The Paulhan triplane was entered by Louis Paulhan for the 1911 military aircraft competition [Concours Militaire d’Aviation]. This Concours was the chance to get orders from the French Army. As a result the competitors entered in great numbers. 41 Aeroplane constructors entered, with a total of 138 (!) aeroplanes which were powered by 24 different engine constructors.
The Paulhan design was a mix of aluminium used for the nacelle and wood for the wings. The wing construction was elaborate as a form of wing warping was used which resembled somewhat the Taube way of wing warping. All wing tips on the three wings could be bent down almost 90 degrees. Almost always wing warping weakened the wing structure because of the regular bending of the wood in flight, making extra inspections and replacements necessary.
The engine fitted is a Renault of 80 hp driving a four-bladed propeller of 3,5 meter diameter.
The Paulhan triplane did not win any orders.
Span: 45’3″
Length: 33’5″
Weight: 2300 lb
All Aero 