Jean Délémontez (21 February 1919 – 7 March 2015) was a French aeronautical engineer and aircraft designer, best known as the co‑founder of the Jodel company and for his contributions to the design of light, low‑cost wooden aircraft in the post‑World War II era.
Early life and education
Born in Marseille, France, Délémontez developed an interest in aviation early in life. He pursued technical training in aeronautics, although specific details of his formal education are not extensively documented.
Career
In 1937, Délémontez began working at the aircraft manufacturer Société des Avions Lemoine, where he gained practical experience in aircraft construction. After World War II, he formed a partnership with fellow designer Édouard Joly. Together they established the Jodel company (a portmanteau of Joly and Délémontez) in 1946, focusing on the design and production of light wooden aircraft for sport and touring purposes.
Délémontez was the principal designer of a series of aircraft that became renowned for their simplicity, performance, and ease of construction. Notable models include:
- Jodel D11 (first flown in 1948) – a two‑seat low‑wing monoplane that set a standard for amateur‑built aircraft in Europe.
- Jodel D12 (1951) – a single‑seat variant intended for training and club use.
- Jodel D18 (1973) – a four‑seat aircraft that incorporated advances in aerodynamics while retaining the characteristic Jodel wing design.
The "Jodel wing," characterized by its distinctive dihedral on the outer panels and lack of external bracing, was a hallmark of Délémontez’s design philosophy and contributed to the aircraft’s stability and handling qualities.
Beyond Jodel, Délémontez contributed to the design of other light aircraft, including the Aeromarine LM.1 and various experimental prototypes, often emphasizing low production costs and the use of readily available materials.
Later life and legacy
Délémontez remained active in the aviation community well into his eighties, serving as an advisor and mentor to amateur builders and professional manufacturers. He was recognized by several aviation societies for his impact on general aviation, receiving honors such as the Médaille de l'Aéronautique from the French government.
He passed away on 7 March 2015 in La Ciotat, France, at the age of 96. His design principles continue to influence contemporary home‑built aircraft, and many Jodel aircraft remain operational worldwide, reflecting his lasting contribution to the field of light aircraft design.