Blériot XI
The Blériot XI is a pioneering French monoplane designed by Louis Blériot in 1909. It is notable for being one of the first aircraft to successfully cross the English Channel, which it accomplished on July 25, 1909. The aircraft features a wooden frame covered with fabric and is powered by a Gnome rotary engine.
With a wingspan of about 8 meters, the Blériot XI has a distinctive, elongated shape and a tail that resembles a bird's. Its design influenced future aircraft development, making it a significant milestone in aviation history. The plane is often celebrated for its role in demonstrating the potential of powered flight.