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.

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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

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