Bibescu 3rd from left - Bleriot airplane

The Blériot XI is a historic aircraft designed and built in 1909 by the French aviator Louis Blériot. It is most famous for being the first aircraft to cross the English Channel on 25 July 1909. The Blériot XI was a monoplane with a wooden frame covered in fabric. It was powered by a 25 horsepower Anzani engine and had a top speed of about 47 miles per hour. The aircraft played an important role in the early development of aviation and helped pave the way for future advances in aircraft design and technology.