceded it; the VII incorporated refined wing warping and a more powerful engine installation.

Where you'll see it

Used in competitive flying and exhibition flights across Europe in 1909-1910; no military or commercial service followed.

Related aircraft

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