Bleriot XII

Intended as a true passenger-carrying successor to the Bleriot XI, the XII achieved modest succes. It made its maiden flight at Issy-les-Moulineaux on May 21, 1909. On June 12, 1909, it even achieved a flight with 3 people aboard.

Bleriot XII

Louis Bleriot is seen here flying his model XII with 'race' number 23.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)

Bleriot XII

Unmistakebly a descendant of the Model XI, the Bleriot XII clearly was a large machine. The pilot was seated immediately behind the engine, under the wing but otherwise unprotected from the elements.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)

Bleriot XII

Louis Bleriot in a pensive mood... thinking about yet another tailplane layout for this aircraft ?

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)

Bleriot XII

Indeed, the model XII suffered from directional instability and several tailplane/rudder layouts were tested, including this unaesthetic one. The picture was taken on the occasion of Louis Bleriot's passenger-accompanied flight of 6 km at Issy Les Moulineaux on June 12, 1909.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)

Bleriot XII

Claude Graham-White was one of the more famous Bleriot customers, having obtained Aero Club de France licence number 30. His Bleriot XII is seen here in what must be the definitive version.

(picture kindly supplied by Jean-Pierre Lauwers)