ASTRA C "ΝΑΥΤΙΛΟΣ"

History

First flying in 1912, the Astra C was a French built hydroplane constructed by Société Astra. Two examples of the aircraft were purchased by Greece, being christened "Ναυτίλος" (Nautilus) on the 11th November 1912 in Faliro, Athens.

Here, it would take its first flights, under the control of a French pilot. The two aircraft would later be transferred to the base at Limnos island. By 1914 the aircraft had been decommissioned.

Design

The Astra was constructed out of steel-tube frameworks sections, skinned in fabric and wire braced. The fuselage used a triangular cross section, whilst the wings would warp for roll control. The wings ribs and pontoons were constructed out of wood. 

The Astra also had a two landplane variants, designed for civil and military use - both which featured lower power engines.