Bleriot 165
Intended to replace the Farman Goliath airliner, the Bleriot 165 was a two-bay biplane featuring wings of equal span and a rectangular cross-section fuselage. Its powerplant included two air-cooled Gnome-Rhone Jupiter engines, installed in nacelles between the upper and lower wings. The two pilots were seated side-by-side in an open cockpit located in the nose of the fuselage.
The passenger cabin, designed for 16 people, was enclosed. The first Bleriot 165 took to the air on October 27, 1926. It was followed by a second aircraft, initially designated Bleriot 175, which featured Renault engines and equipment for night flights. Later, Jupiter engines were installed on this second aircraft, converting it into a second Bleriot 165.
Design and Features
The Bleriot 165 was conceived as a robust and efficient biplane, marking an evolution in air transport of its era. Its two-bay structure and the placement of engines in nacelles optimized aerodynamics and maintenance. The capacity for 16 passengers in an enclosed cabin offered an advanced level of comfort for the standards of the 1920s.
Operational History
Both machines were utilized by the “Air-Union” airline on the prestigious “Golden Ray” line, connecting Paris and London. This route symbolized the link between two major European capitals, and the Bleriot 165 played a crucial role in the development of commercial air travel between them. Its reliability and capacity made it a valuable asset for interwar aviation.
Variants and Unfulfilled Projects
Plans for a military variant, a three-seat bomber designated Bleriot 123, were abandoned. The idea for a second Bleriot 175, intended for a transcontinental flight to Tokyo, was also scrapped. These decisions reflect the economic and strategic challenges of the era, which often limited the development of ambitious projects.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bl-165 |
| Wingspan, m | 23.00 |
| Length, m | 14.85 |
| Height, m | 4.85 |
| Wing area, m2 | 119.10 |
| Empty weight | 2919 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 5600 |
| Engine type | 2 Piston engine Gnome & Rhône 9Ab |
| Power, hp | 2 x 420 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 185 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 158 |
| Practical range, km | 525 |
| Service ceiling, m | 4000 |
| Crew, crew members | 3 |
| Payload | maximum – up to 16 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bleriot 165
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ArchivoAéreo Editorial Team
A group of aviation researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting and preserving global aeronautical history. All articles are reviewed to ensure historical accuracy.
Sources & Accuracy
The information presented in this technical sheet has been compiled from declassified flight manuals, historical archives, and specialized literature. While we strive for maximum accuracy, some performance data may vary depending on the specific variant or operational conditions.