Blériot-SPAD S.81 explained
The
Blériot-SPAD S.81 (
S.81 C.1) was a French
fighter aircraft developed in 1923 to a requirement by the
French Air Force. It was flown competitively against the
Dewoitine D.1 and was selected over that aircraft due to the Dewoitine's more radical design, leading to an order for 80 aircraft. The S.81 was a single-bay
biplane of conventional configuration with I-shaped interplane struts and lacking Herbemont's usual swept upper wing. It featured a wooden
fuselage of
monocoque construction and metal wings skinned in fabric. Production versions differed from the prototypes in having a lengthened fuselage and larger tail
fin.
Variants
- S.81.01:two prototypes, powered by a 300abbr=onNaNabbr=on Hispano-Suiza 8Fb V-8 engine. The second aircraft was used for static tests only
- S.81/1:production version, powered by a 300abbr=onNaNabbr=on Hispano-Suiza 8Fb V-8 engines, designated S.81 C.1 (S.81 Chasseur - single-seater) in air force service.
- S.81bis:single example of racer version developed for the Coupe Michelin race. Performance poor.[1]
- S.81/2:single machine to evaluate alternative radiator design.
- S.81/3:single machine to evaluate alternative radiator design
- S.81/4:single machine to evaluate wooden wing design
- S.81/6:racer converted from the S.81-bis
Operators
Bibliography
- Bruner. Georges. Fighters a la Francaise, Part One. Air Enthusiast . 1977. 3 . 85–95 . 0143-5450.
Further reading
- Taylor, John W. R., and Jean Alexander. "Combat Aircraft of the World" New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1969 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 68-25459 (Pg.130-131)
- Book: Taylor, Michael J. H. . Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation . 1989 . Studio Editions . London . 164 .
- Book: World Aircraft Information Files . Bright Star Publishing. London . File 890 Sheet 42–43 .
Notes and References
- Web site: Parmentier . Bruno . SPAD S-81bis . Aviafrance . 10 March 2018. Paris . fr . 4 October 2012.