Germany - 1918 - LVG C.VI

Out With the Old and In With the New!

I am still busy working on a new series of existing profiles based on newly made master files. I have been alternating between German two seat and British pusher aircraft. Today I will continue with German aircraft, constructed by LVG.

The Long Lived LVG C.VI

As the war entered it's last days aviation design was becoming more science than art. Well tested designs which were meant for combat in the Great War fought for newly formed fledgling air corps over the skies of Eastern Europe. Many of these designs slowly made their way into the world of civil aviation and served well into the next decade.

Germany 1918

German LVG C.VI s/n 1510 - 1918

This example features a varnished wood fuselage and metal forward section. The wings and tail plane are covered in 5 color camouflage fabric. Dark on the top surfaces and light on the bottom surfaces. Balkan crosses are on the fuselage, rudder , the right and left sides of top upper wing surface and crosses on the bottom lower wing surface.A white stylized six-sided shooting star and the number 4 are located below the cockpit and observer position. The exhaust pipe is the curved split flow type.

Poland 1919

LVG CVI, Polish Air Force, 8 Squadron s/n 22 - 1919

This Polish LVG C.VI has been painted in a common two color pattern. The wings and tailplane is varnished linen on the lower surfaces. I am not sure about the upper wing surfaces. I assume the wings are the same brown used on the fuselage. The Polish are the bordered variety. They are positioned in the standard 2+2 pattern. There are several notable details. The observer's gun is is a ring mounted Lewis gun. The chimney-like exhaust pipe gives it a distinct look.

Lithuania 1919

LVG C.VI Oro Laivynas (Lithuanian Air Fleet) s/n 9092/18 Kaunas -1919.

Eight new C.VI's were supplied by Germans on 27th February 1919. This aircraft took part in combat along at Polish front in March of 1919. The aircraft was piloted by German mercenary.

A Short Overview of the LVG C.VI

LVG C.VI. (2012, July 1). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

LVG C.VI was a German two-seat reconnaissance and artillery spotting aircraft used during World War I.

The aircraft was designed by Willy Sabersky-Müssigbrodt and developed by Luft-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (LVG) in 1917. The C.VI was a further development of the C.V, which Sabersky-Müssigbrodt had made for his former employer DFW. It was lighter, smaller and aerodynamically refined, although its fuselage seemed more bulky. It was a biplane of mixed, mostly wooden construction. It featured a semi-monocoque fuselage, plywood covered. Rectangular wings of wooden and metal construction, canvas covered. Upper wing of slightly greater span, shifted some 10 in (25 cm) towards front. Vertical fin plywood covered, rudder and elevators of metal frame canvas covered, stabilizers (tail planes) of wooden frame canvas covered. Straight uncovered engine in the fuselage nose, with a chimney-like exhaust pipe. Two-blade Benz wooden propeller, 9.45 ft (2.88 m) diameter. Flat water radiator in central section of upper wing. Fixed conventional landing gear, with a straight common axle and a rear skid. Aircraft were equipped with a radio (Morse send only); transmissions were by means of an antenna which could be lowered below the aircraft when needed. The crew had parachutes and heated flying suits. A total of 1,100 aircraft of the type were manufactured.

Most LVG C.VIs were used by the German military aviation in last operations of World War I, mostly on Western Front, for close reconnaissance and observation.

After the war, Deutsche Luft-Reederei (DLR) used several C.VIs to provide mail and passenger transport service. The Polish Air Force used several aircraft during Polish-Soviet war (the first was left by the Germans, another was completed from parts in 1920, and several were bought abroad). Suomen ilmailuliikenne Oy purchased two C.VIs from a Swedish airline in 1923. The company went bankrupt in 1922, but would be a predecessor to Aero O/Y, in turn a predecessor of Finnair. The Finnish Air Force purchased two aircraft. One was destroyed in a spin in Santahamina in 1923. The other was used until the end of 1924. Several (at least eight) were used by Lithuania, two last ones survived until 1940. Three were used in Czechoslovakia, two in Switzerland (1920-1929), several in the USSR.

Today, there are three surviving C.VIs. One is on display at the RAF Museum in Hendon, one at the Brussels Air Museum in Belgium and the one at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace in Paris

References

1. LVG C.VI. (2012, July 1). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:20, July 16, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LVG_C.VI&oldid=500140488
2. Heinonen, Timo: Thulinista Hornetiin - Keski-Suomen ilmailumuseon julkaisuja 3, Keski-Suomen ilmailumuseo, 1992, ISBN 951-95688-2-4
3. Krzysztof Choloniewski, Wieslaw Baczkowski: Samoloty wojskowe obcych konstrukcji 1918-1939. Tomik 2 (Barwa w lotnictwie polskim no.7), WKiL, Warsaw 1987, ISBN 83-206-0728-0 (Polish language)
4. Lewis, Michael: 1914-18 Connections website. Restoration of Brussels Air Museum LVG CVI

Germany - 1917 - LVG C.V

All Work and No Play Makes Will...

