Paul Cornu

Lore & Background

Paul Cornu was born in Glos-la-Ferrière, France, one of thirteen children. He helped his father in his transports company at a young age. He first built an unmanned experimental design powered by a 2 hp Buchet engine before constructing his manned helicopter, which was powered by a 24 horsepower Antoinette engine. On 13 November 1907, at Normandy, France, he piloted this helicopter himself, lifting about 30 cm for 20 seconds without additional support, a considerable advance over the earlier Breguet-Richet Gyroplane I, which had required men on the ground to hold it in position. However, his aircraft was scarcely maneuverable and had only a few additional flights. Cornu did not further develop the construction, as he had to continue making a living by manufacturing bicycles.

Reader's Guide

Paul Cornu's 1907 flight is recognized as the first successful manned rotary wing aircraft flight, as it lifted off under its own power without external support. This distinguished it from the Breguet-Richet Gyroplane I, which had lifted off but was held in place by men on the ground. Despite the brevity and limited maneuverability of his flight, Cornu demonstrated the feasibility of vertical flight with a pilot aboard. His work laid a foundation for later helicopter development, though he himself did not pursue it further due to economic necessity. Cornu died in 1944 when his home in Lisieux, France, was destroyed during the Allied bombardment accompanying the Normandy landings of World War II.

Did You Know?

• Paul Cornu was one of thirteen children.
• He piloted his helicopter on 13 November 1907 at Normandy, France.
• Cornu was killed when his home was destroyed during the Allied bombardment of World War II.