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Gates Learjet Corp / Swiss American Aviation / Learjet Inc

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Swiss American Aviation Corporation
Gates Learjet Corporation
Learjet Inc

William P. Lear founded the Swiss American Aviation Corporation in 1960 to build a twin-jet executive aircraft, originally designated SAAC-23. Tooling was completed in Europe but moved to Wichita, Kansas, in 1962, when the company became known as Lear Jet Corporation. By 1964 all work had been transferred to USA. In 1967, Bill Lear sold his 60 percent interest in the company to Gates Rubber Corporation, and in 1970 the name was changed to Gates Learjet Corporation. Became Learjet Inc. in 1987.
Lear Jet Inc becoming a division of Bombardier in 1990, offering the 11-seat light Learjet 31A (first flown May 1987), 11 -seat mid-size Learjet 45 (first flown October 1995), and 12-seat transcontinental Learjet 60 (first flown October 1990).

Gatard AG02 Stratoplan Poussin

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M. Albert Gatard’s Poussin (chick) has excellent aerobatic qualities with 20 seconds of inverted flying possible. Several are under construction around the world, including one in Zaire. The control system uses a unique, variable-incidence lifting tailplane of large area. The pilot lowers full-span slotted aileron/flaps and adjusts the tailplane to maintain pitching equilibrium. Aircraft is single-seat wooden low-winger, fixed gear.
Development continued into the 1970s.

Engine modified 24 hp VW, 1200cc.
Gross weight 617 lbs.
Empty weight 375 lbs.
Wingspan 21 ft.
Length 14 ft 10.5 in.
Wing area: 66 sq.ft.
Cruise speed 89 mph.
Climb rate 435 fpm.

Gatard

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M. Albert Gatard, 52 route de Jonzac, 17130-Montendre, France.
M. Albert Gatard designed and built several light monoplanes in mid-1950s with a new control system using a variable-incidence large-area tailplane. AG 01 Alouette was a two-seater, AG 02 Poussin a single-seater, and AG 03 Hirondelle two-seat side-by-side. Development of all three aircraft continued into the 1970s.

Gasnier 1908 Biplane

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The Gasnier Biplane of 1908 was the first pusher biplane designed and built by René Gasnier. Powered by a 50 hp Antoinette motor and featuring a distinctive front elevator that could also be tilted to work as a rudder. This machine was damaged on its first day of flight.

Rene Gasnier said, “We are like children compared with the Wrights”.