Hi all,
I think it would be useful to have a list of reference books sorted by country and manufacturer, covering the production and projects of a single country or a single manufacturer, and a few other thematic books with a well-defined scope. I know of two such lists already existing: this one at Aeroflight and this other at Keypublishing's forum. They are nice starting points but do not seem to be maintained on a regular basis. I'm sure that this forum would be a great place to build a good reference.
I'd like to start with French companies, which are rather poorly represented in the above lists. For some minor companies on which no book exist, I included magazine articles with good exhaustive coverage. Additions and comments are welcome, and I'd be happy to get feedback on some of the books listed.
List of similar threads for other countries:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,22054.0.html
General books on French aircraft, by period
Books on French aircraft manufacturers
Biographies of aircraft pioneers are normally not included here, though some may include technical details of their aircraft production.
Books on a class of French aircraft, by theme
Books listed here should have near exhaustive coverage of a given theme.
Civilian aircraft:
Note that some of the books about aircraft manufacturers listed above actually cover a single aircraft family (e.g. Leduc or Snecma VTOL).
1918-1930 period:
Books on French prototypes and flight tests
These books are about prototype development and flight testing. They may not describe unbuilt projects, but should be of interest to the forum members.
Books on French aircraft engines and accessories, by period or manufacturer
I think it would be useful to have a list of reference books sorted by country and manufacturer, covering the production and projects of a single country or a single manufacturer, and a few other thematic books with a well-defined scope. I know of two such lists already existing: this one at Aeroflight and this other at Keypublishing's forum. They are nice starting points but do not seem to be maintained on a regular basis. I'm sure that this forum would be a great place to build a good reference.
I'd like to start with French companies, which are rather poorly represented in the above lists. For some minor companies on which no book exist, I included magazine articles with good exhaustive coverage. Additions and comments are welcome, and I'd be happy to get feedback on some of the books listed.
List of similar threads for other countries:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,22054.0.html
General books on French aircraft, by period
- before 1914 French aeroplanes before the Great War, by Leonard Opdycke, Schiffer, 1999, ISBN 0764307525
Not seen, read mixed reviews, including one very bad review in Le Fana. - 1914-1918 French Aircraft of the First World War, by James Davilla & Arthur Soltan, Flying Machines Press, first edition in 1997, ISBN 0963711040, second edition in 2002, ISBN 1891268090
Not seen, read mixed reviews. - 1919-1945 "Les constructeurs français 1919-1945", series of articles by Charles Claveau in Le Trait d'Union, started in no.126 with some gaps, companies are treated in alphabetical order, now at letter O, see Le Trait d'Union website
Excellent, it would be great if the series was published as a book one day. - 1890-1967 Répertoire des aéronefs de construction française pour la période de 1890 à 1967, by André Achard & Jack Tribot-Laspierre, Centre de Documentation de l'Armement, special issue of Doc Air Espace, May 1968
Mentioned at Aeroflight, never seen, extremely hard to find outside a few libraries, not sure if really interesting, information welcome. - 1907-1932 Vingt-cinq ans d'aéronautique française 1907-1932, two volumes, Chambre Syndicale des Industries Aéronautiques, 1934
Contains a wealth of information, review below by Memaerobilia:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,19300.msg215466.html#msg215466 - 1932-1947 Quinze ans d'aéronautique française 1932-1947, Union Syndicale des Industries Aéronautiques, 1949
Published as a follow-up to the previous book, but this one apparently gives a broader picture of technical evolution, and seems less specific on aircraft models and events. - 1907-1982 L'industrie aéronautique et spatiale française 1907-1982, three extremely heavy volumes, edited by Jean Soissons, GIFAS, 1984, ISBN 2905376007
- tome 1: 1907-1947 Anthologie des deux ouvrages de 1934 et 1949
A partial reedition of the two above books dated 1934 and 1949.
However the selection of subjects included or discarded in the new edition is sometimes frustrating. - tome 2: 1947-1982 Les structures
A very technical description of the industrial centres and processes, with chapters on aircraft equipment, materials, aerodynamic studies, etc.
Probably less interesting to forum members than volume 3. - tome 3: 1947-1982 Programmes et atériels, France-Empire, 1984
A general perspective on the main aircraft, engine and equipment programs, more interesting than volume 2.
- tome 1: 1907-1947 Anthologie des deux ouvrages de 1934 et 1949
- 1940-1980 Histoire de l'aéronautique française, by Jacques Noetinger, France-Empire
- vol.1: L'épopée 1940-1960, France-Empire, 1978
Day by day history of French aviation, with stories and testimonies.
Does not contain a description of aircraft models, but has a wealth of information written in a lively style. - vol.2: Hommes et événements 1940-1980, France-Empire, 1983
- vol.3: L'essor 1960-1980, France-Empire, 1984
- supplemental volume: Annexe, photos avions, corrections 1940-1980, France-Empire
- vol.1: L'épopée 1940-1960, France-Empire, 1978
- 1944-1964 Les avions français de 1944 à 1964, by Pierre Gaillard, EPA, 1990, ISBN 2851203509
Exhaustive coverage of aircraft actually built, no projects, no three views, not deep on each model but good general reference. - 1965-1990 Les avions français de 1965 à 1990, by Pierre Gaillard, EPA, 1995, ISBN 2851203924
Same as companion volume above, contains addenda on the 1944-1964 period.
Books on French aircraft manufacturers
Biographies of aircraft pioneers are normally not included here, though some may include technical details of their aircraft production.
- Aéronautique Bordelaise see Dyle-et-Bacalan
- Aerospatiale Aerospatiale, by Gérard Maoui, Le Cherche-Midi, two editions, 1989 and 1994, ISBN 2862741507 and 2862743534
Not seen, apparently a coffee-table book, probably not interesting. - Amiot L'aventure Amiot-CMN – Des hommes, le ciel et la mer, by Frédéric Patard, Éd. des Champs, 1998, ISBN 2910138097
Not seen, also covers boats and other industrial activities, not sure if interesting, information welcome. - Antoinette see Levavasseur
- Aviméta see Schneider
- Bernard Les avions Bernard, by Jean Liron, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.31, 1990, ISBN 2848900652
Excellent, contains projects and some drawings. - Blanchard see Blériot
- Blériot L'envol du XXème siècle – Blériot, SPAD, Blanchard, Guillemin, by Louis Blériot, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.63, 2010, ISBN 284890156X
Excellent, describes aircraft by Blériot and SPAD, with small sections on Blanchard and Guillemin.
Contains projects and small drawings, but missing scale drawings for most of the built aircraft.
