Farman Aviation Works
Farman F.400
The Farman F.400 was a light, high‑wing monoplane produced by Farman Aviation Works in the latter half of the 1920s, emerging from the successful F.300 series as a refined touring and liaison aircraft. First flying in 1926, the F.400 incorporated a more powerful 120 hp (89 kW) radial engine, typically a Salmson 9Ab, which gave it a respectable top speed of around 170 km/h (106 mph) and a range of 600 km. Its wooden frame was covered with fabric, while the enclosed cabin accommodated three occupants—pilot, passenger, and optional observer—offering greater comfort than earlier open‑cockpit designs. Fixed, split‑axle landing gear and a simple, robust control system made it well suited for training schools and remote‑area operations across France’s burgeoning civil aviation network.
Although only a modest production run was achieved, the F.400 demonstrated Farman’s ability to adapt military‑era engineering to civilian needs, helping to bridge the post‑World‑War I gap between wartime bombers and the interwar transport boom. Its reliability and ease of maintenance influenced later French light aircraft and contributed to the development of regional air services that laid the groundwork for the country’s extensive domestic airline system in the 1930s.
Although only a modest production run was achieved, the F.400 demonstrated Farman’s ability to adapt military‑era engineering to civilian needs, helping to bridge the post‑World‑War I gap between wartime bombers and the interwar transport boom. Its reliability and ease of maintenance influenced later French light aircraft and contributed to the development of regional air services that laid the groundwork for the country’s extensive domestic airline system in the 1930s.
