vélite

Vélite is a term that refers to a type of early aircraft, specifically a biplane with a pusher configuration. The term was coined by the French aviator Louis Blériot, who designed and built the first successful vélite, the Blériot XI, in 1909. The name "vélite" is derived from the French word for "light," reflecting the aircraft's lightweight construction and the fact that it was designed to be easily transportable and operated by a single pilot.

The Blériot XI was a significant milestone in aviation history, as it demonstrated the feasibility of powered flight and paved the way for the development of modern aircraft. The aircraft featured a biplane wing configuration, with the upper wing mounted above the lower wing, and a pusher propeller located behind the pilot's cockpit. The Blériot XI was powered by a 25-horsepower Antoinette engine and could reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

Despite its innovative design and successful flight, the Blériot XI was not widely adopted or developed further. The term "vélite" fell out of use as the aviation industry evolved, and the aircraft's legacy is primarily remembered as a historical artifact. However, the Blériot XI remains an important symbol of the early days of aviation and a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the pioneers who sought to conquer the skies.