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,8606.0.html - Blériot Blériot – L'envol du XXème siècle, by Louis Blériot, Maeght, 1994, ISBN 2869411065
First edition of the above, hard to find.
According to the review at Aerostories, it contains a section on Lignel, Maillet and Peyret that was removed from the later edition. - Boisavia (single engine) "Boisavia – Les petites vendanges de Lucien Tielès", article by Pierre Gaillard in Le Fana no.367, 2000
Good introduction, no drawings. - Boisavia (twin engine) "Des vignes au Seigneur – Les bimoteurs de Lucien Tielès", two-part article by Pierre Gaillard in Le Fana no.392 and 393, 2002
Good introduction, small drawings and projects, also covers twin-engine SIPA and Moynet aicraft designed by Lucien Tielès. - Breguet (1919-1945) Les avions Louis Breguet (1919-1945), by Charles Claveau, Le Trait d'Union no.172, 1997, no ISBN
Magazine issue fully devoted to Breguet, in the series on "Les constructeurs français 1919-1945", contains projects and drawings. - Breguet (after 1940) Les avions Breguet (1940-1971), by Jean Cuny & Pierre Leyvastre, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.6, 1977, no ISBN
Great, contains many projects and drawings. - Breguet Breguet – un siècle d'aviation, by Emmanuel Breguet, Privat, 2012, ISBN 2708992325
Not seen, reportedly not very interesting.
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,14600.0.html - Bugatti The Bugatti 100P record plane, by Jaap Horst, Violaero, 2013, ISBN 9789086161232
Not seen, also covers De Monge aircraft and projects.
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,19511.0
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,10809.msg188414.html#msg188414 - CAB see Gardan
- CAMS "Les hydravions CAMS", multi-part article by Jean Liron in Le Fana, from no.214 to 222, addenda by Pierre Cortet in no.231, 1987-89
Very good first approach, mentions some projects. - Cantinieau "Les hélicoptères Cantinieau – De l'obstination et des principes", article by Jacques Moulin in Le Fana no.388, 2002
Good first approach, includes projects and models built by Matra, Aerotécnica (Spanish) and SNCAN, no drawing. - CAPRA see Matra
- Castel-Mauboussin Planeurs et avions – Itinéraire aéronautique d'un toulousain, Robert Castello, de 1922 à 1967 de Dewoitine à Sud Aviation en passant par les Éts Fouga, by Christian Castello, Le Lézard, 1993, ISBN 2907384910
Very good, contains projects and drawings. - Caudron Les avions Caudron, two volumes, by André Hauet, Lela Presse:
- volume 1 (before 1932), coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.11, 2001, ISBN 2914017081
- volume 2 (after 1932), coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.12, 2002, ISBN 291401709X
The second volume is not as good as the book by Mihaly & Robinson, but has beautiful large pictures. - Caudron (after 1933) Les avions Caudron Renault, by Édouard Mihaly & Harry Robinson, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.43, 1999, ISBN 2914017081
Great, contains projects and drawings, very brief section on Renault engines. - Caudron Series of four booklets by Jacques Osorio, L'oeil nu, 1999:
- before 1914 Aéroplanes Caudron Frères : les premiers avions, coll. Dossier Aviation no.1, ISBN 2914017081
- 1914-1918 Les Caudron de la guerre 14-18, coll. Dossier Aviation no.2, ISBN 2951256329
- 1918-1933 Une nouvelle génération d'avions Caudron, coll. Dossier Aviation no.3, ISBN 2951256337
- after 1933 Avions Caudron, les flèches bleues, coll. Dossier Aviation no.4, ISBN 2951256345
- Clément-Bayard Clément-Bayard – Pionnier industriel, by Gérard Hartmann, ETAI, 2006
Not seen, review at Aerostories, also covers cars and other industrial activities. - Couzinet (civilian) Les avions Couzinet, by Claude Faix, Icare no.198, 2006
Magazine issue almost fully devoted to Couzinet, contains projects and drawings of the civilian models. - Couzinet (military) "L'Air Couzinet 20 B4 et dérivés", article by Claude Faix in Le Trait d'Union no.148, 1993
Contains projects and drawings of Couzinet military models, good complement to the Icare issue. - Dassault Dassault 1945-1995 – 50 ans d'aventures aéronautiques, vol.1 : L'entreprise, vol.2 : Les programmes, by Claude Carlier & Luc Berger, Le Chêne, 1996, ISBN 2842770099
English translation: Dassault 1945-1995 – 50 Years of Aeronautical Adventures, vol.1 The Corporation, vol.2 The Programmes, Midland, 1996, ISBN 2842770188 and 2842770196
Not seen, reportedly good but not very deep, contains projects.
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1514.0.html
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,3154.0.html - Delanne "Delanne : une certaine formule", multi-part article by Jean Liron, Jean Molveau, Jean Cuny & Jacques Borget in Le Fana no.229 to 231, 1988-89
Very good first approach, mentions projects. - De Monge see Bugatti
- Dewoitine Les avions Dewoitine, by Raymond Danel & Jean Cuny, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.17, 1982, no ISBN
Great, contains many projects and drawings. - Dorand René Dorand – 50 ans de giraviation, by Pierre Boyer, Le Trait d'Union special issue, 1992, no ISBN
Very good, contains many projects and drawings, also briefly covers the aircraft by Émile Dorand. - Dyle-et-Bacalan L'aéronautique à Bacalan, by Jean Lacroze, Le Trait d'Union special issue, 2002, no ISBN
Special issue fully devoted to Bacalan factories, very good coverage of Dyle-et-Bacalan and Aéronautique Bordelaise, some on SEMA, contains projects and drawings. - Farman Les avions Farman, by Jean Liron, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.21, 1984, no ISBN
Very good, mentions a few projects, no drawings. - Fournier Mon rêve et mes combats, by René Fournier, SIER, 2005, ISBN 2951945809
Not seen in detail, seems interesting and contains drawings. - Fouga see Castel-Mauboussin
- Gardan "Yves Gardan ou... survol de 50 ans d'aviation légère en France", two-part article by Pierre Gaillard in Le Fana no.331-332, 1997
Good first approach, no drawings. - Gourdou-Leseurre Les avionneurs Charles Gourdou & Jean Leseurre, by Pierre Gaillard, Icare no.230, 2014, no ISBN
Magazine issue fully devoted to Gourdou-Leseurre, from original research by Jean Liron, expanded and reworked by Pierre Gaillard.
Good information but it lacks pictures for some models. There are a few drawings of unbuilt projects of the late Gourdou period.