Since I last posted things have been hectic. I just got completed a series of profiles for the book project I wrote about earlier and hope to be able to share them when the time is right. Site revisions and working up new profile masters and insignias, etc has been keeping me busy. I got sidetracked on a bit of engine building. Slowly I will have made a new set of detailed engines I can insert into the profile and dial in the size. It will help when doing types where only the engine is changed.

My latest profiles have been of LVG aircraft. I have saved posting the best types for last. In either numbers built, success, number of nations using them and length of service. The Late C class LVG aircraft were all these things.

Luftverkehrsgesellschaft m.b.H. (L.V.G. or LVG) was a German aircraft manufacturer based in Berlin-Johannisthal, which began constructing aircraft in 1912, building Farman-type aircraft. The company constructed many reconnaissance and light bomber biplanes during World War I.

The raid on London in 1916 was conducted by one LVG C.IV. It dropped its bombs near London Victoria station, but was shot down by French anti-aircraft gunners on its way home.

German Empire

LVG C.V s/n C.9730/17 - 1917

Besides the serial number little is known of this example. The colors are conjectural and based on a excellent profile done by Bob Pearson in 2000 for the L.V.G. C.V Datafile.

Polish Air Force

LVG C.V Poland 1920

I have no solid information on this planes assignments or history. The color scheme was often used on this aircraft type. I have not sen a top view and at the moment thinking the upper wings are dark green to match the varnished linen on the lower wings. I would also assume the simple unbordered red and white check insignia are prominent on the top upper wing surface.

LVG C.V s/n 9667/17 - 1917

The profile is based on this LVG C.V when it served in unknown German training unit in France during the Summer and Autumn of 1918. While assigned to the International Contact Regiment, RKKVF, it flew the first Soviet international flight during the period of April12th through the 15th in 1918.The Russian pilot Khodorovich flew from Vinnitsa to Budapest. It was a 1062 km flight lasting a total of 8 flying hours.

A Short Overview of the LVG C.V

From Wikipedia, LVG C.V, "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LVG_C.V"

The LVG C.V was a reconnaissance aircraft produced in large numbers in Germany during World War I. It was a conventional two-bay biplane design of its day, with unstaggered wings of equal span and tandem, open cockpits for the pilot and observer. The ailerons, fitted only to the upper wing, featured aerodynamic balances that extended past the wingtips. The fuselage was a semi-monocoque construction skinned in wood.

Following the war, some C.Vs were used as civil transports, while some 150 machines captured by Polish forces were put to use by the Polish army.] Other post-war users included Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia; together operating about 30 aircraft.

References

1. From Wikipedia, LVG C.V, "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LVG_C.V"
2. Grosz, Peter M. "LVG C.V. Windsock Datafile 71": Berkhampstead: Albatross Productions. (1998).
3. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing.
4. Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). "Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation". London: Studio Editions.
5. "World Aircraft Information Files". London: Bright Star Publishing.

Russia - 1923 Fokker C.I

Who's Got Fokker Fever? He's Got Fokker Fever!

I have been sitting on references for today's post for a while. Why has it taken so long? It was partly a matter of sloth, and a matter of dropping the ball in the 24/7 world of chaos I call my life.There has always been something calling for my immediate attention. It was time to not accept any more excuses and get it done.

Meet The Fokker D.VII's Big Brother.

The Fokker C.I was a two seat German reconnaissance aircraft based on the formidable Fokker D.VII. The C.I entered production soon after the flight test in the final days of World War I. None entered service and the finished examples and parts were smuggled into the Netherlands when Anthony Fokker fled a sinking ship of state. After setting p production in the Netherlands Fokker produced over 250 C.I for use by the Dutch, Danes, and Soviets.

The C.I was 1 inch (.03m) longer and 2 inches (.07m) taller than the D.VII. It had a wingspan 4 foot 6 inches (1.57m) longer. It weighed in at 345 pounds (157kg) heavier empty and 890 lb (405kg) more when fully loaded. The total load weight for the C.I was 882 pounds (400kg). The Speed and service ceiling were the main differences. The C.I was slightly slower but the service ceiling was much lower.

The Fokker C.I in Soviet Service

Fokker C.I, Unit and Crew Unknown, s/n H 08, 1923

I have found several examples of C.I bearing the "H" (Cyrilic character for "N") on the fuselage and exact same paint scheme. All the examples have uncovered wire wheels and fuel tanks.

Fokker C.I, A. T. Kozhevnikov, s/n unknown, 1923

This profile is based on a coupe photos I saw. It has the Sphinx insignia of the squadron leader of № 1 OIAE, A.T.Kozhevnikov. The colors are conjectural. I used the same scheme as his Fokker D.VII.

Fokker C.I, Unit and Crew Unknown, Winter 1923

This example is painted in winter colors and is fitted with pontoon like skis. The lack of a wheel allows viewing of an ael mounted secondary fuel tank. Also notable is the change to the observer cockpit which is outfitted with ring mount for the trainable gun.The box below the observer's position carry grenades. The C.I could carry up to 110 lb (50 kg) of disposable stores.

