SIG Antoinette 1909, Руководство пользователя

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Introduction
The Antoinette is considered by many as the most esthetically beautiful airplane of the early pioneering era of aviation. Designed
by Leon Levavasseur, a renowned boat builder and engineer, the Antoinette possessed many features and innovations that
were far ahead of its time.
The story begins in 1903 when Levavasseur, financed by a gentleman named Jules Gastambide, designed and built a super
light engine specifically for the new sport of motor boating. Named for Gastambide's daughter, Antoinette, the engine was a
large success and by 1904, it was powering winning powerboat racers all over Europe.
By 1906, in response to the rapidly growing interest in aviation, a new company was formed for the commercial development
and production of the Antoinette engine for use in aircraft. Gastambide was the president, Louis Bleriot vice-president, and
Levavasseur was the technical director. The Antoinette aircraft engine was innovative and relatively powerful. It employed direct
fuel injection and evaporative steam cooling.