Albatros B.II: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
 
(36 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name =B.II
|name = B.II
|image = File:AlbatrosBII.jpg
|image = File:AlbatrosBII.jpg
|caption =An Albatros B.IIa in the [[Polish Aviation Museum]]
|caption = An Albatros B.IIa in the [[Polish Aviation Museum]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox Aircraft Type
{{Infobox aircraft type
|type =Reconnaissance aircraft
|type = Reconnaissance aircraft
|manufacturer=[[Albatros Flugzeugwerke]]
|manufacturer= [[Albatros Flugzeugwerke]]
|designer =[[Robert Thelen]]
|designer = [[Robert Thelen]]
|first flight= 1914
|first flight= 1914
|introduced =
|introduced =
Line 20: Line 20:
|}
|}


The '''Albatros B.II''', (post-war company designation '''L.2''') was an unarmed German two-seat [[reconnaissance]] [[biplane]] of the [[World War I|First World War]].
The '''Albatros B.II''', (post-war company designation '''L.2''') was an unarmed two-seat [[reconnaissance]] [[biplane]] designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer [[Albatros Flugzeugwerke]]. It was the aircraft that brought Albatros Flugzeugwerke to the world's attention.{{CN|date=February 2024}}

The design of the B.II, which included an unusually strong fuselage and an atypically flexible [[trailing edge]], drew heavily upon the preceding [[Albatros B.I]]. Various measures were incorporated to elevate its usefulness as a reconnaissance aircraft, such as the presence of large square cutouts in the lower wing [[Spar (aeronautics)|spars]] to increase downwards visibility from the observer's position. The pilot was seated behind the observer, rather than in front as later convention would dictate. In terms of flying performance, the B.II was inherently stabile and relatively docile, characteristics that naturally lent itself to the trainer role for which a dedicated variant, the ''B.IIA'', would be developed. Further developments, including a [[floatplane]] and the [[Albatros B.III]], would also be produced.

The B.II was active from the onset of the [[World War I|First World War]], being operated by the ''[[Luftstreitkräfte]]'' during the opening year of the conflict primarily to perform aerial reconnaissance. It was displaced from frontline service due to the arrival of more capable armed reconnaissance types, and was then used as a primary trainer.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 1718"/> The B.II proved to be an export success, being adopted by multiple countries, both inside and outside of the [[Central Powers]]. Some of these overseas operators, such as the [[Swedish Air Force]] in 1919 and the [[Polish Air Force]], continued to operate the type even after the [[Armistice of 11 November 1918]] that ended the conflict.


==Design and development==
==Design and development==
Designed by [[Robert Thelen]] based on his 1913 [[Albatros B.I]], the B.II was the aircraft that brought the aircraft manufacturer [[Albatros Flugzeugwerke]] to the world's attention ([[Ernst Heinkel]] claimed to have designed this aircraft, what is considered untrue by aviation historians).<ref>Grosz, Peter M. ''Albatros C.I'', Windsock Datafile No. 57, Albatros Productions, 1996, {{ISBN|0-948414-76-6}}, p.5, 10</ref>
There is some dispute over the origins of this B.II; the aeronautical engineer [[Ernst Heinkel]] claimed to have designed the aircraft, however this claim is widely considered untrue by many aviation historians.<ref>Grosz 1996, pp. 5, 10.</ref> It is commonly accepted that the aircraft's actual designer was [[Robert Thelen]]. Irrespective of this controversy, the design process commended during peacetime and drew extensively upon the preceding [[Albatros B.I]].<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 17">Grey and Thetford 1962, p. 17.</ref> One of the most clear visual distinctions between the B.I and the B.II was a noticeably shorter [[wingspan]] of the latter.

