Michelin Cup

Won by Wilbur Wright with a flight made on 31 December 1908 at Le Mans. The course over which the flight was made was an isosceles triangle with two sides of {{convert|1|km|2}} and a third of {{convert|200|m|0}}, totalling {{convert|2.2|km|2}}. The flight had to be made before sunset and only complete circuits counted. Wright took off at 2 pm and completed 56 circuits before sunset. He then landed, flying a further {{convert|1.5|km}} to set a new world distance record officially reckoned as {{convert|124.7|km|mi|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1909/1909%20-%200022.html|date=9 Jan 1924|title=Wright's Final Effort for the 1908 Michelin Prize. |page=24}}

For the greatest distance exceeding 123.2 km. in a closed circuit made before the end of the year: 20,000 francs, and a bronze replica of the Michelin trophy.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|title=Michelin Cup Rules for 1909 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1909/1909%20-%200050.html|date=23 January 1909|page= 52}}

Won by Henry Farman with a flight of {{convert|234.212|km|mi|abbr=on}} lasting 4h 6m 25s made on 3 November 1909 at Chalons.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65523525/f13.image.|title=Pour la Coupe Michelin|date=1 January 1911|page=7|language=fr}}

Won by Maurice Tabuteau flying a Maurice Farman biplane with a flight of {{convert|584.745|km|mi|abbr=on}} at Buc on 30 December 1910, taking 7hr 48m 36.6s.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url= http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65523525/f32.image.n|title=La Coupe Michelin|date=1 January 1911|page=26|language=fr}}

In 1911, the closing date for the competition was brought forward to 31 October.

Won by Emmanuel Helen flying a Nieuport II monoplane on 8 September 1911, when he covered {{convert|1,252.8|km|mi|abbr=on}} in 14 hr 7 min.{{cite journal|journal=Flight |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1911/1911%20-%200964.html|title=Helen wins Michelin Cup|date=4 November 1911|page=966}}

For the 1912 competition, the rules were considerably more elaborate. The flight had to be made over a course made up of three different circuits, each starting from the same point. The first and third, each of about {{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}}, had to have three or four compulsory landing-places, and the second, of {{convert|255|km|mi|abbr=on}}, one or two landing places. Refuelling was only allowed at the starting point of each circuit. The circuits had to be covered in order, and if a competitor landed somewhere other than a nominated airfield, they had to start that circuit again. For every {{convert|75|kg}} of useful load carried apart from the pilot and necessary fuel, a bonus of 25% was allowed on the time, up to a maximum of 100 per cent. The extra load could be made up of passengers or ballast. Competing aircraft had to carry a sealed barograph, and an average speed of at least {{convert|40|kph|mph|abbr=on}} had to be maintained.{{cite journal|journal=Flight |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1912/1912%20-%200179.html|title=1912 International Michelin Competition|date=24 February 1912|page=179 }}

The 1912 prize was not won by any competitor, and the prize money was added to the prize for the following year.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url= http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6552332d/f386.image.r=coupe%20michelin378|date=15 August 1913|title=Pour La Coupe Michelin}}

The 1913 competition was very different. It was awarded for the greatest distance flown on a series of consecutive days, flying over a {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} course, with a compulsory landing after each circuit.

The Cup was won by Emmanuel Helen flying a Nieuport monoplane, with a total distance of {{convert|16096.6|km|mi|abbr=on}} flown between 22 October and 29 November 1913.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|title=Helen's Record for the Michelin Cup|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1913/1913%20-%201305.html|page=1331|date=6 December 1913}}

The nature of the competition was changed again for the 1914 competition, the prize being awarded for the fastest time over a circuit of about {{convert|3000|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}.

