Jacques Gerin developed an aircraft with variable wingspan and wing area, the Varivol, during the 40’s. Wing trailing edges could be wound in and out by electric motor.
Full-scale tests in a wind tunnel at Chalais Meudon, were followed by flying tests in March 1936.
Pilot M. Demimuid was killed in a Varivol crash on November 29, 1936, but this was not attributable to variable-wing mechanism, which was intact.
Forgotten in a barn for 50 years, the craft was then restored by the Musée Régional de l’Air d’Angers.
All Aero 