A Short Overview of the Fokker C.I

The Fokker C.I was a German reconnaissance biplane under development at the end of World War I. The design was essentially an enlarged Fokker D.VII fighter with two seats and a 138 kW (185 hp) BMW IIIa engine. The C.I was originally developed to sell to the German Army. It never saw service in World War I, but Anthony Fokker managed to smuggle parts out of Germany at the time of the Armistice.

The prototype, V.38, was tested at Schwerin, and put into immediate production. After the armistice, production continued in the Netherlands.

The C.I went into Dutch service after 16 were ordered in February 1919. The USSR bought 42 C.Is. The C.Is served in the reconnaissance and trainer roles. The last C.I left service in 1936.

Variants

• V 38: Prototype.
• C.I: Two-seat reconnaissance aircraft, powered by a 185 hp (138 kW) BMW IIIa piston engine.
• C.Ia: Improved version.
• C.IW: Experimental float plane version.
• C.II: Three-seat passenger transport version, powered by a 185 hp (138 kW) BMW IIIa piston engine.
• C.III: Two-seat advanced trainer version of the C.I, powered by a 220 hp (164 kW) Hispano-Suiza engine.

References

1. Fokker C.I. (2011, December 22). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 13:28, March 7, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fokker_C.I&oldid=467155072
2. Donald, David, ed. (1997). The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Prospero Books. pp. pg 427. ISBN 1-85605-375-X.
3. Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. pp. 402.
4. World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing. pp. File 894 sheet 33.

Germany - 1918 Junkers CL.I

A Life of Controlled Chaos

Things have been hectic in the studio recently. The Polish Project is moving along with new additions to the galleries. New master files are in work and new references have been found. In addition to this I have started a collaboration with a writer like and respect on an upcoming project. I will give more details on the project when I can. All I will say at the moment is it will be a very interesting read.

Long term readers know my opinion on the question of what makes a forward thinking airplane design during the First World War. It is no secret that I think designs with more than a single set of wings was a paradigm which needed to be cast aside. In most cases triplanes were a waste of time and material. Successful triplanes were light weight and small. Ironically this type of airframe was what made the Fokker E.V-D.VIII a great plane.

Junkers's Dream Machine

Hugo Junker was an inspired visionary who did the groundwork for modern aviation. He championed the idea of metal skinned monoplane aircraft in spite of what some saw as common wisdom, but was just another manifestation of lack of vision. Junker went beyond the envelope and saw the shape of things to come. His ideas were picked up by Anthony Fokker, who was always quick to assimilate the work of others, during their joint venture producing the J.10 late in the war.

Junkers Cl.I - 1918

This is an example of the long body version of the CL.I (J.8 or J.10) painted in a relatively common camouflage scheme.

Junkers CLS.I - 1918

As with many aircraft a seaplane version was tested for feasibility. This example has an unpainted body and struts with a streaked camouflage on the floats. The rudder on the J.11 was altered as well as the exhaust system.

Overview of the Junkers CL.I

The Junkers CL.I was a ground-attack monoplane aircraft developed in Germany during World War I. Its construction was undertaken by Junkers under the designation J 8. as proof of Hugo Junkers' belief in the monoplane, after his firm had been required by the Idflieg to submit a biplane (the J 4) as its entry in a competition to select a ground-attack aircraft.

The J 8 design took the J 7 fighter as its starting point, but had a longer fuselage to accommodate a tail gunner, and larger wings. The prototype flew in late 1917 and was followed over the next few months by three more development aircraft.

The Idflieg was sufficiently impressed to want to order the type, but had misgivings about Junkers' ability to manufacture the aircraft in quantity and considered asking Linke-Hoffmann to produce the type under license. Finally, however, Junkers was allowed to undertake the manufacture as part of a joint venture with Fokker, producing a slightly modified version of the J 8 design as the J 10. Like the other Junkers designs of the period, the aircraft featured a metal framework that was skinned with corrugated duralumin sheets. 47 examples were delivered before the Armistice, including three built as float planes under the designation CLS.I (factory designation J 11). After the war, one or two CL.Is were converted for commercial service by enclosing the rear cockpit under a canopy.

References

1. From Wikipedia Junkers CL.I "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkers_CL.I"
2. Green, W; Swanborough, G (1994). "The Complete Book of Fighters. New York: Smithmark. ISBN 0-8317-3939-8.
3. Gray, Peter; Thetford, Owen (1962). German Aircraft of the First World War". London: Putnam.
4. Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). "Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation". London: Studio Editions. pp. 536.
5. "World Aircraft Information Files". London: Bright Star Publishing. pp. File 897 Sheet 01.

Poland - 1920 Ground Attack Aircraft

German Ground Attack Airplanes in the Polish Air Force

Once again my obsessive side is showing. I'm up to 45 Polish aircraft and looking at my reference material I see that I can easily break the hundred mark. It has been an opportunity to revisit existing subjects and an excuse to get more lost master files completed. Another benefit is I am learning more about an era and theater I knew little about.