Won by Eugène Gilbert flying a Morane-Saulnier monoplane. Starting from Villacoublay at 03:04 on 8 June 1914, he flew via Peronne, Rheims, Saint-Dizier, Gray, Joigny, Beaune, Vienne and Nimes, landing at Mirande before reaching Pau, owing to running out of fuel. On the next day he flew via Pau, St. André de Cubzac, Romorantin, Angers, Evreux and Calais back to Villacoublay, landing at 18:37 p.m, having covered a distance of {{convert|2970|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} in 39h 35m.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1914/1914%20-%200636.html|title=Gilbert Flies Round France in Two Days|date=June 12, 1914|page=636}}{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6585089x/f29.image|title=Performances de la Quinzaine|page=301|date= 1 July 1914}}

After the First World War, the competition was resumed in 1921. The competition was for the fastest time over a {{convert|3,000|km|0}} circuit: the French circuit was Versailles—Amiens—Mourmelon-le-Grand—Saint-Dizier—Dijon—Joigny—Beaune—Lyon—Nîmes—Pau—Bordeaux–Romorantin,—Angers—Évreux—Calais—Versailles, and the aircraft had to land at each of these airfields.

The result was the cause of considerable controversy. The best French time was achieved by Alphonse Poiré flying a Caudron C.60, who completed the circuit in 37h 23m.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1921/1921%20-%200608.html|title= The International Michelin Cup|date=8 September 1921|page= 608}} A faster time of 35h 45m over an Italian circuit was achieved by Capt Raffaele Martinetti-Bianchi,L'Aéreophile 1-15 octobre 1921{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1921/1921%20-%200859.html|date= 29 December 1921|page=859|title=The Michelin Cup}} but he had not landed at the same aerodrome as he had departed from, since this had become waterlogged and he was not allowed to land there. The dispute between the Italian authorities, who had ratified his performance, and the Aéro-Club de France was taken to a specially appointed Fédération Aéronautique Internationale committee, which found in Martinetti's favour, but the AeCF disputed their judgement: eventually the prize was held to have been won by neither man, although in recognition of his performance the AeCF awarded the Gold Medal of the AeCF and a sum of money equal to the Michelin Prize to Poiré.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6555017m/f162.image.r=Martinetti|title=Comité de Direction|date=1 May 1923|page=156}}

A five-year extension, with annual prizes of 20,000 francs, was announced in 1922. The time period of the annual competition was altered to run from the beginning of July in one year to the end of the following June.

Won by Capt Girier flying a Breguet 14, taking 20hr 41m 57sec, covering the course Lyons—Nimes—Pau—Bordeaux—Angers—St. Inglevert—Mourmelon—Metz—Strasbourg—Dijon—Avord—Lyons at an average speed (including time on the ground) of {{convert|136.2|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6555017m/f213.image|page=201|date=1 July 1923|title= La Coupe Michelin}}

The 1924 French circuit was Versailles—Saint-Inglevert—Valenciennes—Mourmelon—Metz—Strasbourg—Dijon—Clermont-Ferrand—Lyon—Nimes—Toulouse—Pau—Bordeaux—Angers—Versailles

Won by Lieut. Ludovic Arrachart flying a Breguet 19, completing the {{convert|2935|km|mi|abbr=on}} in 19h 22m 26s.{{cite magazine |magazine=L'Aérophile-Salon |date=1924 |url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6554816n/f429.image |title=Les Moteurs d'Aviation Renault |page=31}}

Won by Pelletier d'Oisy flying a Blériot-SPAD S.61, completing the course in 15h 8m.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6553816b/f203.image|title=Raids, Records et Performances|page=197|date=1 July 1925}}

At the request of the military aviation authorities, the 1925-6 competition was limited to competitors flying the principal French bombing aircraft, the Breguet 19.

The best time was achieved by Capt. Coslin, with Lieut Gérard as observer, with a time of 18h 0m 24s, a speed of {{convert|163.6|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url= http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65547488/f205.image|title=La Coupe Michelin|date=1 July 1926| page=199}}

However, since this time did not better the previous best, the cup did not change hands.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6553815x/f242.image|title=Les Coupe Michelin | date=1 August 1927 |page=236 }}

There were two competitions in 1926-7, one restricted to the Breguet 19. The course for both competitions was Paris (Le Bourget)—Nancy—Metz—Strasbourg—Dijon—Bourges—Clermont-Ferrand—Lyons—Istres—Pau—Casaux—Châteauroux—Tours—Romorantin—Chartres—Paris, a distance of {{convert|2727.5|km|mi|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65547488/f165.image|date= 1 May 1926|title=Nouvell Coupe Michelin|page=159|language=fr}}

