Continuing with the
series of Louis Bleriot brainchildren, here is today the Bleriot V
"canard". Actually, it seems to be that this was the first airplane
nicknamed after the not-so-elegant cuacking relative, later to become a generic
for the stabilizer-first airplane configuration.
This one wasn't really very successful, achieving just a few promising long hops
and several failures of the landing gear in the process. Rebuilt, as usual, a
few times with modifications, this model represents one of them. Hidden in the
back is a very simple replica of the Antoinette 24 cv that supposedly propelled
the plane. The off-center position of the prop blades axis is correct, and was
used in other Bleriot planes. Control was executed by twisting the wings, moving
the stab, shouting loudly, kicking the cockpit floor and generally spanking the
fuselage to encourage it to leave the ground.
Click on
images below to see larger images
Since I couldn't
find a 3 view of this remarkable piece of art nouveau, I extrapolated measures
from several photographs. Consider yourself warned.
A simple scratch
build using the materials and methods described in previous articles, just needs
photoetched spoked wheels to roll off the table and fly to you favorite French
Champs.
Gabriel
Click on
images below to see larger images
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