ACAZ C.2

ACAZ C.2
Role	Training Fighter
National origin	Belgium
Manufacturer	ACAZ
First flight	1926
Number built	1

The ACAZ C.2, Ateliers de Contructions Aeronautique de Zeebruge, was a prototype Belgian biplane fighter aircraft. Built entirely of Duralumin metal, it was an advanced design at the time of its first flight in 1926, but although evaluated by the Belgian Air Force, no orders were placed.

Design and Development

Of conventional biplane construction, the C.2, registered as O-BAFX, later OO-AFX, did incorporate one unique feature - all four of its wings were identical and interchangeable. The aircraft also included space for cameras, allowing it to be used as a reconnaissance machine.

The C.2 was used in a failed aerial expedition by Edmond Thieffry, who with two companions (Lang and Guersin), attempted to fly it to Belgian Congo, departing Belgium on March 9, 1928, but only getting as far as Philippeville (Belgium).

The sole prototype was written off in a crash on January 25, 1933.

Modified ACAZ C.2

Specifications (ACAZ C.2)

General characteristics

• Crew: 2, pilot and observer
• Length: 8.25 m (27 ft)
• Wingspan: 12.5 m (41 ft)
• Height: 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in)
• Wing area: 40.56 m² (436.58 ft²)
• Empty weight: 1,260 kg (2,778 lb)
• Max. takeoff weight: 2,070 kg (4,563 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Hispano-Suiza I2.Ga piston engine, 336 kW (450 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
• Range: 875 km (547 mi)
• Service ceiling: 7,500 m (24,606 ft)
• Rate of climb: 171 m/min (562 ft/min)

Armament

• One .303 Vickers machine gun firing through propeller hub
• Two .303 Lewis machine guns on flexible mount for observer