Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| Service Technique de l’Aéronautique |
| English Title: |
| Aeronautics Technical Service |
| Abbreviation: |
| STAe |
| First Established: |
| 1916 |
| ICAO Code: |
| (None) |
| Country: |
| France |
| Status: |
| Disbanded |
History
Narrative Summary
The Service Technique de l’Aéronautique (STAe) was the French national agency for coordinating aeronautics research. It was first created in 1916 under the name Section technique de l’aéronautique. A comprehensive set of research facilities was build at Issy-les-Moulineaux, including wind tunnels and other laboratories. In 1918 the functions of the STAe were formally defined as responsibility for prototypes, test and research and was divided into five services (aircraft, engines, armament, flight test and inventions).
Circa 1919/1920 the STAe was renamed Service Technique de l’Aéronautique. Until 1940 the STAe was deeply involved in defining the technical aspects of aircraft airworthiness regulations. In 1945 it lost its flight test function to the CEV. Thereafter the service became more of a research organisation. Additional sections set up over the years included rotary wing, armament and ‘special equipment’ (i.e. missiles). On 1 January 1980 the STAe was broken up and its facilities assigned to other government departments.
During the interwar years, and even into the 1950s, the STAe was responsible for drawing up all the official requirements for military, (both air force and navy), and government aircraft, against which manufacturers would tender their designs. The STAe would then conduct flight tests on the selected prototypes and recommend to the operator which type, (if any), should be chosen for production.
Key Dates
| 21 February 1916 | Section technique de l’aéronautique first established. | |
| 1919? | Renamed Service Technique de l’Aéronautique. | |
| 1945 | Flight test role passed to CEV. | |
| 1 January 1980 | STAe broken up between various government agencies. |
Current Status
The STAe was broken up on 1980.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
Special Markings
STAe aircraft often operated in a natural metal finish with rudders stripes in the national colours. No service titles wwere carried.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
STAe aircraft carried standard French civil registrations, e.g. Farman F.290 F-AKET.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
The STAe must have used a significant number of aircraft for flight testing of aerodynamics, engines, weapons and systems but very little appears to have been published that identifies specific aircraft. Additional information is welcome.
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farman F.60 Goliath | 1 | 1922 | 1925+ | France |
| Farman F.290 | 1 | 1933 | 1934 | France |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Service Technique de l’Aeronautique, Paris, France.
Organisational Structure
All aircraft were operated by the STAe.
Current Unit Assignments
Not applicable
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
Not applicable.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
The research centre was at Issy-les-Moulineaux, but the main air base for flight testing was Villacoublay.
More Information
Books
To be added
Magazines
To be added
Websites
wikipedia.fr: Service Technique de l’Aeronautique
Le Farman Goliath
Le Farman 190