Farman Aviation Works
Farman F.40
The Farman F.40 was a French two‑seat biplane designed and built by Farman Aviation Works during World War I. First flown in 1915, it entered service in early 1916 as a reconnaissance and artillery‑observation aircraft for the Aéronautique Militaire. Its distinctive layout featured a pusher engine mounted behind the pilot and observer, a triplane‑style tailplane, and a large, deep fuselage that afforded excellent visibility. Powered typically by a 150‑hp Renault 12F or a 150‑hp Hispano‑Suiza V8, the F.40 could reach speeds of about 140 km/h and carried a modest payload of a machine gun for defensive fire and a light camera for photographic missions. Over 1,700 examples were produced, and the type served on several fronts, including the Western Front, the Balkans and the Middle East. After the war the aircraft enjoyed a long civil career as a mail carrier and trainer, influencing post‑war biplane designs. Its successful combination of stability, simplicity, and adaptable payload made the Farman F.40 a key step in the evolution of dedicated reconnaissance aircraft, cementing Farman Aviation Works’ reputation as a pioneering French aeronautical firm.
Classification
Production & History
- Service Entry
- 1915