Blériot-SPAD S.61
Blériot-SPAD · France · first flew 1923 · fighter
The Blériot-SPAD S.61 was a French sesquiplane fighter of the early 1920s, featuring a large upper wing paired with a very narrow lower wing, giving it characteristics between a monoplane and a conventional biplane. It was intended as an advanced fighter and racing design.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.85 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Sesquiplane fighter with large upper wing and vestigial lower wing
- French interwar biplane racer-fighter
- Narrow-chord lower wing giving near-monoplane appearance
Distinguished by a large upper wing of considerable chord paired with a very narrow lower wing; the narrow lower wing and clean lines give the aircraft an almost monoplane appearance from certain angles.
Specifications
- The Blériot-SPAD S.61 has a length of 6.85 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.62 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 270 km/h (168 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from SPAD's racing experience, the S.61 flew in 1923 and participated in the Gordon Bennett Trophy air race. The sesquiplane layout was chosen to reduce drag while maintaining structural rigidity compared to a true monoplane of the period.
Variants
Several variants were tested with different engines including the Hispano-Suiza 8Fb; limited production was evaluated by the French Aéronautique Militaire.
Where you'll see it
The S.61 saw limited evaluation service with the French military but was not adopted in quantity, as the sesquiplane configuration offered only modest advantages over conventional biplanes of the era.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.