The Abrial A-12 was unusual in having a very low aspect ratio wing,[1] even by the standards of its time.

Other tailless gliders of the 1920s, notably the Lippisch Storch series had aspect ratios of about 8,[2] compared with the 4.75 of the Abrial.

[3] After encouraging tests of models in the wind tunnel at St Cyr, Abrial built a full-sized version.

The wings were mounted with strong dihedral and braced from above by a V-strut on each side, their apexes meeting at a faired triangular central support structure.

[1][3] The pilot's unenclosed seat was immediately in front of the central support structure, at the centre of the wing, with his feet on a rudder bar ahead of the leading edge.