W.Green, G.Swanborough The Complete Book of Fighters

SAB 1 France

   After resigning as a director of SPAD (Societe Pour Aviation et ses Derives), Louis Bechereau established SAB (Societe et Ateliers Bechereau) and was joined in designing a single-seat fighter by Bernard, Bleriot and Birkigt. This, the SAB 1, was built by Avions Pierre Levasseur, and was a somewhat corpulent two-bay biplane powered by a 300 hp Hispano-Suiza 8Fb watercooled eight-cylinder engine. Flight testing was initiated during 1918 in competition with the Nieuport 29, five examples being built. Selection of the Nieuport fighter by the Aviation Militaire resulted in discontinuation of further development of the SAB fighter.

Max speed, 130 mph (210 km/h).
Time to 6,560 ft (2 000 m), 5.78 min.
Empty weight, 1,726 lb (783 kg).
Loaded weight, 2,474 lb (1 122 kg).
Span, 30 ft 6 1/8 in (9,30 m).
Length, 22 ft 7 5/8 in (6,90 m).
Height, 8 ft 4 1/3 in (2,55 m).
Wing area, 311.09 sq ft (28,90 m2).

Журнал Flight

Flight, December 25, 1919.

The Paris Aero Show 1919

Pierre Levasseur. - In addition to a number of propellers, including a huge one of about 40 ft. diameter, is showing a large single-engine tractor biplane, the chief feature of which appears to be a profuse use of aluminium for cowling, spinner, etc.