BERNHARD C.F. KLEIN MEMORIAL COLLECTION
No. 5424. Borel 1913 Pusher Monoplane
06/15/2006. Remarks by
Bernhard Klein:
"Called by the French a 'monomoteur de chasse
(single-engined fighter), in the annals of aviation it is not
considered a fighter because the machine was built to fulfill a
desire of the French Army for an aircraft for the sole purpose to
destroy balloons. The type was a two-seater with side-by-side
seating. Each side of the nose front had a mica (insinglass) window
so each crew member could spot balloons below. The engine, installed
behind crew positions, turned an 'integral' pusher propeller. As far
as can be found out, in 1913 only one 'prototype' was built and flown
by a 'test pilot' named Daucourt, who reported excellent flying
qualities! 'Protoype' and 'test pilot' terms are mine and were not
used in those days!"