Georges Abrial
Abrial A-12 Bagoas
The Abrial A-12 Bagoas was a French experimental sailplane designed and built in the early 1930s by the aeronautical engineer Georges Abrial. Intended to explore advanced aerodynamic concepts, the A‑12 featured a slender wooden fuselage, a high‑aspect‑ratio wing with an innovative elliptical planform, and a fully enclosed cockpit that reduced drag. Its wing employed a combination of stressed‑skin construction and fabric covering, allowing a light yet stiff structure that achieved a best glide ratio of around 28:1, remarkable for its era. First flown in 1934 at the Avian Club de France, the aircraft demonstrated superior performance in thermal soaring and was used by several French gliding clubs for competition training. Although only a single prototype was produced, the A‑12 Bagoas influenced later French designs such as the Abrial A‑13 and contributed to the understanding of laminar‑flow wing profiles. Its graceful handling and low stall speed made it a favorite among experienced pilots seeking long‑duration flights. The glider’s legacy lies in its role as a bridge between classic wooden sailplanes and the more aerodynamic, high‑performance models that emerged before World II, cementing Georges Abrial’s reputation as a pioneering designer.
