Bleriot XI (1909)

Most important competitor to Hubert Latham for the cross-Channel flight, Louis Bleriot made it on his first attempt on July 25, 1909. The very simple 3-cylinder 25hp Anzani engine allegedly received some much needed additional cooling from a bit of drizzle when nearing the English coast. Louis Bleriot instantly turned into a national hero, England was no island anymore.

Bleriot XI scale model

Shown here is one of the fantastic scale models exhibited in London's Science Museum. It depicts the machine in which Louis Bleriot traversed the Channel in 1909.

Bleriot XI flown by Pegoud

Pegoud can be considered as the father of aerobatic flying. He got the idea when he made a parachute jump out of his plane and saw the pilotless craft perform a 'looping'. He tried this -evidently with another aircraft- while remaining aboard and noticed that some form of control remained possible throughout the maneuvre. He soon started to give public performances in a strengthened Bleriot XI and achieved quite a bit of fame.

The picture shows Pegoud in his aircraft with Louis Bleriot alongside.

Bleriot XI, Celestin-Adolphe Pegoud

This period illustration shows the manoeuvre that was to make Pegoud world famous. At the time called a 'looping', it is more reminiscent of the Immelmann-manoeuvre, which is highly unlikely considering both aircraft strength and engine power.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)

Bleriot XI, with 'Antwerp Devil' Jan Olieslagers alongside

Jan Olieslagers was a daredevil motorcycle racer who developed a serious interest in the new art of flying. He gained a pilot's license and bought a Bleriot monoplane that would make him famous in the low countries.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)

Bleriot XI of the Amicale Jean Salis

It was in an aircraft of this type that Louis Bleriot flew from Calais to Dover in 1909. Thanks to this success, the aircraft entered series production and even saw service, usually with a more powerful engine, during the First World War in the air forces of France, England and Belgium.

Bleriot XI of the Amicale Jean Salis

(Picture provided by Jan Mattheus)

Bleriot XI of the Shuttleworth Collection

Airworthy, this Bleriot is a marvel to look at. It takes pride of place in one of Old Warden's hangars when not flying.

Bleriot XI, pilot V.De Jonkheere (1911)

One of the lesser-known Belgian pilots, De Jonckheere had pilot's license No.44, indicating his very early involvement in flying.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)