Gourdou-Leseurre Type A
Gourdou-Leseurre · France · first flew 1918 · fighter
The Gourdou-Leseurre Type A, retrospectively named the GL.1, was a prototype fighter built in France in 1918.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.6 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Parasol-wing monoplane fighter
- Fixed tailskid undercarriage with main units on a cross-axle
- Open cockpit with two forward-firing Vickers guns
A conventional parasol-wing monoplane of fabric-covered wood and steel, 6.6 m long with a 9 m span.
Specifications
- The Gourdou-Leseurre Type A has a length of 6.6 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 242 km/h (150 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It first flew in March 1918. Testing showed performance superior to most contemporary biplane fighters and an order for 100 was placed, but further tests suggested the structure could be lightened and the wing needed stiffening, so the order was cancelled.
Variants
Only a single prototype was built, but it led to the successful Gourdou-Leseurre Type B.
Where you'll see it
It was powered by a 180 hp Hispano-Suiza 8Ab and had a maximum speed of 242 km/h.
Related aircraft
- Gourdou-Leseurre GL.2
- Gourdou-Leseurre GL.30
- Gourdou-Leseurre GL-832 HY
- Adamoli-Cattani Fighter
- AEG DJ.I
- AEG J.II
- Albatros C.XIV
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 8,606 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.