Favourable review at Aerostories. - Guillemin see Blériot
- Hurel-Dubois Les avions Hurel Dubois – Réalisations et projets, by Sylvain Marseau, Le Trait d'Union no.151, 1993, no ISBN
Excellent magazine issue, fully devoted to Hurel-Dubois, contains projects and drawings. - Hurel-Dubois Les avions Hurel Dubois 1947-1997 – Chroniques d'un cinquantenaire, by Claude Kilian, Comité d'Entreprise Hurel-Dubois, 1997, ISBN 2950803423
Not seen, information welcome. - Jodel Avions Jodel, du D.1 de 1936 au DR.400 de 1996, by Xavier Massé, Nouvelles Éditions Latines, 1996, ISBN 2723305201
Not seen, reportedly good. - Latécoère Latécoère – Les avions et hydravions, by Jean Cuny, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.34, 1992, ISBN 2907051016
Excellent, contains many projects, but the drawings are too small. - Leduc René Leduc – Pionnier de la propulsion à réaction, by Jean Lacroze & Philippe Ricco, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.41, 2001, ISBN 2907051253
Great, contains projects and drawings, brief mention of the aircraft by the other René Leduc.
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,11775.0.html - René Leduc Vers les champs bleus du ciel, by René Leduc, Pays de Retz, 1986, ISBN 2903049026
This is an interesting autobiography by René Leduc, not the one associated to ramjets, but the small aircraft constructor based in Nantes. Does not contain technical details, but includes drawings of the main aircraft and of the RL.20 unbuilt project. - Levasseur Les avions de Pierre Levasseur, by Michel Ledet & Lucien Morareau, Lela Presse, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.16, 2004, ISBN 2914017170
Excellent, gives a technical description and operational history for all built aircraft, including Lévy-Biche aircraft built by Levasseur, contains a few unbuilt projects.
There is a separate file with drawings, mostly in 1/48 scale. - Levasseur Pierre Levasseur et ses avions, by Arnaud Prudhomme, TMA, 2003, ISBN unknown
Not seen, the review at Aerostories says that it delves more into biographical and industrial aspects, more information welcome. - Levavasseur Léon Levavasseur 1863-1922 – Le père de l'Antoinette, moteur et aéroplane, by Philippe Busch, L'officine, 2014, ISBN 9782355512087
Not seen, not sure of the relative weight of biographical and technical aspects. - Lévy-Biche see Levasseur
- Lioré-et-Olivier Lioré-et-Olivier – Un grand constructeur aéronautique, by Gérard Hartmann, ETAI, 2002, ISBN 2726886078
Quite good but the pictures and drawings are generally too small ; contains some unbuilt projects. The book contains a number of digressions about the broader context, which are not always useful. - Lignel see Blériot and SFCA
- Loire (some) see Nieuport
- Maillet see Blériot and SFCA
- Matra "Matra avant les missiles – Les avions de Roger Robert", article by Jacques Moulin in Le Fana no.402, 2003
Very good study, contains CAPRA and Matra projects, with drawings and CG artwork. - Mauboussin see Castel-Mauboussin
- Max Holste Les avions de Max Holste, by Jacques Delarue, Le Trait d'Union special issue, 1993, no ISBN
Great, contains projects and drawings, hard to find. The author Jacques Delarue was one of Max Holste's closest associates. - Messier "L'avion Messier", article by Philippe Ricco in Aviation Française Magazine no.6, 2005
Very good, with small drawings of unbuilt projects, mainly missing a three-view of the built aircraft. - Michelin Michelin et l'aviation 1896-1945 – Patriotisme industriel et innovation, by Antoine Champeaux, Lavauzelle, 2006, ISBN 2702513018
Not seen, review here at Aerostories, not clear if it has technical details, information welcome. - Mignet Henri Mignet and his Flying Fleas, by Ken Ellis & Geoff Jones, Foulis, 1990, ISBN 0854297650
Not seen. - Mignet Flying Flea – Henri Mignet's Pou-du-Ciel, by Arthur Ord-Hume, Stenlake, 2011, ISBN 1840335548
Not seen. - Moineau René Moineau 1887-1948 – Aviateur et inventeur, by Jean-Louis Moineau, L'officine, 2006, ISBN 2915680590
Not seen, probably mostly a biography. - Morane-Saulnier Morane-Saulnier – Ses avions, ses projets, by Henri Lacaze & Claude Lherbet, Lela Presse, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.30, 2013, ISBN 2914017707
Not seen, seems great:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,18645.0.html - Morane-Saulnier Les princes du parasol – Morane-Saulnier 1910-1918, by Vital Ferry, Icare no.216, 2011, no ISBN
Not seen, but see companion volume below. - Morane-Saulnier Les rois du parasol – Morane-Saulnier 1918-1968, by Vital Ferry, Icare no.217, 2011, no ISBN
Chronological presentation, many pictures, but no project and almost no drawing. - Morane-Saulnier 90 ans de succès, de Morane-Saulnier à EADS Socata, by Philippe de Segovia & Alexandre Paringaux, Zéphyr, 2001, ISBN 2951048564
Not seen, perhaps not very interesting:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,904.0.html - Moynet "Des vignes au Seigneur – Les bimoteurs de Lucien Tielès", two-part article by Pierre Gaillard in Le Fana no.392 and 393, 2002
Good introduction, small drawings and projects, also covers twin-engine Boisavia and SIPA aicraft designed by Lucien Tielès. - Mudry Avions Mudry, du CP.100 de 1966 au CAP 232 de 1998, by Xavier Massé, Nouvelles Éditions Latines, 1999, ISBN 2723320073
Not seen, reportedly good. - Mulot "André Mulot ou les aventures d'un Français en Belgique", by Jacques Chillon & Guy Roberty, in Trait d'Union no.235
Not seen. Mulot was active in Belgium before WW2, and in France in the 1940s. - Nieuport Nieuport 1909-1950, by Léonard Rosenthal, Alain Marchand, Michel Borget & Michel Bénichou, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.38, 2000, ISBN 2848900717
Excellent, contains many projects, but the drawings are too small. Covers Loire-Nieuport, SNCAO, SNCASO and SNCAC projects from the former Nieuport design study. - Nieuport (early) Les frères Nieuport et leurs avions, by Gérard Pommier & Bertrand Pommier, L'officine, 2004, ISBN 291461456X