Before Poland gained independence the country was threatened by both Russia to the east and Germany and Austria to the west. Many Poles were faced with the choice of living in hardship or being conscripted into both the western empires. Needless to say many a Pole found their way into the cockpit of German and Austrian aircraft. When the Great War ended the Polish pilots and their aircraft returned to Poland where they were put to use in found the Polish Air Service.

Albatros J.I, 1.Eskadra Wielkopolska “Smok” s/n 6 (Alb.J1.217/18) 1921

This Albatros J.I was named “Smok” which means Dragon in Polish. The name was painted in white on the forward fuselage, just behind of the bare metal engine compartment. When in German service it was assigned the serial number 628/17 or 628/18. The profile shows the plane when it was attached to the Poznan Flying School in 1921. The national markings on the fuselage and rudder are the more complex version which also appear on both the upper top and lower bottom wing surfaces. The overall color scheme is dark green with pale blue lower surfaces. As with many other Polish aircraft the serial numbers are painted in black over a white stripe. The wheels had covers, however the conic spinner is removed.

Halberstadt CL.II 14.Eskadry Wywiadowczej, s/n 201/18 W. Bartkowiak J. Klicze, 1920

The paint scheme is not much different than the original German scheme. The cowling is bare metal and the fuselage is varnished wood. The wings are lozenge pattern camouflage. The Polish markings are the simple version. The wing markings are in the typical locations. The wire wheels were not covered and the conical spinner is removed. The exhaust is atypical, most Halberstadt mounted it horizontally on the right side of the engine. As in the previous profile the serial numbers are painted on a white stripe.

Germany - 1916 Halberstadt CL.II part 2

Burning the Candle at Both Ends

Recently I have been working outdoors in the elements. During the holiday season I end up sleep deprived and a bit fuzzy around the edges. When I get home I mainly work on finishing new master files for a new push after the new year. It has been consolidation time for me, however it is needed to avoiding wasting time and energy with changing things piecemeal instead of building the structure in a logical modular manner. The past few days I have been busy preparing for things to come. One project is working up all of Manfred von Richtofen's aircraft, I have found several lists of his planes which will give me an outline to follow. This will include the two seat aircraft he served as the gunner/observer in. I have finished a couple of the profiles for this, including a LFG Roland C.II from Staffel 8, KAGOHL 2. I will post some of them soon. Today I am posting some of the new Halberstadt CL.II profiles I have done.

More Halberstadt CL.II

Halberstadt CL.II Schlasta 23b - 1916

This example served in Schlasta 23b during 1916. The aircraft is finished in two different camouflage schemes. The fuselage is painted with a speckled pattern and other surfaces are finished in a five color lozenge pattern.

Halberstadt CL.II Schlasta 26b - 1916

This example has an unusual scheme. The red and white flame pattern over the speckled fuselage makes it easy to identify. All the lozenge is a five color scheme. It was a fun profile to do.

Halberstadt CL.II Schlasta 27b Brünhilde - 1918

Halberstadt CL.II Schlasta 27b Thea - 1918

This pair of CL.II were assigned to Schlasta 23b are both painted in nearly identical schemes. Both have a female in white on the rear section of the fuselage. Nr. 2 bears the name “Brünhilde” and Nr. 5 bears the name “Thea” Both have white numbers mid-plane, a white chevron which is the Schlasta identifier. The red stripe bordered in white I am not sure what its significance is.

Germany - 1918 Halberstadt CL.IV

The Most Effective Ground Attack Aircraft of WWW I

The holidays have thrown my posting schedule for a loop. In the US we have been celebrating Thanksgiving. A day of feasting on large flightless birds and tables groaning under the weight of side dishes. I have recuperated from digestive torpor in time to post today. I am into my early 6 weeks of doing full time charity work to bring food and Christmas gifts to those who are unable to provide for them self.

I decided to post some of my new profiles of one of my favorite planes of the war. I will post a few more when I get the time.

Halberstadt CL.IV Schlachtstaffel 21 Chateau Thierry July 1918 - 1918

This striking example was the aircraft flown by the CO of Schlachtstaffel 21 in the Battle of Chateau Thierry in mid-July of 1918. The white fuselage with white strikes made it a high priority on my profile list. The wings are standard five color lozenge fabric, while the tail plane is white.

Halberstadt CL.IV Unit and Pilot Unknown - 1918

The color scheme of this plane is a matter of conjecture. Most show it as varnished wood over-painted with the black and white design. Other references show it as a blue gray under surface with the black and white markings. In all the examples the wings were covered in German five color lozenge cloth. None of the sources had any information on what unit it served in or the identity of the flight crew.

Halberstadt CL.IV Unit and Pilot Unknown - 1918

The fuselage on this example is painted in a four color camouflage pattern, The diagonal stripe has a thin black stripe separating th red and yellow areas. The skull and crossbones is a favorite marking used by many nations. I assume it was a personal marking and not a unit identifier. The black number on the rudder is somewhat common, however most still bore the numbers on the fuselage.

