Farman (Frères) F.40 Type 42 and F.41 Type 40

Two seat single engine observation and reconnaissance aircraft (F40 Type 42) and Trainer (F.41 Type 40)

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  In order to develop a successor to the MF.11 series of observation/reconnaissance aircraft both Henri and Maurice Farman joined forces to develop what was to become the successful Farman F.40 series of military aircraft. The Farman F.40 Type 42 “Horace” was a further development of the pusher biplane concept  powered by the 130Hp air cooled V12 Renault 8C engine allowing a top speed of 140 km/h. At the same time a less powerful version of the same design, powered by an  80Hp air cooled V8 Renault 8B and more optimized for pilot training was also developed. The designation for this “dongraded” machine was Farman F.41 Type 40. In both cases the crew nacelle was overall smoother than that of the MF.11/MF.11bis and had an ovoid shaped streamlining.

  As of November 1915, the Belgian aeronautical company “Bollekens”, based at Calais-Beaumarais started delivering the first license produced F.40’s and F.41’s to the Aéronautique Militaire Belge. The Belgian Government had placed an initial order for 18 Farman F.40 Type 42 and 18 F.41 Type 40. These new aircraft replaced or supplemented the Farman MF.11bis in frontline service with N°s 2 and 3 Squadrons at Ten Bogaerde airfield and N°s 4 and 5 Squadrons based at Houtem airfield. However, the majority of the F-41 Type 40 were transferred to the Pilot School at Etampes (F.). Later orders brought the total number of Farman F.40/F.41 used by the Belgian Air Service up to an estimated 60+ aircraft.

   From August 1917, the frontline operated Farman F.40 Type 42’s were gradually replaced by the much-improved Farman F1-40bis Type 60 and the F.1-40ter Type 61. In 1918 a small number of surviving Farman F.40’s joined the Farman F.41 Type 40 at the Pilot School, which by then had moved to Juvisy-sur-Orge (F.). Serials used by both types were attributed in order of delivery and were mixed running from “1” to at least “57” according to available images. In operational service several Farman F.40’s received a special “nose art” and corresponding names. Both types were withdrawn from service by 1918/1919. (Daniel Brackx)