Jean Marie Joseph Coutelle

Jean -Marie -Joseph Coutelle ( born January 3, 1748 in Le Mans, † March 20 1835 in the 11th arrondissement of Paris ) was one of the scientists as members of the Commission des sciences et des arts on the Egyptian expedition under the command attended by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Through his friendship with physicist Charles Alexandre, he dealt with the experiences of the Montgolfier brothers and their balloons. The Convention for the manufacture of balloons for the armies of the Republic, dated April 2, 1794, he was appointed as captain first officer of aviation.

With his captive balloon, he participated in the Battle of Fleurus (1794 ) and the siege of Mainz ( 1794-1795 ) part.

Against this background it can be seen Coutelles participation in the expedition to Egypt. There he could not use his skills as his airship, which was equipped with his material, was destroyed by fire.

On January 17, 1805 he became a member of the Legion of Honour, Knight of the Empire, he was appointed on 28 June 1809.

His tomb, which was restored by the "Souvenir français " in 2004, located in the eleventh division of the Père-Lachaise cemetery.

1913, the airship " Commandant Coutelle " was named after him.