1909 BLERIOT replica

Modern Subaru powered (will develop 500 pounds of thrust…...way too much)

built from WWI AERO French plans, wing spar depth increased

poplar wood (recommended in early aero publications)

traditional Bleriot "U" bolt and wire construction elements

1911 Elevator and later model rectangular rudder.

wing warping lateral control

steerable tailskid

BLERIOTs always had a very aft CG and a lifting tail.

Original 1909 BLERIOT (now hanging in Musee des Arts et Metiers-Paris www.cnam.fr/museum/album/transports.html)

LOUIS BLERIOT crossed the English Channel (the French call it la MANCHE ..the sleeve) July 25, 1909 to become a world hero. Like the Wright Brothers flight, it changed the course of history.

BLERIOT crashed 33 times before his wife made him stop flying..but his company did continue to design and produce airplanes into the 1930s. His crash survival technique was to "dive onto the wing" at the moment of impact..since that structure could absorb the energy.