The Halberstadt CL.IV was one of the most effective ground attack aircraft of World War I, relying on its good maneuverability to avoid ground fire. It appeared on the Western Front towards the end of the German offensives in 1918. Karl Thies, chief designer of the Halberstädter Flugzeugwerke, G.m.b.H., designed the CL.IV as a replacement for the CL.II, which was very successful in harassing Allied troops. Purpose of an improved version was to create a superior ground attack aircraft.

The new CL.IV featured a shorter, strengthened fuselage and a horizontal stabilizer of greater span and higher aspect ratio than that of the CL.II. These changes, along with a one-piece, horn-balanced elevator, gave the CL.IV much greater maneuverability than the CL.II. After tests were completed of the prototype in April 1918, at least 450 were ordered from Halberstadt, and an additional 250 aircraft from a subcontractor, LFG (Roland).

As with the CL.II, the CL.IV was powered by a single 160 hp (120 kW), 6 cylinder in-line, water cooled Mercedes aircraft engine. The aircraft was armed with a fixed forward-firing 0.312 in (7.92 mm) LMG 08/15 “Spandau” synchronized machine gun, and a single trainable 0.312 in (7.92 mm) “Parabellum” MG14 machine gun, on a ring mount in the observer's cockpit.

Flights of four to six CL.IVs flew close support missions, at an altitude of less than one hundred feet, suppressing enemy infantry and artillery fire just ahead of the advancing German troops. After these late German offensives stalled, Halberstadt CL.IVs were used to disrupt advancing Allied offensives by striking at enemy troop assembly points and night sorties were also made against Allied airfields and interception missions against Allied bombers as they returned from their missions.

References

1. From Wikipedia Halberstadt CL.IV, "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halberstadt_CL.IV"

Germany - 1916 Halberstadt CL.II

Germany and Ground Attack Aircraft

I took a break from working on American units this weekend. What that means is I just shifted focus back to German aircraft and their operational organization. I took the opportunity to work up several models of Halberstadt aircraft and more Fokker D.VII.

As early as 1916 Germany developed purpose built Ground attack aircraft which supported infantry units. Armed with machine guns and anti-personel bombs these aircraft performed their missions well. One of the best designs was the Halberstadt CL.II.

Jagdgeschwader Nr.2

Halberstadt CL.II Jagdgeschwader Nr.2 - 1918

This example is painted in the standard scheme set by Rudolf Berthold after March 1918, when Hptm. Adolf Tutschek died and command passed to him. The red nose could indicate this example was attached to Jasta 15. The cross on the rudder is the Maltese cross in use in 1918.

Schlasta 21

Halberstadt CL.II “Martha”, Schlasta 21 sn C893/18, France Nov. 1918

This example has a very striking paint scheme. The name Martha is probably the name of the pilot's girlfriend. The number 3 on the rudder is unusual, The side mounted boxes for anti-personel munitions are absent. The wings are done in the standard lozenge scheme, a dark pattern on the upper surfaces, lighter on the lower. The tail plane is painted in the orange and dark green motif. Once again the Maltese crosses indicate the aircraft is in use in 1918.

Halberstadt CL.II Schlasta 21 sn 5, France Nov. 1918

This example is painted in a speckled pattern. The rear fuselage section is white with a yellow stripe separating the dark section from the white. The number in the white diamond may be an aircraft identifier. The wings are standard lozenge and the tail plane is white. The side boxes are mounted on the fuselage.

The Halberstadt CL.II was the first German purpose designed aircraft for the ground attack role. The Halberstädter Flugzeug Werke began supplying the German Halberstadt D-II during the summer of 1916. The plane was created to provide air support for ground troops.

The CL.II was powered by the reliable 160 hp (120 kW), 6 cylinder in-line, water cooled Mercedes aircraft engine. and armed with three machine-guns and five 22-pound (10 kg) anti-personnel bombs, the plane soon established itself as the best ground attack fighters of the war.

References

1. From Wikipedia Halberstadt CL.II, "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halberstadt_CL.II"
2. Angelucci, Enzo (ed.). "World Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft". London: Jane's, 1981. ISBN 0 7106 0148 4.
3. Gray, Peter and Thetford, Owen. "German Aircraft of the First World War". London: Putnam, 1962.
4. Green, William and Swanborough, Gordon. "The Complete Book of Fighters". New York: Smithmark, 1994. ISBN 0-8317-3939-8.

Britain - 1918 Sopwith TF.2 Salamander

I know it is that standard dull British paint scheme. I am working on the more exuberant tan, pink and green experimental camouflage scheme and I promise to post it when I have finished it.

Britain's Late War Ground Attack Plane

Sopwith Salamander - 1918

The Sopwith TF.2 Salamander was a British World War I ground attack aircraft which first flew in April 1918. The war ended before the type could enter squadron service, although two were in France in October 1918.

