Comte AC-4

The Comte AC‑4 was a light, single‑engine monoplane built in Switzerland during the early 1930s by the firm of Alfred Comte, a small aeronautical workshop that had previously produced sport and training aircraft. First flown in 1931, the AC‑4 was designed to replace the earlier AC‑1 and AC‑2 models with a more robust structure and improved handling. Its wooden frame was covered with fabric, and a 85 hp de‑rated Argus As 10 inline engine drove a two‑bladed propeller, giving the aircraft a maximum speed of about 170 km/h and a range of roughly 600 km. The cockpit accommodated two seats in tandem, allowing the plane to be used for pilot instruction, liaison duties, and modest passenger transport. One of the distinguishing features of the AC‑4 was its cantilever wing, which eliminated the need for external bracing and contributed to cleaner aerodynamics. Although only a handful were built, the aircraft demonstrated the capability of Swiss manufacturers to produce reliable, low‑cost aircraft for civil and military training purposes. The AC‑4’s modest success helped sustain Alfred Comte’s business during a difficult economic period and laid groundwork for later Swiss designs such as the Comte AC‑5 and AC‑8.