Astra C

The Astra C was a 1912 French single engine biplane, manufactured by Société Astra at Villacoublay. In 1913, the Astra CM Hydro-avion three-seat floatplane version was used to make the world's first scheduled passenger-carrying flights.

Design and development
The Astra C was initially designed as a single seat biplane, powered by a single 50 hp Renault engine in tractor configuration. It was constructed primarily as wooden framework sections, covered in canvas and wire-braced. The fuselage was of triangular cross section, with a wheeled main undercarriage plus nose skid and tail skid. The wings were of unequal span, and employed wing-warping for roll control.

The Astra CM was developed from the Astra C, with a more powerful engine and added accommodation for two observers, for military reconnaissance.

The Astra Hydro, (an Astra CM 'Hydro-avion' (seaplane)), was a further development in 1913, with a 100 hp Renault V-12 engine and 3 Tellier floats (2 main floats 4.5 x, and one small tail float). The wooden frame elements were largely replaced by steel tubes, and the wing ribs and floats were the principal remaining wooden components. at least two were built and an order for two from the Royal Navy (RN), serialled 106 and 107, was not completed.

Operational history
During the St. Malo races, 14-26 August 1912, the first CM Hydro was flown to first place by Labouret. The second CM Hydro, powered by a horizontally mounted 110 hp Salmson M.9 water-cooled radial engine, flew at Monaco but crashed.

On 22 March 1913, using at least one Astra CM Hydro-avion, French operator Compagnie générale transaérienne started the world's first scheduled passenger-carrying flights, operating from Cannes to Nice. Two passengers could be carried. On 29 March 1913, the service was extended to Monte Carlo.

Variants

 * Astra C
 * Civil version, with 50 hp Renault engine.


 * Astra CM
 * Military version, with 75 hp Renault or 75 hp Chenu engine.


 * Astra Hydro
 * Floatplane version of the Astra CM, with 100 hp Renault engine.

Operators

 * Compagnie générale transaérienne
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * Royal Hellenic Navy
 * Hellenic Naval Air Service
 * Hellenic Naval Air Service