Not seen, good review at Aerostories. I'm not sure of the relative weight of biographical and technical aspects. - Nieuport (early) Nieuport 1875-1911 – A Biography of Edouard Nieuport, by Gérard Pommier, Schiffer, 2004, ISBN 0764316249
Not seen, perhaps a translation of the above book. - Peyret see Blériot and Castel-Mauboussin
- Payen Several articles complementing or repeating each other:
- "Roland Payen", multi-part article by Alain-Yves Berger in Pilote Privé no.83-85, 87-89, 120-124 and 131
- "La Coupe Deutsch", multi-part article by Roland Payen himself in Pilote Privé no.40-42, 44-45, 47, 49, 51, 54, 56, 60, 62-63, 68-69, 82, 86, interlinked with the above, contains first-hand info on Payen racer projects
- "Les avions Payen", three-part article by Robert Roux in Le Fana no.5 to 7, 1969, with a few projects and drawings
- "Payen : un rêve de vitesse" in le Fana no.266, and "Le Payen Pa.49 Katy" in Le Fana no.274, both by Francis Nicole, 1991-92, mentions most Payen projects, has drawings of built aircraft
- "Études et réalisations de Nicolas Roland Payen", article by Pierre Gaillard in Le Trait d'Union no.159, contains drawings and a near complete list of all Payen projects
- "Monsieur Payen's Flying Follies", three-part article by Ferdinand Käsmann in Bent Throttles no.39 to 41, also in Fast Facts no.65 to 67, contains projects and drawings
- "Paper Darts to Deltas – The Designs of Roland Payen", article by Alain Pelletier in Air Enthusiast no.68, 1997
- Piel Avions Piel, du CP.10 de 1944 au CP.150 de 1983, by Xavier Massé, Nouvelles Éditions Latines, 2004, ISBN 2723320405
Not seen, reportedly good. - Piel Claude Piel – Histoire de pierres précieuses, by Patrick Ehrhardt & Jean Molveau, Le Trait d'Union special issue, 1985, no ISBN
Not seen, probably good. - Potez Les avions Potez, by Jean-Louis Coroller & Michel Ledet, Lela Presse, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.20, 2008, ISBN 2914017499
Great, contains projects and drawings, brief section on Potez engines. - Potez See also the Bulletins Techniques Potez, described by Cy-27 below
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,19300.msg186916.html#msg186916 - Potez (ex-Fouga) see also Castel-Mauboussin
- Pottier Jean Pottier créateur d'aéronefs – Du P.10 de 1968 au PL.360 de 2003, by André Bréand, Volez Éditions, 2013, ISBN 9782917396292
Not seen in detail, favourable review at Aerostories, contains drawings and unbuilt projects. - Robin Avions Robin, du Jodel-Robin de 1957 au DR.500 de 2000, by Xavier Massé, Nouvelles Éditions Latines, 2004, ISBN 2723320235
Not seen, reportedly good. - Robin La saga Robin de 1957 à nos jours, by François Besse, self-published, 2012, ISBN 2723320235
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Romano Du ciel à l'espace, 80 ans de passion – Site de Cannes 1919-1999, de Romano à Alcatel, collective work, Version Latine, 1999, ISBN unknown
Not seen, this is actually a story of the Cannes factory, perhaps not really interesting, information welcome. - Rougé Les élytroplans de Charles de Rougé – Des aéronefs extraordinaires, by Jean-Marc Truchet, La Plume du temps / Histoire, 2007, ISBN 2913788661
Not seen. - SCAN "Histoire de la SCAN", by Patrick Vinot-Préfontaine, articles in Le Trait d'Union:
- issue no.123, 1989, fully devoted to SCAN, excellent, mentions projects and has drawings of actually built aircraft
- part 2 "Les projets d'hydravions" in issue no.205, 2002, mentions more projects, with many drawings of unbuilt seaplanes
- part 3 "Les projets dérivés du SCAN 20" in issue no.212, 2003, not seen
- SCAN Mémoires de la SCAN, collective work, Paroles de Rochelais, two volumes:
- 1ère partie: Les hydravions de Port-Neuf, 2002, laser reprint in 2010
- 2ème partie: Une aventure industrielle hors du commun, 2009
The second volume is about the period 1949-1979, when the company was making prefabricating buildings, and I don't know if it has any aeronautical contents. - Schneider (military) "Quand le groupe Schneider faisait de l'aviation de guerre", article by Jean Liron, Michel Borget & Michel Bénichou in Le Fana no.363, 2000
Very good first approach, covers military Schneider and Aviméta, no civilian aircraft, no projects. - Schreck-FBA Le grand essor de l'hydraviation (1913-1934), by Gérard Hartmann, L'officine, 2010, ISBN 2355511179
Not seen, mixed review at Aerostories. - SEMA see Dyle-et-Bacalan
- SFAN "SFAN ou l'ULM avant l'heure", article by Christian Ravel in Le Fana no.426, 2005
Very good first approach, no drawings. - SFCA Maillet Lignel "La SFCA – Avions Maillet-Taupin-Lignel", multi-part article by Jean Liron in Aviation Magazine International no.817-828, 1982
Very good first approach, small drawings. - SIPA (designed by Yves Gardan) see Gardan
- SIPA (designed by Lucien Tielès) see Boisavia (twin engine)
- SNCAC (ex-Nieuport) see Nieuport
- SNCAC (helicopters) see Dorand
- SNCAO (ex-Nieuport) see Nieuport
- SNCASO SNCASO 1936-1957, by Florence Rimbert, Patrimoine EADS, 2002, ISBN unknown
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories, probably does not go into technical details, more information welcome. - SNCASO (very few, ex-Nieuport) see also Nieuport
- Snecma (VTOL) La SNECMA, von Zborowski et le Coléoptère, by Jean-Christophe Carbonel, Artipresse, 2011, ISBN 2915205124
Not seen in detail, seems great:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,10882.0.html - Socata see Morane-Saulnier
- Société Française du Gyroplane see Dorand
- SPAD see Blériot
- SPCA "Les SPCA", multi-part article by Jean Liron, in Le Fana no.235 to 241, 1988-89
Very good, with drawings, mentions some projects. - Zborowski see Snecma
Books on a class of French aircraft, by theme
Books listed here should have near exhaustive coverage of a given theme.
