Pierre Levasseur
Roussel R-30
The Roussel R‑30 was a French light utility aircraft produced in the early 1930s by the small aeronautical workshop of Pierre Levasseur, a pioneer known for his contributions to seaplane and trainer design. Conceived in 1931 as a response to the French Government’s call for a cheap, robust liaison and observation platform, the R‑30 first flew on 12 April 1933 from the Levasseur factory airfield at Billancourt. It featured an all‑metal, low‑wing monoplane layout with a fixed split‑type undercarriage that could be quickly swapped for floats, reflecting Levasseur’s expertise in amphibious aircraft. Powered by a 220 hp Renault 6Q inverted inline engine, the R‑30 achieved a maximum speed of 210 km/h, a service ceiling of 5,800 m and a range of 720 km, while accommodating a pilot and two observers in an enclosed cabin with optional radio equipment. Although only a handful of prototypes were built before the program was cancelled in 1935 due to budget cuts, the R‑30 demonstrated innovative structural techniques such as welded steel tube fuselage frames and interchangeable wing panels. Its legacy lies in influencing later French utility designs and showcasing Levasseur’s versatility beyond his well‑known bomber and seaplane lines.
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Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1939