By 1917, the use of close support aircraft had become an essential part of an infantry attack. On the German side, specialist aircraft were designed specifically for the task, such as the Halberstadt CL.II and the armored Junkers J.I – the British however relied for this work on ordinary fighters such as the DH 5, and the Camel, and general purpose two seaters such as the F.K.8. Ground fire took a heavy toll of aircrew involved, and an equivalent to the armored German machines was sought. The first British aircraft to be built specifically for "ground strafing", as close support was known, was an armored version of the Camel, known by the company as the "TF.1" (for "trench fighter"). This did not go into production, but information gained in testing it was used for the Salamander design.

Design of the Salamander, conceived as an armored version of the Sopwith Snipe, began in January 1918. The forward portion of the fuselage was a 650 lb (295 kg) box of armor plate. The rear portion was a generally similar structure to the Snipe's, but flat sided, to match the forepart. The wings and tail unit were identical with the Snipe, and the same Bentley BR2 rotary engine was fitted. This was protected by a standard (unarmored) cowling – the foremost armor plate forming the firewall.

Originally an armament of three Lewis guns was planned, as for the TF.I. Two would have fired forward and downwards through the cockpit floor, while a third would have fired upwards. In the event a conventional battery of two synchronized Vickers guns was mounted in front of the cockpit, as on the Snipe, although they were staggered, the starboard gun being mounted a few inches forward of the port one.

The prototype underwent its initial trials in April 1918, and was sent to France for evaluation on 9 May, but subsequently crashed on 19 May during test program while with No. 65 Squadron when the pilot had to avoid a tender crossing the aerodrome responding to another crash. . By this time four prototypes were flying, undergoing many of the same modifications to the tail and ailerons as the Snipe in order to correct the initially rather heavy and unresponsive controls.

Production was intended to be on a very large scale – The Air Navigation Co., Glendower Aircraft, and Palladium Motors all signed contracts to supply Salamanders, as well as the Sopwith company itself. By the end of the war, however, only 37 Salamanders were on RAF charge, and only two of these were in France. None had as yet been issued to an operational squadron.

With the Armistice, the immediate need for a specialist close support aircraft evaporated, and no squadron was ever fully equipped with the type, which had disappeared from RAF service altogether by the mid 1920s. The type was not developed, but was used in trials of various patterns of disruptive camouflage in the early post war years. One example went to America, and was apparently still in existence at McCook Field in 1926.

References

1. Sopwith Salamander. (2011, April 3). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 05:15, June 30, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sopwith_Salamander&oldid=422215356
2. Bruce, Jack M., "The First British armoured Brigade", AIR International, Bromley, Kent, UK, April 1979, Volume 16, Number 4, page 185.
3. "Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War I". New York, New York: Military Press. 1990. pp. 87. ISBN 0-517-03376-3.
4. Bruce, J.M. (1969). "War Planes of the First World War" (Vol.2). London: Macdonald. ISBN 0-356-01490-8.

Germany - 1917 Hannover CL.III

Hanover's Ground Attack Aircraft

Hannoversche Waggonfabrik did not design or produce many types of aircraft during the Great War, however the CL.III was a very successful plane. The aircraft had a production run of 617 planes. The top wing configuration also allowed the observer to fire a pair of ring-mounted 7.92 mm (0.323 in) LMG 08/15 machine guns into the forward arc. They supplemented the pilot's single machine gun fire making the forward arc a very dangerous place to be.

Hannover CL.III - 1917

Hannover CL.III - 1917

The Hannover CL.III was a German military aircraft of World War I. It was a two-seat multi-role aircraft, primarily used as a ground attack machine. Like the other Hannover “light-C-class”, or “CL” designated aircraft designed by Hermann Dorner, it included an unusual biplane tail, allowing for a greater firing arc for the tail gunner. Until the introduction of the aircraft, such tails had only been used on larger aircraft.

Compared to the preceding CL.II, the CL.III had redesigned ailerons with aerodynamic balance areas that overhung the wingtips, a modification that provided greater maneuverability, especially at the low levels that the CL.III was expected to be operating at in its new ground-attack role as the Schutzstaffeln (escort squadrons) were reassigned as Schlactstaffeln (battle squadrons). It was also intended that it should use the excellent Mercedes D.III engine, but the Idflieg gave priority for these engines to fighter production, and most CL.IIIs were produced with the same Argus engine that the CL.II had used. The Argus engined variant was designated CL.IIIa.

References

1. From Wikipedia Hannover Cl.II, "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannover_Cl.II"
2. Grosz, Peter M, "Hannover Cl.III Windsock Datafile No.23", Albatros Publications, 1990. ISBN 0-948414-27-8

Germany - 1917 J Class Aircraft

German Armored Ground Attack Craft Revisited Part 2

Germany lead the way in development of armored ground attack aircraft. My last post covered the Albatros J.I. Today I decided to some of the other J class aircraft flown by Germany during World War One.

Albatros Ground Attack Planes

Albatros J.I - 1917

Albatros J.II - 1917

The Albatros J.II was a German single-engine, single-seat, biplane ground-attack aircraft of World War I.

