Page 19 - David Coles Australian Military Aircraft Book Interior Sample

This aircraft in this picture was a replica built in the 1930s
SAAM
BLERIOT XI
Type: Bleriot XI Trainer
Perhaps best known for being the first aeroplane to successfully cross the English Channel in 1909, the Bleriot XI became one of the best-selling aircraft of the
pre-WWI period. It was also responsible for conducting many of the ‘firsts’ of heavier-than-air aircraft in many countries around the world. For example, Bleriot XIs flew the first airmail in France, India and Australia. They were also popular with air racers, and many early pilots earned their wings in the type.
With this success in mind, several nations began building military air arms, with Bleriot XIs being used as fast single-seat scouting aircraft. Italy became the first nation to use aircraft on military operations in Libya during 1911, a Bleriot XI being used by Carlo Piazza to make the very first offensive patrol by a heavier-than-air aircraft. Both France and Britain also formed units with the XI and between 1912 and 1914, they proved to be quite adept at the job; however, a number of fatal accidents saw the withdrawal of mono- plane types from the RFC.
Several Bleriot XIs were imported into Australia and one, CFS6, was donated to the military by W. Reynolds and Sons Meat Packers of North Melbourne. CFS used this aircraft as a ground trainer in a similar way to CFS5 and was rarely flown. One XI, brought to Australia by Maurice Guillaux in July 1914, remains on display in Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.
Crew:
Wingspan:
Length:
Height:
Engine:
Empty Weight:
Max Speed:
Service Ceiling:
Armament:
Serial Numbers:
1
7.79m (25ft 7in) 7.62m (25ft 0in) 2.69m (8ft 10in)
1 x Anzani 3-cylinder Y air-cooled piston engine 25hp (19kW)
230kg (507lb) 76km/h (47mph) 1,000m (3,300ft) Nil
CFS6
CHAPTER ONE \\ CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL (CFS) 1914-1919
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