In April 1919, the Direction de l'Aeronautique established a new programme for the development of successors for the World War I aircraft types then equipping the Aeronautique Militaire. Among several categories of fighter included in this programme was a two-seat night fighter and reconnaissance aircraft (CAN 2), the specification for which demanded a max speed of at least 200km/h at 3000m. To meet this requirement, the Liore et Olivier concern developed a large, angular parasol monoplane powered by a 300hp Renault 12F 12-cylinder water-cooled engine and designated LeO 8 CAN 2. Of metal construction and with provision for two forward-firing Vickers guns and two Lewis guns in the rear cockpit, the LeO 8 was flown for the first time at Villacoublay in April 1923. Although no production order was placed, the prototype was prepared for an attempt on the world altitude record with a 500kg payload. This attempt, which took place in 1925, ended in a tragedy with the death of the pilot.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1280 x 830)