DFW B.I
| B.I and B.II |
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| Left side view of DFW B.I Tannenberg, one of a small number of "named" DFW B.I aircraft in World War I |
| Role |
Reconnaissance / Army co-operation |
| Manufacturer |
Deutsche Flugzeugwerke |
| Designer |
Walter Oelerich |
| Introduction |
1914 |
| Retired |
1915 |
| Primary user |
Luftstreitkräfte |
The DFW B.I (factory designation MD 14), was one of the earliest German aircraft to see service during World War I, and one of the numerous "B-class" unarmed, two-seat observation biplanes of the German military in 1914, but with a distinctive appearance that easily separated it from any other aircraft of its class.[1] Though a biplane, its wing planform was inspired by that of the earlier Rumpler Taube monoplane, or possibly one of Igo Etrich's own follow-ons to the Taube, the crescent-winged "Sperling" monoplane, which led to the DFW aircraft being named the Fliegende Banane ("Flying Banana") by its pilots. It was also one of the few single engined, "three-bay" interwing strut design biplanes (like the original design of the Albatros B.I) to see service in World War I.
The B.II was generally similar, but was intended principally as a trainer aircraft. Some of these machines were fitted with the more powerful Mercedes D.II engine.
Specifications (B.I)
Data from Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft[2]
General characteristics
- Crew: Two (pilot & observer)
- Length: 8.40 m (27 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan: 14 m (45 ft 11 in)
- Height: 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in)
- Wing area: 40 m² (430.56 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 650 kg (1,430 lb)
- Loaded weight: 1,015 kg (2,333 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Mercedes D.I 6-cylinder inline engine, 75 kW (100 hp)
Performance
Armament
References
- ^ Wagner, Ray and Nowarra, Heinz. German Combat Planes: A Comprehensive Survey and History of the Development of German Military Aircraft from 1914 to 1945. New York: Doubleday, 1971.
- ^ Jackson, Robert, The Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft, Paragon, 2002. ISBN 0-75258-130-9
External links
See also
- Related lists
Idflieg B-class aircraft designations
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