The main competition was won by Capitain Challes flying a Blériot-SPAD S.61 in 12h 14m 37s.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1927/1927%20-%200470.html|title=The Michelin Cup|date= 30 June 1927|page= 428}}

The military competition was won by Capt Delaître and Sgt Cailloge, who covered the course in 14h 51m 55s, a speed of {{convert|187.95|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65538437/f30.image|title=Réception des Lauréats des Militaries|date=1 February 1928|page= 62}}

Again, the competition was restricted to the Breguet 19, with the added condition that an altitude of {{convert|4000|m|ft|abbr=on}} be reached at least once.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6553846g/f27.image.r=coupe%20michelin|title=Les Militaries 1928|date=1 May 1928|page=155}}

Won by Capt. Delaître.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile |url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6553851s/f29.image|title=Commission Sportive|date= 1 October 1928|page=317}}

In 1928, the prize was offered for a further four years. The winning flight had to be made in France, although the competition was open to all nationalities, and the competition was restricted to single-seater aircraft with an engine of {{convert|230|hp|0|lk=on}} or less. A minimum average speed of {{convert|185|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} had to be maintained over the circuit, including time spent on the ground at the fifteen cities making up the circuit.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1932/1932%20-%200671.html|date= 8 July 1932|page=623 |title=The Michelin Cup}}

Won by Michel Détroyat, flying a Morane-Saulnier MS.230.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200683.html|date= 20 June 1920|page= 651|title=Vincennes}}

Won by Michel Détroyat, flying a Morane-Saulnier MS.130,

completing the {{convert|2788|km|mi|abbr=on}} course Paris (Le Bourget)—Reims—Nancy—

Strasbourg—Dijon—Clermont-Ferrand—Lyons—Montpellier— Perpignan—Toulouse—Pau—Bordeaux—Tours—Le Bourget at an average speed of {{convert|190.2|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6554360b/f216.image.|title=L'Aviation Français|date=1 July 1930|page=210 }}

Won by Marcel Haegelen flying the Lorraine-Hanriot LH.41, with a time of 11h 37m 21s, an average speed of {{convert|226.45|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k6553565s/f12.image|title=Coupe Michelin|date=15 July 1931|page=204}}

Won by Marcel Haegelen flying the Lorraine-Hanriot LH 41, completing the {{convert|2631|km|mi|abbr=on}} course at an average speed of {{convert|254|kph|mph|abbr=on}} on 23 June 1932.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65536654/f30.image|title=Commission Sportive| date=August 1932 |page=254 }}

Won by Michel Détroyat flying a Moraine Saulnier MS.234, completing the {{convert| 2902|km|mi|abbr=on}} course at an average speed of {{convert|222.537|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65535577/f8.image|title=La Coupe Michelin|date=November 1933|page=328 }}

Won by Maurice Arnoux flying a Caudron C.430/1, completing the {{convert|2902|km|mi|abbr=on}} course in 10h 7m, a speed of {{convert|286.85|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=L'Aérophile|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65547614/f41.image|title= La Coupe Michelin|date= November 1935|page=341}}

In 1909, Michelin instituted a United Kingdom award, offering an annual award for five years of a trophy and £500. The competition was limited to British subjects flying aircraft of British construction. Administration of the competition was entrusted to the Aero Club of Great Britain.

{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1909/1909%20-%200185.html|date= 27 March 1909 |page=187|title=A British Michelin Cup }}{{cite journal|journal=Flight| url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1910/1910%20-%200758.html|date=17 September 1910|page=756|title=The British Empire Michelin Cup }}

For the first year, the flight was to be around a closed circuit made up of two or more markers, and a minimum distance of {{convert|5|mi|km}} was specified. The closing date for the first competition was 31 March 1910.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1910/1910%20-%200189.html|page= 185|date=8 March 1910|title=The British Empire Michelin Cup}}

Won by J. T. C. Moore-Brabazon with a flight of {{convert|18.75|mi|km|abbr=on}} at Eastchurch on 1 March 1910, flying the Short Biplane No. 2.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|title=British Michelin Trophy Winner|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1910/1910%20-%200279.html|page=277|date =9 April 1910}}

