FBA Type A

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Types A, B, and C
Type Reconnaissance flying boat
Manufacturer FBA
Maiden flight 1913
Number built ca. 1,000

The FBA Type A and the almost identical Type B and C were a family of reconnaissance flying boats produced in France immediately prior to and during World War I. The design was based on patents by Donnet-Lévêque and reflected the general configuration of that company's aircraft. The Type A was a biplane flying boat of conventional configuration with equal-span unstaggered wings. The pilot and observer shared an open cockpit.

The earliest examples sold entered service with the Austro-Hungarian Navy and Danish Navy prior to World War I, but large-scale use began with sales to the RNAS, Aéronautique Maritime, and Italian Navy in 1915.

[edit] Variants

  • Type A - powered by Gnome Omega
  • Type B - powered by Gnome 9B-2
  • Type C - powered by Clerget 9B
  • Type S - lengthened hull and wings, powered by Hispano-Suiza 8B

[edit] Operators

Flag of Austria-Hungary Austria-Hungary
Flag of Denmark Denmark
Flag of France France
Flag of Italy Italy
Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom

[edit] Specifications (Type C)

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two, pilot and observer
  • Length: 9.14 m (30 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 13.71 m (45 ft 0 in)
  • Gross weight: 910 kg (2,000 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Clerget 9B, 97 kW (130 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 110 km/h (67 mph)
  • Range: 320 km (200 miles)


[edit] References

  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 381. 
  • aviafrance.com
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