The J.2 armored reconnaissance biplane was an improvement on the J.1 with the armor plate extending to the nose to protect the more powerful 220 hp Benz IVa engine. The J.II dispensed with the propeller spinner of the earlier aircraft. Per A. Imrie, twenty machines were at the front in August 1918. The plane originally had two downward firing machine guns exiting through the fuselage floor between the undercarriage legs. This arrangement was abandoned since low altitude operations made sighting very difficult.

Junkers Ground Attack Planes

Junkers J.I - 1917

In late 1916, the demand for a durable observation aircraft capable of performing ground attack missions led to the introduction of the Junkers J.I. Developed in early 1917, it was the world's first all-metal aircraft produced in quantity. Eliminating the need for external bracing wires, the fuselage, wings and tail were constructed of Duralumin while the engine and two-man crew were protected by a nose-capsule of 5-mm chrome-nickel sheet-steel. Although this unique design resulted in a strong and durable aircraft capable of surviving the effects of enemy ground fire, the Junkers J.I was heavy, cumbersome and took forever to get off the ground.

Other Subjects:

Cleaning Up After the Crash

During the Friday the 13th cock-up I ended up with some missing comments and weirdness in tags for my posts. I cleaned up the tags, however the comments seem to be gone.

Reader Polls

I am running two polls on what you want to see featured on the blog. Please let me know if there is something I have not covered that you want to see. Any specific request place in comments or e-mail me through the link on my profile.

Germany - 1917 Albatros J.I

German Ground Attack Craft Renovations

I think I will keep on my German aircraft theme a while longer. Today the subject is a couple new profiles for the Albatros J.I ground attack aircraft that I worked up today. I had done earlier profiles about a year ago, but decided to start over from square one and make a fresh version. for a series of six new profiles. Here are the first ones .

Albatros J.I SN. 1706 - 1917

The Albatros J.I was a German purpose built ground-attack aircraft of World War I. Operationally the design was a success, the main drawback of the type was that the armor was found to be inadequate for its role. The first flight was in 1917, and the J.I entered service the same year. The J.I served through the remainder of the war, and was retired in 1921

Albatros J.I SN. 415 - 1917

The J.I utilized the wings and tail of the C.XII reconnaissance aircraft while adding a new slab-sided fuselage. The crew compartment was protected by 490 kg (1,080 lb) of steel armor plate, while the engine was left unprotected. Power was provided by the 150 kW (200 hp) Benz Bz.IV, which gave marginal performance when combined with the heavy J.I airframe. The fixed 7.92 mm (.312 in) "Spandau" LMG 08/15 machine guns fired downward to facilitate strafing ground targets. Defensive fire was provided by a single trainable 0.312 in (7.92 mm) Parabellum MG14 machine gun in the observer's cockpit

References

1. From Wikipedia Albatros J.I, "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albatros_J.I"
2. Albatros J.II WWI Plastic Model airplanes built by Dennis Ugulano Retrieved from http://wwi.priswell.com/german/albatros/index.htm#albj2
3. Albatros J.II. (2010, May 4). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:23, November 15, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Albatros_J.II&oldid=360031451
4. Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). "Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation". London: Studio Editions.
5. Gray, Peter and Owen Thetford. "German Aircraft of the First World War". London: Putnam, 1962. ISBN 0-93385-271-1.

France 1914-1916 Voisin Bombers

Voisin Light Bombers 1914-1916

The need for aircraft which could attack ground assets was known since the early days of the Great War. French designers were quick to develop dedicated purpose designed bombers and ground attack planes. The Voisin brothers designed several successful aircraft which served with distinction for many of the allied nations.

Voisin III Light Bomber and Ground Attack Aircraft - 1914

Voisin III (LA) - 1914

The Voisin III (or Voisin 3) was one of the first two-seat bomber and ground attack aircraft of World War I. It was a pusher biplane, developed by Airplanes Voisin of Gabriel Voisin in 1914 as a more powerful version of the 1912 Voisin I (Voisin 1) design. It also incorporated a light steel frame which made it survivable in the temporary airfields of wartime military aviation.

The Voisin III became the standard Allied bomber in the early years of the war. The main users were the French Air Force and the Imperial Russian Air Force. Russia ordered over 800 in France and built a further 400 under license at DUX in Moscow. Around 100 were built in Italy, and 50 in the United Kingdom, while smaller numbers were purchased by Belgium and Romania.

Voisin VIII Night Bomber - 1916

Voisin VIII - 1916

The Voisin VIII entered service in November 1916 as a French night bomber. Gabriel and Charles Voisin designed the Voisin VIII to replace the Voisin VII. The more powerful, and more successful Voisin VIII, was also known as the Type LAP and Type LBP. This was the French army's main night bomber in 1916-1917, with over one thousand built.

The Voisin VIII flew in a wide range of environments, from the freezing Russian steppes to Mesopotamia. The Voisin VIII operated by the Imperial Russian Air Service substituted skis for the rubber wheels used by other operating nations . Equally adaptable to desert conditions, the sturdy Voisin VIII was used by the British Royal Flying Corps in the Middle East.

