(2009) MiNr. 4711 ** - France - Louis Blériot

Louis Blériot: Aviation pioneer and first man over the English Channel

Louis Blériot (1872-1936) was a French aircraft designer and pilot who made an indelible mark on aviation history. His name is particularly associated with the first successful crossing of the English Channel in 1909, a major milestone in the development of aviation.

The Road to Aviation Breakthroughs

Blériot was originally an engineer and automotive entrepreneur, but his fascination with flying led him to experiment with aircraft. From 1900 he began developing his own gliders and heavier-than-air aircraft. After several unsuccessful experiments with previous models, he introduced the Blériot XI, an aircraft that became a legend.

Historic crossing of the English Channel

On 25 July 1909, Louis Blériot took off from Calais and landed near Dover after 37 minutes. Equipped with a 25hp Anzani engine and a wooden propeller, the Blériot XI covered a distance of 37 kilometres, proving that aircraft could be an efficient means of transport across bodies of water. This achievement earned him not only fame, but also a £1,000 prize money from the British Daily Mail.

Fall for Aviation

Blériot's success inspired other aircraft designers and showed that aircraft had real potential for transport and military use. By 1910, the Blériot XI had gained popularity at air shows and among private pilots. During the First World War, its design became the basis for the first military reconnaissance aircraft.

Louis Blériot not only opened up new possibilities for the aviation industry, but also showed that bold vision and technical innovation could push the boundaries of what was possible.