[[File:Albatros BII-1.jpg|thumb|Side view of an Albatros B.II on the ground, circa 1914]]
The fuselage of the B.II, which was atypically strong for the era, was primarily composed of [[plywood]].<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 17"/> The primary structural members of this fuselage comprised four [[longeron]]s of mixed construction, comprising [[Fraxinus|ash]] forward of the cockpit and [[spruce]] to the aft, that tapered sharply towards the rear. The design of the fuselage was commonplace amongst the company's twin-seat aircraft.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 17"/> The nose of the aircraft features a rounded metal panel along with the aircraft's engine; various engines would be used to power the type, such as the [[Mercedes D.II]], which was capable of up to 89&nbsp;kW (120&nbsp;hp). The majority of the engine block was uncovered.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 17"/> Cooling was achieved via [[Radiator (engine cooling)|radiators]] fitted to the sides of the forward fuselage alongside the cockpit.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 17"/>

The B.II was operated by a crew of two; as was commonplace at the time, the pilot was seated in the rear [[cockpit]] while the observer was seated in the forward position.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 17"/> The field of view from observer's position was partially obstructed downwards by the center-section trestle while the forward view was negatively impacted by the protruding engine block. To improve the downward field of view, large square cutouts were present in the lower wing [[Spar (aeronautics)|spars]]; the lower wing also had a shorter span than its upper counterpart.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 1718">Grey and Thetford 1962, pp. 17-18.</ref> The structure of the wing followed the company's established practices, comprising a pair of spars, the rearward of which being roughly in the middle of the wing, making the [[trailing edge]] atypically flexible and thus gave the B.II a level of inherent stability. It had [[aileron]]s with an inverse taper while the operating cables ran externally over the surface of the lower wing.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 18">Grey and Thetford 1962, p. 18.</ref>


The B.II was furnished with a large triangular tail, akin to the B.I; it had an unbalanced [[rudder]] and [[Elevator (aeronautics)|elevator]] control surfaces.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 17"/> Both the tailplane and [[fin]] were braced via a [[streamliner|streamlined]] [[steel]] [[strut]]. The structure was mainly composed of lightweight steel tubing, while the exterior covering was [[fabric]].<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 17"/> The [[landing gear|undercarriage]] used a traditional V-shaped chassis and was also composed of steel tubing; a claw-type break was fitted to the center of the axel. The tailskid, which was made of ash, featured an elastic shock chord and was installed upon an inverted pylon structure.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 18"/>
The B.II had a shorter [[wingspan]] than the B.I and used a variety of engines up to 89&nbsp;kW (120&nbsp;hp). In 1914 it set an altitude record of 4,500&nbsp;m (14,800&nbsp;ft). The seating arrangement was not ideal; the pilot occupied the rear [[cockpit]], the observer sat in front over the wings which greatly reduced his downward view while the protruding engine block almost completely obscured the view over the nose. When Albatros developed the armed [[Albatros C.I|C.I]] based on their B-series, the seat positions were swapped so that the observer/[[Air gunner|gunner]] had a better view and clear field of fire.


A [[floatplane]] variant of the B.II was developed, known as the '''W.1''' or '''B.II-W''', as was a purpose-built trainer with increased wingspan and different engines, designated the '''B.IIa'''. Further developments led to the [[Albatros B.III]], which was produced in small numbers.
Various improvements and modifications were made to the B.II following its entry to service. Many aircraft would receive strengthening, particularly around the tail unit, while the radiators were also relocated from the fuselage sides to the center of the wing's [[leading edge]].<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 18"/> A [[floatplane]] variant of the B.II was developed, known as the ''W.1'' or ''B.II-W'', as was a purpose-built trainer with increased wingspan, dual flying controls, and different engines, designated the ''B.IIa''. Further developments of the design led to the [[Albatros B.III]], which was produced in small numbers. Across multiple variants, large numbers of the B.II were built both on behalf of the ''[[Luftstreitkräfte]]'' and various other military air services, typically those amongst the [[Central Powers]].


