Mr. Subauste Perez did in depth research on the roots of Bolivian aviation. Virtually every aspect is covered by this series of books of which the story of the Bleriot-SPAD S.XX and S.34 is the second. This book covers the origin of these aircraft, their history in a general context, the Bolivian connection, a thorough technical description of their airframes and engines, and as a background the socio-political situation of contemporary Bolivia. It also puts Bolivia in the general history of the surrounding South American countries. After the crash of the Curtiss 18T Wasp two new aeroplanes were acquired by a mining entrepeneur, mr. Simon Ilurri Patino, and placed at the disposal of the then Army Aviation School being set up. These were a Bleriot-SPAD S.XX fighter- and S.34 trainer aircraft.
The history of these SPAD-products is told in great detail. SPAD stands for Societe de Production des Aeroplanes Deperdussin, later changed to Societe Pour L'Aviation et ses Derives, which company was then acquired by Louis Bleriot. SPAD certainly produced worthy fighter planes during WW I. The hero of book I, Donald Hudson, flew a SPAD XIII which made him an ace! The pilot for these SPADs in Bolivia was a French pilot, Maurice Bourdon, who actually started instruction for Bolivian student pilots and mechanics. The high powered SPAD S.XX fighter eventually crashed most unfortunately during a demonstration at El Alto, killing Bourdon as its pilot and several victims on the ground. The SPAD S.34 trainer had a longer life and was used to the full for the training of Bolivian pilots.
This book excells in its detailed description of the history of SPAD aircraft and the continuation of the development of the Bolivian Army Aviation Corps. Again mr. Subauste Perez deserves credit for this book, and the following books, about the cradle of Bolivian aviation.
Leave a Reply