Civilian aircraft:
- Transport aircraft Les avions de transport civil français, by Pierre Gaillard, Larivière, coll. Minidocavia no.3, 1997, ISBN 2355511179
Exhaustive listing of commercial aircraft that actually entered service, very shallow treatment with one picture per aircraft and a short text, no drawing, no unbuilt projects. - Transport aircraft Les prototypes de transport civils français, by Alain Pelletier, Larivière, coll. Minidocavia no.8, 1998, ISBN 2355511179
Similar to the above, on commercial aircraft that did not enter service. - Transport aircraft (after 1945) French Post-War Transport Aircraft, by Jacques Chillon, Jean-Pierre Dubois & John Wegg, Air Britain, 1980, ISBN 2355511179
favourable review by Cy-27 below, seems excellent
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,19300.msg186862.html#msg186862 - Long-range commercial flying boats Les paquebots volants – Les hydravions transocéaniques français, by Gérard Bousquet, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.60, 2006, ISBN 2914205007
Excellent, one chapter on each of the transatlantic flying boats (and the Laté 28.3 seaplane), contains drawings. Some unbuilt projects are described in the introductory chapters.
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,254.msg9376.html#msg9376 - Distance record and raid aircraft (1919-1939) Records français de distance (1919-1939), by Jean Liron, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.9, 2006, ISBN 2914205007
Very good, not much technical detail and no unbuilt project, but exhaustive coverage of this type of aircraft in a single book. - Light aircraft (1918-1942) L'aviation légère en France 1918-1942, by Roger Gaborieau, Espace Air Passion / Bleu Ciel Diffusion, 2014, ISBN 9782918015178
Seems very interesting, available at http://www.aviation-legere.fr
- Fighters (1918-1940) L'aviation de chasse française 1918-1940, by Jean Cuny & Raymond Danel, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.2, 1974
Very detailed treatment of the production orders and operational organization, shows many aircraft models but does not give a detailed treatment ordered by type. - Bombers and reconnaissance aircraft (1918-1940) L'aviation française de bombardement et de renseignement (1918/1940), by Raymond Danel & Jean Cuny, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.12, 1980
A follow-up to the above book, the same comments apply. - Naval aircraft (1910-1942) Les aéronefs de l’Aviation maritime (1910-1942), by Lucien Morareau, Ardhan, book no.14, 2002, ISBN 2913344046
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Military seaplanes and flying boats (active in 1940) Les ailes françaises, multi-part publication edited by José Fernandez, Artipresse, starting in 2010:
- volume 1, Les hydravions à coque, 1ère partie, by Gérard Bousquet
- volume 2, Les hydravions à coque, 2ème partie, by Gérard Bousquet
- volume 3, Les hydravions à flotteurs, 1ère partie, by Gérard Bousquet
- Military flying boats (active in 1940) French Flying Boats of WWII, by Gérard Bousquet, MMP, 2013
This is mostly a translation of the first two volumes of the above series, but it seems to contain a few additional pictures and colour profiles. - Combat aircraft (1944-1960) Les avions de combat Français 1944-1960, by Jean Cuny, Larivière:
- volume 1, Chasse, assaut, coll. Docavia no.28, 1988, ISBN unknown
- volume 2, Chasse lourde, bombardement, assaut, exploration, coll. Docavia no.30, 1989, ISBN 2848900644
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5866.0 - Multi-engined non-combat military aircraft Les multimoteurs de servitudes français, by Pierre Gaillard, Larivière, coll. Minidocavia no.14, 2002, ISBN 2914205805
Similar to other Minidocavia titles, brief coverage of a variety of aircraft, including military transport or training aircraft.
- Helicopters (1907-1956) L'histoire de l'hélicoptère racontée par ses pionniers 1907-1956, by Jean Boulet, France-Empire, 1st edition in 1982, no ISBN, 2nd edition in 1991, ISBN 2704806764
Great history of early helicopters from all over the world, probably the best single reference on early French attempts. - Helicopters Les hélicoptères français, by Philippe Boulay, Larivière, coll. Minidocavia no.9, 1998, ISBN 2907051172
Exhaustive but shallow, similar to other Minidocavia titles. - Gliders Histoire du vol à voile français, by Réginald Jouhaud & Anne Jouhaud, Cépaduès, 1992, ISBN 2854282744
Not seen, a general history of French gliding, received good reviews.
Note that some of the books about aircraft manufacturers listed above actually cover a single aircraft family (e.g. Leduc or Snecma VTOL).
1918-1930 period:
- Nieuport 29 Nieuport 29, by Gregory Alegi, Windsock Datafile no.97, 2003, ISBN 1902207521
Not seen, softcover book. - Nieuport 29 and 62 series Nieuport-Delage Ni-D.29 & Ni-D.62 family, by José Fernandez, MMP Stratus, French Wings no.2, 2011, ISBN 9788361421214
This softcover book is mainly devoted to the operational career in France and other countries. The development of the two families is lightly treated, notably the racers and other derivatives are not included. Contains three-view colour drawings in many operational schemes, but no line drawings. This book complements the Nieuport book by Rosenthal et al. if you are interested in operational aspects. - Potez 25 Le Potez 25, various authors, Lela Presse, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.1, 1996, ISBN 2950948502
Not seen, probably excellent.
- Amiot 143 and relatives L'Amiot 143 – De l'Amiot 140 à l'Amiot 150, by Jérôme Ribeiro & Michel Ledet, Lela Presse, coll. Profils Avions no.18, 2013, ISBN 2914017758
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Amiot 350 see LeO 45
- Bloch 152 and relatives Le Bloch MB-152, by Serge Joanne, Lela Presse, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.13, 2003, ISBN 291401712X
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Bloch 174 and relatives Le Bloch 174 et ses dérivés, by Jacques Moulin, Lela Presse, coll. Profils Avions no.11, 2006, ISBN 2914017340
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Breguet 27, Potez 39, Mureaux 115/117 Breguet 27, Potez 39, Mureaux 115/117, by José Fernandez, MMP Stratus, French Wings no.3, 2013, ISBN 9788361421771
Not seen, softcover book in the same series as that on the NiD.29 & NiD.62 described above. - Caudron fighters Les chasseurs Caudron – CR.714 et dérivés, by Matthieu Comas & Michel Ledet, Avions special issue no.11, 2002, ISBN 2914017111
Very good, a bit heavy on combat logs, mentions a few projects. - Dewoitine D.520 and derivatives Le Dewoitine D.520, by Raymond Danel & Jean Cuny, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.4, 1975, no ISBN
Great, covers the D.520 and derivatives from the first prototype to the Spanish D.600, contains projects and drawings, many details of technical development besides the operational aspects. - Latécoère 290 & 298 Latécoère 290 & 298, by José Fernandez, MMP Stratus, French Wings no.2, 2011, ISBN 9788361421214
Not seen, softcover book in the same series as that on the NiD.29 & NiD.62 described below. - Latécoère 298 Le Latécoère 298, by Lucien Morareau & Michel Ledet, Lela Presse, coll. Profils Avions no.2, 2000, ISBN 2914017014
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - LeO C.30 autogyro Les autogires LeO C.30 & C.301, by Jacques Moulin, Lela Presse, coll. Profils Avions no.5, 2003, ISBN 2914017154
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - LeO 45, Amiot 350 and other medium bombers LeO 45, Amiot 350 et autres B4, by Jean Cuny & Raymond Danel, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.23, 1986, ISBN 2907051172
Great, not only covers the two main families but all their failed competitors too, similar in spirit to the book on the D.520, contains projects and drawings. - Loire 43/45/46 Loire 43, 45 & 46, by Jacques Moulin, Avia Éditions, coll. Document'air no.3, 2004, ISBN 2915030073
Excellent monograph, with 1/48 and 1/72 drawings. Briefly mentions projects. - Loire 130 Le Loire 130, by Lucien Morareau, Lela Presse, coll. Profils Avions no.10, 2006, ISBN 2914017383
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Loire-Nieuport dive bombers Les bombardiers en piqué Loire-Nieuport – Du Ni-140 au LN-42 (1932-1947), by Arnaud Prudhomme & Gilbert Duranthie, TMA, 1999, ISBN 2915205035
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Morane-Saulnier 406 Le Morane-Saulnier MS 406, various authors, Lela Presse, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.5, 2002, ISBN 2914017189
Not seen, highly praised. A separate booklet with updates and errata was published later. - SE.100 and relatives SNCASE SE.100 – Chasseur lourd polyvalent, by Philippe Ricco, Avia Éditions, coll. Document'air no.4, 2006, ISBN 2915030162
Great, close to the "Cuny spirit", covers the SE.100 fighter, LeO.48 aerodynamical demonstrator and related wartime and postwar projects, up to the SE.700 autogyro and beyond. The book contains 1/72 drawings of the SE.100 and drawings of a few projects ; it is only missing drawings of the LeO.48 and SE.700 built models.
