Paul Cornu (French pronunciation:[pɔlkɔʁny]; 15 June 1881 – 6 June 1944) was a French engineer.
Paul Cornu, of Romanian origins,[1] was born inGlos la Ferrière, France and was one of thirteen children. At a young age, he helped his father in his transports company.[2] He made history by designing the world's first successful mannedrotary wing aircraft.
Cornu first built an unmanned experimental design powered by a 2 hp Buchet engine.[3]
His manned helicopter was powered by a 24 horsepower (18 kW)Antoinette engine.[4] He piloted this construction himself atNormandy, France on 13 November 1907.[5] Previously, a Frenchhelicopter, theBreguet-Richet Gyroplane I, had managed to lift off under its own power, but it had been held in position by men standing on the ground. Cornu's performance was a considerable progress because his aircraft flew without additional support and lifted Cornu about 30 cm (1 ft) for 20 seconds. Unfortunately this early helicopter was scarcely maneuverable and had only a few additional flights. The construction was not much further developed by this technical pioneer, who had to keep on making a living by manufacturingbicycles.
Paul Cornu died aged 62 in 1944 inLisieux, France, when his home was destroyed during the bombardment by theAllies that accompanied theNormandy landings ofWorld War II.[citation needed]
