Thulin A / Bleriot XI
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Thulin A / Bleriot XI
A real piece of aviation history, an original Bleriot XI from 1909. The first flight across the English Channel was completed in one of these, almost exactly one hundred years ago on 25 July 1909. This one is owned by Mikael Carlson who will attempt a repeat of the journey on 25 July 2009.
His website (see link below) says that the Bleriot XI
“…was also the first aeroplane to cross the Alps, the first aeroplane to be used for military service and the first aeroplane to loop the loop.”
I love this shot — really reminds me of a dragon fly with those wings.. Looks like you pedal the thing… guess you crash when your legs get tired. 😀
Saw him display it at Biggin Hill last year, rather him than me thats all i can say.
Yeah me and all. The old bomber crews referred to their Lancasters and Halifaxes as kites. This thing really does look like a kite on pram wheels. Would’ve liked to see it flying, though Saturday week there’ll be a chance to see.
Wow, impressive stuff!
Lovely shot too.
Ian this guy is either brave or as nutty as a squirrels pocket!
Amazing to think that almost exactly 60 years later, man walked on the moon.
Been watching a news item about this (I’m in Dover at the moment). There’s a memorial which is being cleaned in preparation. I understand he came down 20ft short. Carlson describes flying it as fighting every step of the way.
What a cool shot! We love learning the science behind aviation – obviously they got the science right if it was the first to fly across the English Channel! I’m an admin for a group called Science Chicago, and we’d love to have this added to the group!
Thanks and hope to hear from you,
Holly & the Sci Chi Team
Thanks for the invite!
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/agent_86/]
Hadn’t thought of that!
Impressive shot of this historical aircraft!
Wow! Absolutely superb.
nice, it would be a great thing to see in the air!
FIVE STAR Capture ☆☆☆☆☆
Lots to catch up on , this looks great .
Aww fantastic, what a great looking old ship
What an amazingly simple plane… Great capture Ian!
I’m waiting to see you shot of it flying. It must be spine-chilling to actually see it arrive after the crossing. Too bad I won’t be able to see, I’ll be on a plane myself.
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Seen on your photo stream. (?)
very cool, great shot!
(seen on explore)
Would love to see one of these in the air.
Great shot Ian…the Bleriot memorial near to Dover Castle is under renovation…well according to a TV programme last Thursday eve on ITV1! Have seen the sign for the memorial everytime we go to the White Cliffs, but not yet ventured down there…must do.
Wonderful shot!
Hi, I’m an admin for a group called L’amicizia fa la differenza – Friendship makes the difference, and we’d love to have this added to the group!
wonderful capture.. thanks for all the info too..
Thank you for sharing with ClanFlickr
Love this one. Great shot.
Thank you for sharing in L’amicizia fa la differenza – Friendship makes the difference
Impressive replica!!!
123 history
Thanks again folks. This is no replica tho!
Beautifully done. Seen in 1-2-3-History.
Best of luck to him!
1-2-3 History
I see on this morning’s news it made it’s Anniversary crossing … a great day, and what a long way we’ve come in just 100 years !
Wow – what a treat to be able to see this, thanks for sharing. Looks like it’s been kept in perfect condition!
Belle image.