- Bloch 220 Le Bloch 220, le DC-3 français, by Philippe Ricco, Avions special issue no.29, 2010, ISSN 1253-5354
Great softcover book. Contains 1/100 drawings. No unbuilt projects. - Caudron Goéland Le Caudron Goéland, by Pierre Cortet & Robert Espérou, Lela Presse, coll. Profils Avions n°1, 2000, ISBN 2914017006
Not seen, probably excellent. - Caudron Simoun Caudron Renault C-635 Simoun, by Édouard Mihaly, Avia Éditions, coll. Document'air no.5, 2006, ISBN 2915030170
Very good softcover, more detailed than the corresponding chapters in the earlier book on Caudron-Renault by Mihaly and Robinson. Contains 1/72 drawings, no unbuilt project. - Latécoère flying boats Les grands Latécoère sur l'Atlantique, by Marie-Paule Vié-Klaze, Denoël, 1981, ISBN 2207226913
Interesting history, with a very detailed account of the Biscarosse base where Latécoère flying boats were assembled, from the Laté 38 to the 523 and 611. - Potez 62/65 Potez Types 62 et 65, by Pierre Dumollard, Avia Éditions, coll. Document'air no.2, 2003, ISBN 2915030022
Great softcover book. Contains 1/72 drawings. No unbuilt project.
- Arsenal Gerfaut, Griffon and other Arsenal / Nord ramjets Gerfaut et Griffon – Conquêtes du statoréacteur et de l'aile delta en France, by Serge Kaplan & Philippe Ricco, Avia Éditions, 2006, ISBN 2915030154
Great, covers the Gerfaut and Griffon and related projects from early ramjets and Arsenal experimental gliders to the Mach 4 Super Griffon and beyond, brief but interesting story of Arsenal, contains drawings and detail pictures. - SNCASE Mistral DH.100 Vampire, SE.535 Mistral en France, by Claude Petit & Patrick-Xavier Henry (pseudonym of Patrick Vinot-Préfontaine), Le Trait d'Union special issue, 1979, no ISBN
Not seen, probably excellent. - SNCASE Aquilon Le SNCASE Aquilon, by Jean-Marie Gall, Lela Presse, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.8, 1999, ISBN 2950948596
Not seen, reportedly excellent. - SNCASE Durandal Durandal, by Jean Lacroze, Le Trait d'Union special issue, 1996, no ISBN
Excellent, covers SNCASE interceptor projects from the SE X-212 to the Durandal IV, contains detailed drawings of projects more lightly shown in Cuny's Avions de combat, very brief account of earlier projects up to the SE X-207, only missing complete drawings of the built aircraft. - SNCASO Espadon SO.6020 Espadon et ses dérivés, by Jean Lacroze, Le Trait d'Union special issue, 1989, no ISBN, with addenda in Le Trait d'Union no.134
Excellent, contains many drawings and some detail views. - SNCASO Trident "SO.9000 Trident" and "SO.9050 Trident II & III", two-part article by Jean Lacroze in Le Trait d'Union no.149 and 160, 1993 & 1995, with addenda in no.165
Same author as the issues about Durandal and Espadon, probably excellent. - SNCASO Trident Dictionnaire fanatique du Trident, by Paul Gauge, Semperfi, 2008, ISBN not found
Interesting but weird. There are great documents, from the Trident 0 to the Trident IV and a bit on the Espadon, but these are scattered throughout the book. The general arrangement is strange, with an incomplete chronological chapter at the beginning and all the rest arranged in alphabetical order. Many of those alphabetical entries contain personal records and give a lively insight into the ambience of flight testing.
