On June 12, 1909, the renowned French aviator Louis Blériot made history with the first-ever heavier-than-air flight carrying two passengers on board his “Blériot XII” monoplane. One of those he took along was the equally famous Brazilian aviator and aircraft designer Alberto Santos-Dumont. This flight marked a crucial step, transitioning aviation from an experimental endeavor into a practical field.
Innovations and the Second Unit
Soon after this achievement, Blériot constructed a second unit, incorporating several significant design modifications. The engine, though from the same ENV brand, was replaced by a more powerful 60-horsepower version and centrally relocated within the aircraft. Additionally, the fuselage frame, previously made of wood, was crafted from metal tubes for increased strength.
Roll control was achieved through wing warping, a common feature on most early Blériot brand airplanes. These changes aimed to improve the aircraft’s performance and stability. The continuous evolution demonstrated the rapid progress in the field of aviation during this pioneering era.
British Military Service
The second Blériot XII was acquired by the English pilot Claude Grahame-White, who christened it “White Eagle.” Subsequently, the UK War Ministry purchased it and transferred it to the Royal Aeronautical School for pilot familiarization and training. Thus, this aircraft became the first British military airplane, setting a significant precedent in military aviation history.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bleriot XII |
| Wingspan, m | 10.00 |
| Length, m | 9.26 |
| Wing area, m2 | 22.00 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 550 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine ENV |
| Power, hp | 1 x 47 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 100 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | 2 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Blériot XII
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