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$395.00
Bleriot Airplane (AM1712/01) Scale: 1:10 Length: 84 cm
The Blériot XI is a French aircraft of the pioneer era of aviation. The first example was used by Louis Blériot to make the first flight across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air aircraft, on 25 July 1909. This is one of the most famous accomplishments of the pioneer era of aviation, and not only won Blériot a lasting place in history but also assured the future of his aircraft manufacturing business. The event caused a major reappraisal of the importance of aviation; the English newspaper The Daily Express led its story of the flight with the headline “Britain is no longer an Island”.
It was produced in both single- and two-seat versions, powered by several different engines, and was widely used for competition and training purposes. Military versions were bought by many countries, continuing in service until after the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Two restored examples – one in the United Kingdom and one in the United States — of original Blériot XI aircraft are thought to be the two oldest flyable aircraft in the world.
The Blériot XI Airplane gained lasting fame on 25 July 1909, when Blériot crossed the English Channel from Calais to Dover, winning a £1,000 prize awarded by the Daily Mail. For several days, high winds had grounded Blériot and his rivals: Hubert Latham, who flew an Antoinette monoplane, and Count de Lambert, who brought two Wright biplanes. On 25 July, when the wind had dropped in the morning and the skies had cleared, Blériot took off at sunrise. Flying without the aid of a compass, he deviated to the east of his intended course, but, nonetheless, spotted the English coast to his left. Battling turbulent wind conditions, Blériot made a heavy “pancake” landing, nearly collapsing the undercarriage and shattering one blade of the propeller, but he was unhurt. The flight had taken 36.5 minutes and had made the Blériot XI Airplane a celebrity, instantly resulting in many orders for copies of his aircraft.
The aircraft, which never flew again, was hurriedly repaired and put on display at Selfridges department store in London. It was later displayed outside the offices of the French newspaper Le Matin and eventually bought by the Musee des Arts et Metiers in Paris.
Amati’s Bleriot Airplane kit has all the wooden and laser cutted parts, fabric cover for the wings, metal and brass parts and photo-etched metal parts.
Display model, not suitable for motor or engine.
The Blériot XI Airplane, also known as the Bleriot XI, is a historic aircraft that holds a significant place in the world of aviation. Designed and built by French aviator Louis Bleriot in 1909, this monoplane was one of the first successful aircraft to be used for crossing the English Channel. It was a single-engine, single-seat aircraft with a wooden frame and fabric covering. The Bleriot XI was a significant improvement from its predecessors, with its streamlined design and lightweight construction making it more efficient and maneuverable in the air.
The Bleriot XI had a wingspan of 25 feet and a length of 26 feet, making it a relatively small aircraft compared to modern planes. However, its compact size and lightweight design made it ideal for long-distance flights. The aircraft was powered by a 25-horsepower, 3-cylinder Anzani engine, which was mounted in front of the pilot’s seat. This engine provided enough power to propel the Bleriot XI to a top speed of 47 miles per hour.
One of the most remarkable features of the Bleriot XI was its unique wing design. The wings had a curved shape, known as the Bleriot wing, which allowed for better stability and control during flight. The wings were also equipped with ailerons, which were used for lateral control. The Bleriot XI also had a tail assembly with a horizontal stabilizer and an elevator, providing stability and control for the aircraft.
In July 1909, Louis Bleriot made history by successfully crossing the English Channel in his Bleriot XI. This feat not only demonstrated the capabilities of the aircraft but also marked a significant milestone in the development of aviation. The Bleriot XI continued to make headlines with its remarkable achievements, including setting speed records and winning races.
The Bleriot XI was not only a groundbreaking aircraft in terms of its design and capabilities but also in its impact on the world of aviation. Its success inspired many other aviators to push the boundaries of flight and paved the way for future advancements in aircraft technology. The Bleriot XI also played a crucial role in World War I, with many military versions of the aircraft being used for reconnaissance and training purposes.
Today, the Bleriot XI remains a beloved and iconic aircraft, with many replicas and restored originals still in operation. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of Louis Bleriot and serves as a reminder of the incredible progress that has been made in the field of aviation. The Bleriot XI will forever hold a special place in history as a symbol of human innovation and the spirit of flight.
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$395.00
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