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7979.0 - SNCASO Trident Trident – The Saga of the Unbeatable French Rocket Fighter, by Henry Matthews, HPM, X-Planes Profile no.4, 2001, ISBN not found
Very good first approach, much lighter than the above book but the story is easier to follow at first glance. - SNCASO Vautour SO.4050 Vautour, by Alain Crosnier, Lela Presse, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.2, 1996, ISBN 2950948510
Not seen, highly praised. - Dassault Ouragan, Mystère and Super Mystère Les chasseurs Dassault – Ouragans, Mystères et Super-Mystères, by Jean Cuny, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.13, 1980, no ISBN
Great, covers all Dassault fighters from the Ouragan to the Mystère Delta, contains many projects and drawings, brief story of Bloch with very interesting details on the immediate postwar period, including civilian projects not seen elsewhere, does not neglect the operational aspects without getting boring. - Dassault Mystère II Dassault MD.452 Mystère IIC, by Jean-Jacques Petit, Avia Éditions, coll. Document'Air no.1, 1980, ISBN 2915030006
Good monograph, detailed career of all the prototypes and pre-series aircraft, operational history, drawings and technical schemes. Perhaps not very useful if you have Cuny's book. - Dassault Mirage I Mirage I – A Pictorial Tribute, by Henry Matthews, HPM, X-Planes Pictorial no.2
Not seen, short review at Aerostories. - Dassault Mirage III Mirage III – Les monoréacteurs Dassault à aile delta, four volumes:
- vol.1, Du Mystère Delta aux Mirage IIIC & IIIB/BE dans l'armée de l'Air, by Bernard Chenel, Éric Moreau, Patrick Audouin & Vincent Dhorne, DTU, 2000, ISBN 2912749026
- vol.2, Le Mirage IIIE dans l'armée de l'Air, by Bernard Chenel, Éric Moreau & Patrick Audouin, DTU, 2004, ISBN 2912749050
- vol.3, Les Mirage IIIR/RD & 5F dans l'armée de l'Air, Les prototypes Milan, Mirage 50, NG, EX, IIIT, Balzac & Mirage IIIV, by Bernard Chenel, Éric Moreau & Michel Liébert, DTU, 2008, ISBN 2912749107
- vol.4, Mirage III/5/50 en service à l'étranger, by Bernard Chenel, Michel Liébert & Éric Moreau, Lela Presse, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.33, 2014, ISBN 2914017766
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,19277.0.html
Volume 4 is mainly about the operational history in foreign countries, but covers foreign developments too:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,20064.0.html - Dassault Balzac V Dassault-Sud Balzac V 001 – L’Histoire Complète, by Henry Matthews, HPM, World X-Planes Profil de Prototype no.1, 2013
Not seen, probably nice. - Dassault Mirage IV Mirage IV – Le bombardier stratégique, by Hervé Beaumont, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.47, 2003, ISBN 2914205023
Not seen but highly praised, seems to contain projects. - Dassault Mirage F and G series Le Mirage F1 et les Mirage de seconde génération à voilure en flèche, by Michel Liébert & Sébastien Buyck, Lela Presse
- vol.1, Projets et prototypes, coll. Profils Avions no.12, 2007, ISBN 2914017405
- vol.2, subtitle unknown, coll. Profils Avions no.13, 2007, ISBN 2914017413
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2205.0.html - Dassault Mirage series Des Mirage et des hommes, by André Bréand, Volez Éditions, two volumes:
- vol.1, Du Mystère Delta au Mirage III F-3, 2010, ISBN 9782917396193
- vol.2, Mirage F1, Mirage 2000 et Super Mirage 4000, 2011, ISBN 9782917396216
- Dassault Étendard La saga Étendard, by Jean-Marie Gall, Lela Presse, two volumes:
- vol.1, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.23, 2009, 2914017529
- vol.2, coll. Histoire de l'Aviation no.24, 2009, 2914017537
The development of the aircraft from the Mystère XXII to the operational Étendard IVM is reportedly described in volume 1, whereas Volume 2 is focused on operational aspects and individual histories. - Dassault Étendard & Super Étendard Dassault Étendard IV & Super Étendard, by Alain Crosnier & Jean-Michel Guhl, Sup Air Monographic no.1, 1984, ISBN 286603001X
Not seen. - Dassault Rafale A Dassault Rafale A – A Pictorial Chronology, by Henry Matthews, HPM, X-Planes Profile no.6
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Dassault Rafale Rafale – La suprématie aérienne, by André Bréand, ETAI, 2005, ISBN 2726894208
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories.
- SO.90 La famille des SO.90, by Philippe Ricco & Jean-Pierre Dubois, Le Trait d'Union no.245, 2009, no ISBN
Magazine issue fully devoted to the SO.90, probably excellent. - Languedoc SNCASE SE.161 Languedoc – Balbutiements de l'aviation de transport moderne en France, by Philippe Ricco, Lela Presse, coll. Profils Avions no.22, 2013, ISBN 2914017715
Seems great, very favourable reviews at Aerostories and at Aerobuzz. - Armagnac SE.2010 Armagnac – Le géant oublié, by Laurent Gruz, www.livres.aero, 2010, ISBN unknown
Very favourable review here by Caravellarella, seems great:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,12622.0.html - Caravelle and early jetliners Caravelle – The complete story, by John Wegg, Airways, 2005, ISBN 0965399310
French translation by Laurent Gruz: Caravelle – La française de la jet set, Avia Éditions, 2005, ISBN 291503009X
Very favourable review here by Caravellarella, seems great:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,3068.msg24725.html#msg24725 - Concorde and SST Concorde – La véritable histoire, by Pierre Sparaco, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.44, 1st edition in 2002, ISBN 291420504X, 2nd revised edition in 2005, ISBN 284890111X
Good, very interesting for showing preliminary SST projects with drawings, including the nuclear-powered Super Caravelle, less detailed on post-Concorde projects (perhaps inevitably so). The book is heavy on the political context and on the Concorde accident, and light on technical aspects of the actual aircraft. - Mercure Dassault Mercure – Le chasseur d'Air Inter, by Bruno Vielle, Les Cahiers du CAEA, 2014, ISBN unknown
Not seen, very good reviews in French forums and at Aerostories.
- Mystère Falcon Mystère Falcon, by Jean Cuny, EPA, 1982
Not seen, great author but not sure of contents, information welcome. - Mystère Falcon 20 Falcon Mystere 20 Production History, by Brian Gates, Midland, 1978, ISBN 090459713X
Not seen, information welcome. - Mystère Falcon La saga du Falcon, vol.1 : Du Mystère 20 au Falcon 10, by Roland Motais de Narbonne, Icare no.225, 2013
Not seen, short review at Aerostories. - Mystère Falcon La saga du Falcon, vol.2 : Du Falcon 50 au futur Falcon SMS, by Roland Motais de Narbonne, Icare no.226, 2013
Not seen, short review at Aerostories.
- Nord 1000 Messerschmitt Bf 108, du Taifun au Pingouin, by Jacques Strübi, self-published, 2005
Not seen, hard to find, information welcome. - Ju 88 and Ju 188 Junkers 88 et 188 français, by Pierre Dumollard, Avia Éditions, 2005, ISBN 2915030103
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories, seems to contain details on missiles and other projects. - He 274 and Ju 488 Heinkel He 274 et Junkers Ju 488, by Alain Marchand & Jean-Christophe Carbonel, Artipresse, coll. Airprofils no.6, 2011, ISBN 9782919231027
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories, contains 1/72 scale drawings.
