Esnault-Pelterie REP.2

Robert Esnault-Pelterie · France · first flew 1908 · light aircraft

The REP.2 was a pioneering French monoplane designed and built by Robert Esnault-Pelterie in 1908, notable for introducing the joystick control column to aviation. It was one of the first practical European monoplanes.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	6.85 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Pioneer French monoplane from 1908 with REP fan engine
Tractor monoplane with wire-braced wings and exposed engine
Early joystick-controlled aircraft — a pioneering control system

Slender tractor monoplane with wire-braced tapered wings, exposed REP fan engine at the nose, and open pilot's seat; resembles Blériot designs of the same era but with distinctive REP engine.

Specifications

The Esnault-Pelterie REP.2 has a length of 6.85 m (22 ft).
It has a wingspan of 8.6 m (28 ft).
Its maximum speed is 80 km/h (50 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

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

History

Robert Esnault-Pelterie (REP) built a series of monoplanes starting in 1907, developing his own fan-type engines and innovative control systems. The REP.2 of 1908 demonstrated sustained flight and incorporated a central control column that influenced subsequent aircraft design worldwide. REP's work paralleled but was independent of the Wright brothers and Blériot.

Variants

REP produced the REP.1 through REP.6 series of monoplanes; each represented incremental refinements in aerodynamics and engine power.

Where you'll see it

REP monoplanes were used for demonstration and competition flights; the type was not adopted for military or commercial service due to fragility and limited performance.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.