The Bleriot 5190 Santos Dumont was a long-range flying boat developed by the French firm Bleriot. The prototype made its maiden flight on August 11, 1931. This aircraft was equipped with four Hispano-Suiza 12Nbr engines, each delivering 650 horsepower.
Named Santos Dumont, the flying boat was specifically designed for transatlantic flights. After two training flights in Bossoutrou in 1934, the aircraft undertook its first transatlantic crossing, covering 3500 kilometers. This historic journey lasted from February 4 to April 1, 1935.
Operational Success and Technical Challenges
By June 1937, the Bleriot 5190 had completed an impressive 38 transatlantic flights, accumulating a total of 1400 flying hours. Its flight characteristics were considered good. However, a limited payload of only 600 kilograms, against a fuel mass of 8500 kg and the requirement for an eight-pilot crew, prompted designers to consider installing more powerful engines.
An Unexpected End for Bleriot
Concurrently, the Aviation Ministry ordered three additional Bleriot 5190 aircraft from the firm in 1935. Most of the company’s funds were invested in this ambitious project. Tragically, when the order was canceled the following year without any explanation, the Bleriot company collapsed, and Louis Blériot died of a heart attack.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bleriot 5190 |
| Wingspan, m | 43. 00 |
| Aircraft length, m | 26.00 |
| Aircraft height, m | 6. 90 |
| Wing area, m2 | 236.00 |
| Empty weight | 12750 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 22000 |
| Engine type | 4 Piston engine Hispano-Suiza 12Nbr |
| Power, hp | 4 x 650 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 210 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 190 |
| Practical range, km | 3200 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 5100 |
| Crew | 8 |
| Payload | 600 kg |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bleriot 5190 Santos Dumont
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