J.Davilla, A.Soltan French Aircraft of the First World War (Flying Machines)

Bleriot 7L "High Seas" Flying Boat

  The "high seas" specification issued by the Aviation Maritime in 1918 was intended to provide the navy with a flying boat comparable to the British Felixstowe series. The specification called for an aircraft with a crew of four, a T.S.F. wireless, a 75mm cannon with 35 rounds, and two machine guns. A large number of firms submitted designs.
  The Bleriot 7L was to have been a biplane with a single-step hull powered by four 220-hp Hispano-Suiza engines. The two wings had a combined surface area of 135 sq m. Estimated performance data include a payload of 2,000 kg; maximum speed of 150 km/h at 2,000 meters, and ability to climb to 2,000 m in 30 minutes. The aircraft was still being designed in April 1918. It does not appear that it was ever built, remaining a project only.