In 1922, Léon Kirst designed the Bleriot 107M aircraft. This aircraft was later reconfigured into the Bleriot 117M model, which made its maiden flight on June 19, 1924. However, its small twin-fin tail proved ineffective, leading to poor flight characteristics.
Kirst addressed these deficiencies by replacing the 400 hp Lorraine 12Db engines with more powerful Hispano-Suiza 12Gb units. He also designed a new single-fin tail with a larger area to improve stability and control. The sole Bleriot 127 prototype conducted its first flight on May 7, 1926.
Development and Key Features
The Bleriot 127/2 modification first flew on January 10, 1928, featuring even more powerful Hispano-Suiza 12Hb engines, with radiators strategically placed under the wings to reduce drag. Pilots occupied side-by-side open cockpits equipped with dual controls.
This four-seater, multi-purpose aircraft, built with a wooden mid-wing design, saw 42 examples ordered. A distinctive feature of the Bleriot 127 was its unique gun placement: one in the nose of the fuselage as usual, and two additional positions on extensions of the engine nacelles, behind the wing’s trailing edge. These rear positions were designed to provide virtually unlimited rearward firing coverage.
Variants and Operational Service
The Bleriot 127 was intended for bombing, reconnaissance, and as an escort fighter. Initial deliveries commenced in April 1929. Subsequently, the rather cumbersome-looking Bleriot 127/2 was released; despite not being an effective aircraft, it remained in service until the end of 1934.
Among its variants, the Bleriot 127/3 was the only model specifically designed as a night bomber. The Bleriot 127/4, on the other hand, was similar to the 127/2 but featured main landing gear with a single large wheel, covered by distinctive trouser-shaped fairings.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bl 127 |
| Wingspan, m | 23.20 |
| Length, m | 14.68 |
| Height, m | 3.41 |
| Wing area, m2 | 88.00 |
| Empty weight | 3750 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 4966 |
| Engine type | 2 Piston engines Hispano-Suiza 12Hb |
| Power, hp | 2 x 550 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 199 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 168 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 321 |
| Service ceiling, m | 6850 |
| Crew, crew members | 4 |
| Armament | six 7.7-mm Lewis machine guns (two on mounts in the nose cockpit and two on the rear extensions of the engine nacelles) bomb load – 250 kg, located in the fuselage compartment. |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bleriot 127
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