Leopoldoff Colibri Explained

The Leopoldoff Colibri (English: Hummingbird) is a French-built light sporting and trainer biplane of the 1930s.

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 350NaN0 Anzani engine, first flew at Toussus-le-Noble airfield near Paris in September 1933.[1]

Series production of the L.3 Colibri fitted with the 450NaN0 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.[2]

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.[2] 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
  • 350NaN0 Anzani engine (1 built);
    L.3 production prewar
  • 450NaN0 Salmson 9Adb radial engine (33 built);
    L.31
  • L.3 fitted with 500NaN0 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 750NaN0 Minie engine;
    L.55
  • Colibri fitted postwar with 900NaN0 Continental C90 engine;
    L.6
  • Colibri fitted postwar with Minié 4.DF.28 Horus engine;
    L.7
  • Colibri built postwar and fitted with a Continental A65-8S engine.

    References

    Notes
  • Bibliography

    • External links

    Notes and References

    1. Green, 1965, P. 51
    2. Simpson 2001, p. 324

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