Blériot XI

Bleriot XI-2 (replica) F-AZPG PegoudBleriot XI-2 (replica) F-AZPG Pegoud

The Blériot XI is the aircraft that was used by Louis Blériot on 25 July 1909 to make the first flight across the English Channel made in a heavier-than-air aircraft. The Thulin A is Licence-built in Sweden.

  • Role: Civil tourer/trainer/military
  • National origin: France
  • Manufacturer: Louis Blériot
  • Designer: Louis Blériot and Raymond Saulnier
  • First flight: 23 January 1909

Military operators

Bleriot XI F-AZBA

Bleriot XI F-AZBA

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 7.62 m (25 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 7.79 m (25 ft 7 in)
  • Height: 2.69 m (8 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 230 kg (507 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Anzani 3-cyl. Fan 25-30 hp 3-cyl. air-cooled fan style radial piston engine, 19 kW (25 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed Chauvière Intégrale, 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) diameter

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 75.6 km/h (47 mph; 41 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 1,000 m (3,281 ft)