Kaiserliche Werft Wilhelmshaven 401

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No. 401–403
Role Training seaplane
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Kaiserliche Werft Wilhelmshaven
First flight 1915
Primary user Imperial German Navy
Number built 3

Imperian German Navy seaplanes numbers 401 to 403 were the only three examples of a unique seaplane design produced for the Navy's flying service during the First World War.[1][2][3] Production of these types commenced in April 1915 in an effort to supply the navy with a seaplane trainer of contemporary design.[1] With the outbreak of war, the output of Germany's major seaplane manufacturers was taken up with producing front-line types, and the only trainers available were obsolete or rebuilt machines withdrawn from their original duties.[1] Number 401 and its two siblings were delivered to the Navy in August 1915.[1]

Specifications[edit]

Data from Kroschel & Stützer 1994, p.135

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two, pilot and instructor
  • Powerplant: 1 × Mercedes D.I , 80 kW (107 hp)

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Nowarra 1966, p.78
  2. ^ Gray & Thetford 1962, p.450
  3. ^ Kroschel & Stützer 1994, p.135

References[edit]

  • Gray, Peter; Owen Thetford (1962). German Aircraft of the First World War. London: Putnam.
  • Herris, Jack (2015). German Seaplanes of WWI: Sablatnig, Kaiserliche Werften, Lübeck-Travemünde, LTG, & Oertz: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Seaplanes. Great War Aviation Centennial Series. Vol. 15. n.p.: Aeronaut Books. ISBN 978-1-935881-27-8.
  • Kroschel, Günter; Helmut Stützer (1994). Die Deutschen Militärflugzeuge 1910–1918. Herford: Verlag E.S. Mittler & Sohn.
  • Nowarra, Heinz J. (1966). Marine Aircraft of the 1914–1918 War. Letchworth, Harts: Harleyford Publications.