Hannover (aircraft)

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This article refers to the aircraft. For other uses, see Hanover (disambiguation)

A Hannover CL II escort fighter.

The Hannover series of biplane aircraft were constructed by Germany during World War I. Two classes existed, a C-series of two-seater reconnaissance aircraft, and a CL-series of fast two-seater, multi-role aircraft, primarily used as escort fighters.[1]

Hannover CL aircraft included an unusual biplane tail, allowing for a greater firing arc for the tail gunner.[2] Until the introduction of the aircraft, such tails had only been used on larger aircraft.[3]

[edit] Variants

Hannover C II
Hannover CL II
Hannover CL IIa : Designation of CL IIs built by the sub-contracter Luftfahrzeug Gesellschaft.
Hannover CL III : Smaller, lighter version of the CL II, powered by a 119-kW (160-hp) Mercedes D.III engine.
Hannover CL IIIa : CL III powered by a 134-kW (180-hp) Argus As.III engine instead of the CL III's Mercedes D.III.
Hannover CL IIIb : One CL III aircraft was redesignation CL III. It was powered by a 142-kW (190-hp) NAG engine.
Hannover CL IIIc : Experimental model of the CL.III, with a two-bay wing.
Hannover CL IV : Prototype, designed for operations at high altitudes.
Hannover CL V : The CL V was the last production model, only a small number were built in 1918.