Leopoldoff Colibri

Development

The Colibri was designed to meet demand for an economical two-seat tandem training and sporting biplane and the prototype L.3 Colibri, powered by a 35 hp (26 kW) Anzani engine, first flew at Toussus-le-Noble airfield near Paris in September 1933.

Series production of the L.3 Colibri fitted with the 45 hp (34 kW) Salmson 9Adb engine was started in 1937 by Aucouturier-Dugoua & Cie, followed by examples built by the Societe des Avions Leopoldoff, a total of 33 aircraft being completed before World War II.

Operational history

The Colibris served with aero clubs and private owners prewar, with several surviving the conflict. Production of six further Colibris was undertaken postwar by the Societe des Constructions Aeronautiques du Maroc in Morocco, receiving their designation CAM-1. Various engines were fitted in service, and the aircraft involved received modified type numbers.

In 2011, three Colibris were active in France and two were flying in the United Kingdom.

Variants

L.3 prototype

35 hp (26 kW) Anzani engine (1 built);

L.3 production prewar

45 hp (34 kW) Salmson 9Adb radial engine (33 built);

L.31

L.3 fitted with 50 hp (37 kW) Boitel 5Ao engine;

L.32

L.3 fitted with Walter Mikron III engine;

CAM-1

Colibri built postwar in Morocco (6 aircraft);

L.53

Colibri fitted postwar with 75 hp (56 kW) Minie engine;

L.55

Colibri fitted postwar with 90 hp (67 kW) Continental C-90 engine;

L.6

Colibri fitted postwar with Minie 4 DF 28 engine;

L.7

Colibri built postwar and fitted with a Continental A65-8S engine.

Specifications (L.55 Colibri)

Data from

General characteristics

Length: 5.92 m (19 ft 5 in)

Wingspan: 8.94 m (29 ft 4 in)

Height: 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in)

Empty weight: 300 kg (659 lb)

Loaded weight: 520 kg (1,144 lbs)

Powerplant: 1 × Continental C90-12F Four-cylinder air-cooled horizontally opposed piston engine, 67 kW (90 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 174 km/h (94 knots, 108 mph)

Cruise speed: 153 km/h (83 knots, 95 mph)

Range: 451 km (243 nm, 280 mi)

Rate of climb: 2.5m/s (500 ft/min)

Power/mass: 0.13 kW/kg (0.079 hp/lb)