Blériot XIII

It is notable for setting a record for passenger carrying flights, and was probably intended as a developmental aircraft for the Blériot XXIV Limousine.

The wing was mounted on a conventional wire-braced wooden box girder using six uprights and a pair of substantial diagonal members to transmit the thrust of the engine to the main airframe.

A front-mounted elevator was carried on two pairs of V-booms, and a fixed lifting horizontal surface with a rectangular rudder above it was mounted on top of the rear of the fuselage structure.

The main undercarriage consisted of a pair of wheels each in a trailing arm structure which was free to slide on upright tubes mounted outboard of the fuselage, and sprung by bungee cords.

[2] With the 140 hp Gnome fitted it was successfully flown at Étampes, carrying up to 300 kg (660 lb) of ballast in place of passengers.

Side view of the Blériot XIII.
Drawing of the Blériot XXIV, taken from the 1912 edition of Jane's All the World's Aircraft