Private company

Farman Aviation Works

French manufacturer of aircraft and cars

Farman Aviation Works (French: Avions Farman) was a French aircraft company founded and run by the brothers Richard, Henri, and Maurice Farman. They designed and constructed aircraft and engines from 1908 until 1936; during the French nationalization and rationalization of its aeronautical industry, Farman's assets were assigned to the Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre (SNCAC).2 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 20, 2026.

Overview

1908Founded1
  • Industryaircraft industry, automotive industry1
  • HeadquartersChâteaufort1
  • Founded inBoulogne-Billancourt1

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Hasselt Lanser Farman Kiewit
Photo: Ad Meskens You are free to use this picture for any purpose as long as you credit its author, Ad Meskens . Example: © Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons If you use this work outside of the Wikimedia projects, a message or a copy is very much appreciated. This image is not in the public domain. A stateme, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons4

Farman Aviation Works (French: Avions Farman) was a French aircraft company founded and run by the brothers Richard, Henri, and Maurice Farman. They designed and constructed aircraft and engines from 1908 until 1936; during the French nationalization and rationalization of its aeronautical industry, Farman's assets were assigned to the Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre (SNCAC).2

The story

Founded by Henri Farman, Maurice Farman and Richard Farman in 1908, in Boulogne-Billancourt.1

In 1907, Henri Farman bought his first aircraft from Gabriel Voisin and soon began to improve the design of the aircraft; as a result it was known as either Farman I or Voisin-Farman I. In 1908, after further modifications which included re-covering it with Continental rubberized fabric and the addition of side-curtains, the aircraft was re-designated Farman I-bis. Ailerons were fitted after Wilbur Wright's flying demonstration at Le Mans in August 1908.

A second aircraft, to be called Farman II, was built by the Voisin brothers incorporating design refinements to Farman's specification. Voisin sold this aircraft to J.T.C. Moore-Brabazon, who exported it to England, where it was renamed the Bird of Passage. This episode angered Farman, who in early 1909 ended his association with Voisin and started building his own aircraft.

Aircraft designed and built by Henri Farman had a HF prefix, while examples designed and built by his brother Maurice carried a MF prefix.

From Wikipedia’s article on Farman Aviation Works, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3

Leadership

Who has led Farman Aviation Works, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Products and brands

  • airplane
  • car
  • engine

Listed on Wikidata.1

Timeline

  1. 1936Dissolved Dissolved1
  2. 1908Founded Founded in Boulogne-Billancourt1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

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