Farman Type III (1909)

The Farman brothers Henry and Maurice wanted to become part of the ever-increasing number of aviatiors and ordered a Voisin biplane. Gabriel Voisin, however, decided to sell the aircraft built for the Farmans to someone else. The brothers were very disappointed and decided then to construct their own aircraft based on the Voisin design. Their Type III can easily be termed one of the most successful prewar aircraft, being licence-produced by several companies and illegally copied by others. Gabriel Voisin probably did not intend it this way !

Farman Type III

One of the aircraft participating at the Flying Week of Sint-Job-in-'t-Goor of 1910 is seen here in its element.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)

Farman Type III

Roger Sommer, who was subsequently to built his own designs, became famous flying his Farman.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)

Farman Type III

Van den Born, a participator of the Meeting of Stockel/Brussels in July/August 1910 runs up his engine prior to take off.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)

Farman Type III

Henri Farman demonstrates his aircraft to a bewildered bunch of spectators. In 1910, aircraft were something most people had at best only heard of. Actually seeing one of those strange birds was definitely a great event !

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)

Farman Type III

One of the first Farmans of Belgium's fledgling air arm is seen in this nice period view. Of note are the free hanging ailerons, that were kept straight and level in flight by airflow alone.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)