DFW B.I

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 differentiated it from contemporaries.[1] Though a biplane, its crescent-planform three-bay wings were inspired by that of the earlier Rumpler Taube monoplane, and led to the DFW aircraft being named the Fliegende Banane ("Flying Banana") by its pilots.

B.I and B.II
DFW B.I Tannenberg, one of the few "named" DFW aircraft
Role Reconnaissance / Army co-operation
Manufacturer Deutsche Flugzeugwerke
Designer Walter Oelerich
Introduction 1914
Retired 1915
Primary user Luftstreitkräfte
Crashed DFW B.I "Weddingen" showing shape of wings

The B.II was similar but was built as a trainer. Some were fitted with the more powerful Mercedes D.II engine.

Specifications (DFW B.I)

Data from German Aircraft of the first World War[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 8.4 m (27 ft 7 in)
  • Wingspan: 14 m (45 ft 11 in)
  • Height: 3 m (9 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 40 m2 (430 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 650 kg (1,433 lb)
  • Gross weight: 1,015 kg (2,238 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Mercedes D.I 6-cyl. water-cooled in-line piston engine, 75 kW (100 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 120 km/h (75 mph, 65 kn)
  • Range: 600 km (370 mi, 320 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 3,000 m (9,800 ft)

See also

Related lists

References
  1. 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.
  2. Gray, Peter; Owen Thetford (1970). German Aircraft of the first World War (2nd ed.). London: Putnam & Company Ltd.
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