- DFW B.I
-
B.I and B.II 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
- Maximum speed: 120 km/h (65 knots, 75 mph)
- Cruise speed: 100 km/h (62 mph)
- Range: 600 km (375 mi)
- Service ceiling: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
- Endurance: 4 hours
Armament
- None
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 Aircraft produced by Deutsche Flugzeug-Werke Lists relating to aviation General Aircraft (manufacturers) · Aircraft engines (manufacturers) · Airlines (defunct) · Airports · Civil authorities · Museums · Registration prefixes · Rotorcraft (manufacturers) · TimelineMilitary Accidents/incidents Records Categories:- German military reconnaissance aircraft 1910–1919
- DFW aircraft
- Propeller aircraft
- Biplane aircraft
- Single-engine aircraft
- Pre-1930 aircraft stubs
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