Andre Melin Flying Boat Project of 1913

[jzichek]

I scanned the attached from a 1926 issue of l'Aeronautique held at the Seattle Public Library. This project seems pretty advanced for its day, with its sleek flying boat fuselage, buried engine(s), and tandem propellers. There seems to also be the outline of a boat housed in the rear fuselage - perhaps a lifeboat in the event of a crash? The tandem wing arrangement makes it even more unusual, if not unwieldy! I was wondering if any forum members who are French aviation specialists could provide more information about it, specifically a complete three-view and dimensions. These might be found in the April 1, 1913 issue of l'Aerophile referenced in the text. Also, have any of Melin's other projects every come up in le Fana or other French aviation history magazines?

 

[lark]

Nothing about André Mélin in the issues 1 to 100
of "Le Fana".
The search is on...

 

[hesham]

Hi,

http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k97675232.r=document%20aeronautique?rk=21459;2

 

[Avimimus]

Do I spot a lack of vertical stabilisers?

 

[hesham]

Do I spot a lack of vertical stabilisers?

I think not.

 

[Avimimus]

Hesham, what is the source of the second image (the 3 view you posted)?

Higher resolution extracts (looks like the same drawing redrawn).

I can't see any evidence of air rudders (it has a water rudder though)!

 

[hesham]

Hi Avimimus,

my source is the book, French Aeroplanes before Great War

 

[Avimimus]

Ah thanks! I really need to get that book!

 

[hesham]

From L'Aeronautique 1922,

anther project patent for Mr. Andre Melin.