[2] The Blériot V was a canard configuration pusher monoplane with a braced wooden box-girder fuselage covered with varnished silk, at the rear of which was the 24 hp (18 kW) Antoinette water-cooled V-8 engine.

The wings, which could be folded upwards for transport and had no wire bracing, were made of wood covered with varnished paper and were of a complex design probably inspired by the seeds of the Zanonia tree.

[1][3] It was first tried on 21 March 1907,[5] when Blériot made a single taxiing trial which ended in the aircraft slewing round, causing the undercarriage to collapse and damaging the rudder and elevator.

[4] After this trial Blériot replaced the frontal rudder with a large, semi-circular one mounted on a frame reaching behind the propeller, and added a fin to the underside of the fuselage in front of the wing.

Concerned about his ability to control the aircraft in the stiff breeze that was blowing, Blériot cut the engine and landed, yet again damaging the undercarriage slightly.