The original engine choice for the Voisin VIII was a Hispano-Suiza, however there were not sufficient quantities available for the demand, resulting in the installation of Peugeot engines. The change in power plant forced a redesign of the Voisin VIII. The engine compartment was widened and the airframe was strengthened to accommodate the engine.

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has a beautifully restored example of a Voisin VIII on display. NASM's Voisin Type 8, serial number 4640, is the oldest surviving aircraft that was specifically designed as a bomber. When manufactured in February 1916, it was equipped as a night bomber, with internal bomb racks, cockpit lights, and provision for landing lights. Painted in the markings of French bombing squadron VB 109, it is the sole survivor of the 1,100 Type 8s produced.

Painted Warbirds 1915-1918

A Splash of Color For Easter

I am feeling festive and colorful today, so my choices will be just as bright. Today's theme is a mixed bag of aviation eye candy. The only reason I chose them is they were colorful and fairly new. I tried to refrain from posting the canned history for the planes I have posted before.

Estonian DFW CV 1917

The Estonians captured several abandoned aircraft. this is one of them. It sported the original German camouflage pattern. The subject was a good change of pace for me. I had done several versions of the DFW C.V in German schemes. This example allowed me to do a version without the fairing over the engine.

The D.V and its related designs were used as a multi-role combat aircraft, for reconnaissance, observation, bombing by Germany and Austro-Hungary during World War I. They were also used by the Ottoman Empire in Palestine. In the hands of a skilled pilot it could outmaneuver most allied fighters of the period. It remained in service until early 1918 though 600 were still in use by the Armistice of 11 November 1918. Most were scrapped according to Versailles Treaty in 1919.

Fokker D.VII Willi Gabriel Jasta 11 - 1918

Yes, I know it is another Fokker D.VII, but I have always liked this paint scheme. I had an obsessive moment a couple days ago and I had to knock out this profile. The interplay between the bright solid color sections and the streaked under painting is satisfying.

Fokker Dr.I - Rudolph Klimtke Jasta 27 - 1917

If I have said it once I have said it a thousand times, I hate repeating myself. However in this case I will make an exception. I had procrastinated for a long time on this profile. I was lazy and it took me a while to draw up the anchor. I could have posted a brighter colored Dr.I but this one has been less covered by other profilers.

Nieuport 11 "Bébé" (baby) - 1915

Another very cheery paint scheme on this Nieuport 11. Bold tricolor stripes and wheels. What's not to like? So many examples are plain varnished linen. I was glad I saw an example of this long ago and made my own version.

The small Nieuport 11 biplane was affectionately known as the "Bébé" (baby). Originally designed for racing, this light plane was fast and extremely maneuverable. Its only major problem was in the design of its wing struts. In a steep dive, the struts allowed the wings to twist, sometimes with disastrous results. Used by the British and French to counter the Fokker E.III, the Nieuport 11 was disadvantaged by its lack of a synchronized machine gun.

Belgian Hanriot H.D.1 - 1916

This is another favorite of mine. I like the silver and blue paint scheme and the white origami bird insignia. Top it off with the Belgian colors on the rudder and it is a pleasing combination of colors.

The Hanriot HD.1 was a French World War I single seat fighter. Rejected for service with French squadrons in favor of the SPAD S.7, the type was supplied to the Belgians and the Italians who used it very successfully.

Germany - Late War Monoplanes

Late War Glimpses of Shape Of Things to Come

The development of the monoplane as a military aircraft was one of the important steps in the evolution of aviation technology. Many early aircraft were monoplanes. However despite the success of some designs most were rejected. This was due to lack of understanding by military procurement departments, monoplanes were deemed to be too risky making biplanes the defacto standard for aircraft design. Ironically many of the same air services pushed for even more wings on aircraft. Research into the feasibility of triplanes and quadruplanes proved to be an expensive distraction.

My post today focuses on late war development in Germany. I'll write more on the research in other countries soon.

German Naval Monoplane

Hansa-Brandenburg W.29 - 1918

The Hansa-Brandenburg W.29 was a German monoplane fighter floatplane manufactured by Hansa und Brandenburgische Flugzeug-Werke, which served in 1918 in the closing months of World War I. The Hansa-Brandenburg W.29 had its first flight on March 27, 1918. The fighter was deployed from bases on the North Sea coast.

German Ground-attack Monoplaine

Junkers Cl.I - 1918

The Junkers CL.I was a ground-attack monoplaine aircraft developed in Germany during World War I. Its construction was undertaken by Junkers under the designation J 8. as proof of Hugo Junkers' belief in the monoplane, after his firm had been required by the Idflieg to submit a biplane (the J 4) as its entry in a competition to select a ground-attack aircraft.

German Fighter Monoplaine

Fokker E.V - D.VIII - 1918

Winner of the April 1918 fighter competition, the Fokker D.VIII monoplane was delayed by production problems. Only thirty six of them entered service during the last weeks of the war. Equipped with an underpowered engine, the D.VIII was nevertheless an excellent fighter eagerly received by the German air service. Dubbed the “Flying Razor” by Allied pilots, it had the distinction of scoring the last aerial victory of the war.