Bulgarian Air Force
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Bulgaria
Air Force

Aircraft Types


Bleriot XI 
One Bleriot XI single-seat monoplane with 35 hp Anzani engine obtained in 1912 from France. Used for the training role due to its low powered engine. Withdrawn from service in 1913. No serial number carried.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
n/a     1912  

References:

  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part I by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Insignia Issue 13, Winter 1999


Bleriot XIbis 
Four Duks-built Bleriot XIbis single-seat monoplanes with 50 hp Gnome engine delivered from Russia in 1912. At least two single-seaters in use by 17 October 1912. Used by 1, 2 and 3 Aeroplane Otdelenie for the reconnaissance role. One example captured by Greek forces circa 21 June 1913. Withdrawn from service in 1916.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
n/a     Oct 1912  
n/a     Oct 1912  
n/a     Oct 1912  
n/a     Oct 1912  

References:

  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part I by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part II by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Insignia Issue 13, Winter 1999


Bleriot XI-2 Artillerie 
Two Bleriot XI-2 two-seater monoplanes with 70 hp Gnome engines obtained in 1912 from France. Used by 2 and 3 Aeroplane Otdelenie for the bombing and reconnaissance roles. One example captured by Greek forces circa 21 June 1913. Two more XI-2 obtained from France in late 1914. Remaining aircraft withdrawn from service in 1916.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
n/a     1912  
n/a     1912  
n/a     1914  
n/a     1914  

References:

  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part I by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part II by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Insignia Issue 13, Winter 1999


Bleriot XI-2bis 
Seven Duks-built Bleriot XI-2bis two-seat monoplanes with 70 hp Gnome engine delivered from Russia in 1912. Used by 2 and 3 Aeroplane Otdelenie for the bombing and reconnaissance roles. From late 1913 used by the Aeroplane School as a trainer until withdrawn from service in 1915.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
n/a     Oct 1912  
n/a     Oct 1912  
n/a     Oct 1912  
n/a     Oct 1912  
n/a     Oct 1912  
n/a     Oct 1912  
n/a     Oct 1912  
A Duks-built "Bleriot" crashed on 19 October 1912, killing pilot Hristo Toprakchiev.

References:

  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part I by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part II by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001


Bleriot XXI 
One Bleriot XXI single-seat monoplane ordered in late 1911 and delivered from France in August 1912. 70 hp Gnome engine. Using this aeroplane, on 13 August 1912 Simeon Petrov became the first Bulgar to pilot an aircraft over Bulgaria. Used by the Aeroplane Otdelenie for the reconnaissance role. Damaged on landing early September 1912 and 30 October 1912. Survived until at least March 1913.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
n/a     Aug 1912  

References:

  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part I by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Insignia Issue 13, Winter 1999


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First Created: 26 September 2003 - Last Revised: 3 April 2005
Copyright © 2003 John Hayles.     e-mail: john@aeroflight.co.uk