The rules for the 1910 competition, for which the closing date was 31 December 1910, were as before except that the minimum qualifying distance was raised to {{convert|38|mi|km|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1910/1910%20-%200758.html|date= 17 September 1910|title=The British Empire Michelin Cup}}

File:Aviation in Britain Before the First World War- the work of Samuel Franklin Cody in Airship, Kite and Aircraft Aeronautics 1903 - 1913 RAE-O789a.jpg

Won by Samuel Cody flying the Cody Michelin Cup Biplane at Laffan's Plain, Farnborough with a flight of {{convert|185.46|mi|km|abbr=on}} taking 4h 47m.{{cite journal|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1911/1911%20-%200007.html|date=7 January 1911|journal=Flight|title=The British Michelin Cup| page=7 }}

Announcement of a second prize, to be competed for during the following three years, with a trophy and a cash prize of £400 for 1911, £600 for 1912 and £800 for 1913, for the fastest time over a cross-country circuit.{{cite journal|journal=Flight |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1911/1911%20-%200292.html|date= April 1911|title=British Empire Michelin Cup No.2|page=294}}

On 29 October 1911, the Michelin Cup No. 1 was again won by Samuel Cody, flying his Circuit of Britain biplane {{convert|261.5|mi|km}} in 5 hr 15 min at Laffan's Plain, also setting a new British duration record.

The No. 2 cup was also won by Cody, with a flight made on 11 September 1911 of a circuit starting at Laffan's Plain, Farnborough—Andover—Hendon—Brooklands—Farnborough, taking 3 hr 6 min 30 sec to complete the {{convert|125|mi|km}} course.{{cite journal|journal=Flight |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1911/1911%20-%200980.html|title=Official Notices |date=11 November 1911 |page=982 }}

The rules were redefined for the 1912 competition: the No. 1 cup and cash prize of £5,000 was purely for endurance, all flying to be done between sunrise and sunset. The No. 2 cup and prize of £600 was for distance covered over a cross-country course of about {{convert|186|mi|km|abbr=on}} of the competitor's choosing.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1912/1912%20-%200468.html|date=25 May 1912 |title=Notices to Members }}

The No. 1 cup was won by Harry Hawker flying the Sopwith-Wright biplane, with a flight lasting 8 hours 23 minutes made on 24 October 1912 at Brooklands.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1912/1912%20-%201005.html|date=2 November 1912|title=British Duration Records|page=1005}}

The No. 2 cup was won by Samuel Cody flying the Cody V, with a flight of {{convert|186|mi}} in 3hr 26m.{{cite journal|journal=Flight |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1912/1912%20-%200946.html|title= Col. Cody Again Wins Michelin Cup No. 2. |date=19 October 1912 |page=946 }}

Michelin Cup No. 1 for the longest distance flight round the course Brooklands–Hendon–Farnborough, with a minimum distance of {{convert|300|mi|0}}. Competitors had to make periodical stops of not less than five minutes, with engine stopped, on completing an entire circuit of the course plus one section: e.g., starting from Brooklands the competitor would pass Hendon, Farnborough, Brooklands, and alight at Hendon.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|title=The British Empire Michelin Cup No. 1|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1913/1913%20-%200404.html|date= 12 April 1913|page= 412}}

The prize had not been won by the closing date of 31 October 1913, so the closing date was extended to 14 November 1913.

The No. 1 Cup was won by Reginald H. Carr flying the Grahame White "Charabanc", with a flight of over {{convert|300|mi|km|abbr=on|0}}.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|title= Reginald H. Carr|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1913/1913%20-%201238.html|date= 22 November 1913|page= 1261}}

The No. 2 cup, for the fastest time round a circuit of the competitor's choice of about {{convert|450|km}}, was not awarded. Although the prize was carried over to the next year, competition was terminated by the outbreak of World War I.{{cite journal|journal=Flight|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1914/1914%20-%200342.html|title=Notices to members|date=28 March 1914|page=342}}

• List of aviation awards

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