Farman Aviation Works
F.61 Goliath
The Farman F.61 Goliath was a pioneering French airliner that emerged from the post‑World War I surplus of military bombers. Designed by the Farman Aviation Works in 1918 and first flown in 1919, the Goliath was a twin‑engine biplane derived from the earlier Farman MF.7 bomber. Its wooden frame, fabric covering and a broad, rectangular fuselage could accommodate up to twelve passengers, a notable capacity for the era. Powered by two 260 hp Salmson Z9 radial engines mounted between the wings, the aircraft achieved a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and a range of roughly 500 km, allowing it to operate short‑haul routes between Paris, London and Brussels.
The Goliath entered commercial service with the French airline Compagnie Générale Aéropostale and later with the British airline Instone, becoming one of the world’s first purpose‑built passenger transports. Its success demonstrated that former military designs could be adapted safely for civilian use, influencing the development of dedicated airliners in the 1920s. Although quickly eclipsed by more powerful monoplanes, the Farman F.61 Goliath remains a milestone that helped establish regular scheduled airline operations in Europe.
The Goliath entered commercial service with the French airline Compagnie Générale Aéropostale and later with the British airline Instone, becoming one of the world’s first purpose‑built passenger transports. Its success demonstrated that former military designs could be adapted safely for civilian use, influencing the development of dedicated airliners in the 1920s. Although quickly eclipsed by more powerful monoplanes, the Farman F.61 Goliath remains a milestone that helped establish regular scheduled airline operations in Europe.