The Genesis of the Bloudek XV
In 1929, the leadership of the aeroclub in Ljubljana decided to acquire new aircraft to participate in local and international competitions. Engineer Stanko Bloudek proposed a project for a light sports aircraft, whose design was influenced by the most elegant sports machines of the time: the Raab Katzenstein RK.25 and the De Havilland DH.71.
The club approved the project, and construction of the aircraft, designated Bloudek XV, began in June 1929. It was a two-seater cantilever low-wing monoplane, powered by an 85 hp English-made ADC Cirrus II air-cooled, four-cylinder in-line engine.
Maiden Flight and Naming
On June 9, 1930, the aircraft made its first flight. Minor shortcomings were identified during testing, and the aircraft was officially unveiled only on June 15 at Šiška airport. However, this event was not without problems; due to an engine malfunction, the aircraft was significantly damaged.
After repairs, in August 1930, the aircraft was christened and received its own name, “Lojze.” Soon after, it was officially registered as UN-SLO. In the same year, the Bloudek XV completed a record flight from Ljubljana to Zagreb and back in one hour and forty minutes. The following year, the machine participated in several exhibitions and competitions.
Operational History and Fatal Accident
In 1932, the aircraft’s registration number changed to UN-PAO, and the following year, it changed again to YU-PAO. For almost four years, the Bloudek XV Lojze flew without any significant accidents or incidents. However, on June 24, 1934, during an aerobatic performance, a catastrophe occurred: the aircraft crashed, and pilot Janko Kolar was killed.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bloudek XV |
| Wingspan, m | 9.40 |
| Aircraft length, m | 6.80 |
| Wing area, m2 | 13.20 |
| Empty weight | 370 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 610 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine ADC Cirrus II |
| Power, hp | 1 x 85 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 195 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 80 |
| Practical range, km | 700-900 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 308 |
| Service ceiling, m | 5500 |
| Crew | 2 |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bloudek XV Lojze
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