The Bleriot-SPAD S.56 aircraft, whose prototype first flew on February 3, 1923, was a variant of the S.33. It featured a metal wing structure and an air-cooled Gnome-Rhone (Bristol) Jupiter engine producing 380 hp (283 kW). In the passenger cabin, the seat arrangement was changed, and a second door was added.
Early Development and Variants
The prototype was followed by a single S.56/2, equipped with a 400 hp (298 kW) Jupiter engine. Additionally, eight S.56/3 aircraft were produced, featuring a 380 hp (283 kW) engine and a modified landing gear.
The S.56/4 underwent significant structural changes. Its pilot (and passenger) cabin was located immediately behind a 420 hp (313 kW) Jupiter engine, with a six-person passenger cabin behind it. The wing structure was also refined. A total of eight S.56/4s were built, and two more were converted from S.56/3s.
Cabin Evolution and Later Versions
The S.56/5, which first flew in 1928, had its passenger cabin divided into two compartments. The front section accommodated four passengers, while the rear held two, though the latter could also be used for cargo transport. Six S.56/3s were converted into this variant.
The final version was the S.56/6, built in two examples. This four-seater aircraft, with the pilot’s cabin again moved rearward, was specifically produced for the “Air-Publicite” company and intended for towing advertising banners.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | S.56 |
| Wingspan, m | 11. 66 |
| Length, m | 10. 08 |
| Height, m | 3. 20 |
| Wing area, m2 | 42. 18 |
| Empty weight | 1050 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 2062 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Salmson СМ.9 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 260 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 180 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 160 |
| Practical range, km | 1080 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 3800 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload: | up to 5 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bleriot-SPAD S.56
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