- Nord 1400 Noroît L'hydravion Nord 1402 Noroît (1949-1954), by Guy Thévenin, Ardhan, book no.29, 2012, ISBN 2913344194
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Broussard Broussard MH.1521, by Thierry Gibaud, ETAI, 2003, ISBN 272689335X
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Alizé Breguet 1050 Alizé, by Christophe Touzet, self-published, 2015, ISBN 9782746676558
See description on this website:
https://sites.google.com/site/alizebreguet1050/home - MS.760 Paris Le MS.760 Paris, by Pierre Parvaud & Pierre Gaillard, Trait d'Union special issue, 1989
Not seen, hard to find. Probably excellent.
- Alouette L'envol des Alouette – Un atout pour la France, by Charles Marchetti, Fascination, ISBN 2283751136
Not seen, read favourable comments, written by former project engineer. - Super Frelon SA 321 Super Frelon, by Jean-Luc Kerdilès, Lela Presse, coll. Profils Avions no.6, 2003, ISBN 2914017243
Second edition as Profils Avions no.23 in 2013, ISBN 2914017723
Not seen, favourable reviews of the first and second edition at Aerostories.
- Avia Les planeurs de l'Avia, by Christian Ravel, Bleu Ciel, 2006, ISBN 2952122814
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Breguet Les planeurs de Breguet et de Jean Cayla, by Michel de la Burgade, FFVV, Vieilles Plumes no.13, 2003
Not seen, see http://historique.ffvv.org/a-propos/publications/. - Caudron 800 Le planeur Caudron C-800 Épervier, by Christian Ravel, Bleu Ciel, 2009, ISBN 9782918015031
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Émouchet Le planeur SA-103 / SA-104 Émouchet et ses dérivés, by Christian Ravel, Bleu Ciel, 2008, ISBN 2952122881
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Wassmer Les planeurs Wassmer, by Jean Barnérias, FFVV, Vieilles Plumes no.24, 2013
Not seen, see http://historique.ffvv.org/2013/12/07/vieilles-plumes-n%C2%B0-24-les-planeurs-wassmer/.
Books on French prototypes and flight tests
These books are about prototype development and flight testing. They may not describe unbuilt projects, but should be of interest to the forum members.
- 1914-1940 L'histoire des essais en vol, by Louis Bonte, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.3, 2002, no ISBN
Very interesting first-hand account of flight testing. Some chapters are written by Jacques Lecarme, in a lively style. Contains a few drawings and pictures of aircraft rarely seen elsewhere. - 1945-1960 Vols d'essai – Le centre d'essais en vol de 1945 à 1960, by Jean-Claude Fayer, ETAI, 2001, ISBN 2726885349
Not seen, highly praised. - 1945-1960 Prototypes de l'aviation française 1945-1960, by Jean-Claude Fayer, ETAI, 2002, ISBN 2726886086
A compilation of 242 short evaluation reports by the Centre d'Essais en Vol. Each aircraft is covered in one or two pages, typically with four pictures taken from the front, front quarter, side and rear, and a short description of its flying characteristics. - 1938-1972 Histoire du centre aéronautique de Melun-Villaroche – Essais et prototypes de l'aviation française, by Robert Lamouche, Le puits fleuri, 1999, ISBN 2867391474
There is an earlier edition with a different cover, titled Essais et prototypes de l'aviation française – Melun-Villaroche, 1938-1972, MDM, 1993, ISBN 2909313077
Not seen, information welcome.
Books on French aircraft engines and accessories, by period or manufacturer
- Engines, armament and equipment (1918-1940) L'aviation française de bombardement et de reconnaissance, by Raymond Danel & Jean Cuny, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.12, 1978, no ISBN
Though this is not the main subject of the book, there is very good coverage of engines, armament and equipement in the 100-page appendix, which is almost a book by itself. - Piston engines Les moteurs à pistons aéronautiques français (1900/1960), two volumes, by Alfred Bodemer & Robert Laugier, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.24-25, 1987, ISBN 2862482277
Excellent reference, though the classification could have been arranged better. - Jet engines L'Atar et tous les autres moteurs à réaction français, by J.D. Reber, 1996, ISBN 2951074506
Not seen, same authors as the two volumes on piston engines, information welcome. - Clerget Pierre Clerget 1875-1943 – Un motoriste de génie, by Gérard Hartmann, L'officine, 2010, ISBN 2848901497
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories, not sure if there is an organized classification of Clerget engines, more information welcome. - Mathis De l'automobile à l'aviation : l'épopée aéronautique de Mathis, by Jean-François Blattner, Les Amateurs de Mathis, 2004, ISBN unknown
Not seen, information welcome. - Potez see Potez aircraft
- Ratier La maison Ratier, by Yves Sounillac, Paulette Ratier & Pierre Sparaco, Privat, 2006, ISBN 2708992112
Not seen, information welcome. - Renault Renault et l'aviation, by Gilbert Hatry, JCM, 1988, ISBN 2902667116
The story makes a nice read but disappoints on technical details, with scant mention of aircraft types and almost nothing on engines. - Renault see also Caudron aircraft
- Snecma Snecma, les moteurs du ciel, by Pierre Sparaco & Christian Lardier, Pascal Galodé, 2010, ISBN 2848901497
Not seen, not sure if interesting or coffee-table book, information welcome. - Turbomeca Turbomeca, à la hauteur de la légende, by Charles Claveau (ed.), Larivière, coll. Docavia no.61, 2008, ISBN 2848901497
Not seen, not sure if interesting or coffee-table book, information welcome. - Turbomeca Joseph Szydlowski et son temps – L'aventure de Turbomeca, by Guy Decôme, Conseil Imprim, 1999, ISBN 2913781004
Not seen, not sure of the relative weight between biographical and technical aspects, information welcome. - Turbomeca "Turboméca – Les raisons d'un succès mondial", article by Michel Bénichou & Guy Decôme in Le Fana no.371, 2000
Good introduction on Szydlowski's career and Turboméca's early years.
- Early period (1940s-1960s) Du V2 à Véronique – La naissance des fusées françaises, by Olivier Huwart, Marines Éditions, 2005, ISBN 291537919X
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Later period La France à la conquête de l'espace : de Véronique à Ariane, by Philippe Varnoteaux, L'Esprit du Livre, 2007, ISBN 2915960151
Not seen, favourable review at Aerostories. - Ballistic missiles La force de dissuasion française – Genèse et évolution, by Jacques Villain, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.26, 1987, no ISBN
Good, describes the military rocket programs. - Rocket engines La maîtrise du feu – 40 ans de propulsion solide et de composites, by Félix Torres, Larivière, coll. Docavia no.52, 2007, ISBN 2848900865
Not seen, not sure if interesting or coffee-table book, information welcome.
