Gabriel Voisin was a French aviation pioneer and the creator of Europe's first manned, engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft capable of a sustained (1 km), circular, controlled flight, which was made by Henry Farman on 13 January 1908 near Paris, France. During World War I the company founded by Voisin became a major producer of military aircraft, notably the Voisin III. Subsequently, he switched to the design and production of luxury automobiles under the name Avions Voisin.
Gabriel Voisin
Voisin with Henry Farman (left), 1908
Gabriel (left) and Charles Voisin in 1906
Henri Farman was a British-French aviator and aircraft designer and manufacturer with his brother Maurice Farman. Before dedicating himself to aviation he gained fame as a sportsman, specifically in cycling and motor racing. Henri acquired French nationality in 1937.
Farman making the first cross-country flight accomplished with an aeroplane
MF.11 "Shorthorn"
The passenger transport Goliath
Farman III at the Dominguez Field, Los Angeles 1910