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
[[File:Der Generalstabschef der deutschen Südarmee, Oberstleutnant Ritter von Hemmer vor einem Frontflug, im Hintergrund möglicherweise eine Albatross (BildID 15439062).jpg|thumb|Military personnel in front of a B.II, circa 1916]]
First flying in 1914, large numbers of the B.II were built and, though it was relegated from front-line service in 1915 following the introduction of the armed C-type two-seaters, the B.II remained in service as a [[trainer (aircraft)|trainer]] until 1918 and was still operated by the [[Swedish Air Force]] in 1919 and by the [[Polish Air Force]] during the [[Polish-Soviet war]] of 1920. A B.II from [[Feldflieger Abteilung]] 41 was the first aeroplane (as opposed to [[Zeppelin]]) to drop bombs on England;<ref name="Cole">{{cite book |last1=Cole |first1=Christopher |last2=Cheeseman |first2=Eric Franklin |date=1984 |title=The Air Defence of Britain: 1914-1918 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g_ZmAAAAMAAJ&q=Feldflieger+Abteilung+41+Faversham&dq=Feldflieger+Abteilung+41+Faversham&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAWoVChMIzuCc76vJyAIVzNUUCh2yjwRF |location=London |publisher=The Bodley Head |page=50 |isbn=978-0370305387}}</ref> on April 16 1915, ten bombs were dropped by hand in the area of [[Sittingbourne]] and [[Faversham]]. No significant damage or casualties resulted.<ref name="Castle">{{cite web |url=http://www.iancastlezeppelin.co.uk/16th-april/4585768307 |title=Zeppelin Raids, Gothas and 'Giants' - 16th April 1915 - Kent |last1=Castle |first1=Ian |last2= |first2= |date= |website=www.iancastlezeppelin.co.uk |publisher= |access-date=19 April 2015}}</ref>
===Germany===
First flown in 1914, the B.II was already operationally active by the outbreak of the First World War during July 1914.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 18"/> It was heavily used through the first 12 months of the conflict in the aerial reconnaissance role; however, as the [[Allies of World War I|Allies]] fielded increasing numbers of armed military aircraft, the B.II was relatively defenseless due to its lack of armament. Thus, following the introduction of the armed C-type two-seaters that took over the reconnaissance role, the B.II was relegated from frontline duties.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 18"/> However, largely due to its relatively docile flight characteristics and economic engine, the B.II found a new life, remaining in use as a [[trainer (aircraft)|trainer]], and thus remained active with the ''Luftstreitkräfte'' throughout the conflict.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 18"/>


During 1914, the B.II established a world altitude record of 4,500&nbsp;m (14,800&nbsp;ft).{{CN|date=February 2024}}
⚫
===Service in Sweden===
⚫
In 1914, the German manufacturer Albatros-Flugzeugwerke GmbH of Berlin-Johannisthal, was touring several countries in northern Europe, displaying their new aircraft, the '''Albatros B.IIa'''. At the time, it was considered one of the best primary trainer aircraft. However, the landing gear and propeller were damaged when it arrived in Sweden. Due to the outbreak of World War I, no spares could be sent, and the aircraft was interned. It was repaired and used as a trainer by the [[Swedish Air Force]]. This aircraft was later copied and manufactured in Sweden by six different aircraft companies: ''Svenska Aeroplanfabriken'' (SAF), ''Södertelge Werkstäder'' (SW), ''Marinens Flygväsende'' (MFV), ''Nordiska Aviatikbolaget'' (NAB), [[AB Thulinverken]] as the '''Thulin C''' and ''Flygkompaniets Verkstäder Malmen'' (FVM). It was the first military trainer aircraft in Sweden and received the designation '''Sk 1''' and '''Ö2''' in the Swedish Air Force (the two types differed slightly, mainly by choice of engine). An FVM-built Sk 1 Albatros is on public display in the [[Swedish Air Force Museum]] near [[Linköping]]. The type was used until 1935. One aircraft was later sold to Finland.


A B.II from [[Feldflieger Abteilung]] 41 was one of the first landplanes (as opposed to [[Zeppelin]]) to drop bombs on England that caused some damage;<ref name="ColeCheese 50">Cole and Cheeseman 1984, p. 50.</ref> on 16 April 1915, ten bombs were dropped by hand in the area of [[Sittingbourne]] and [[Faversham]]. No significant damage or casualties resulted.<ref name="Castle">{{cite web |url=http://www.iancastlezeppelin.co.uk/16th-april/4585768307 |title=Zeppelin Raids, Gothas and 'Giants' - 16th April 1915 - Kent |last1=Castle |first1=Ian |website=iancastlezeppelin.co.uk |access-date=19 April 2015 |archive-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106002247/http://www.iancastlezeppelin.co.uk/16th-april/4585768307 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
⚫
===Service in Finland===
⚫
NAB Albatros Type 9 (and SW 20 Albatros), Type 12 and Type 17 were among the first aircraft of the [[Finnish Air Force]]. It was in use between 1918 and 1923. There were two Type 9s, and one each of the Type 12 and 17. There was also one SW 20 Albatros, which was similar to the Type 9. The Type 12 aircraft was destroyed in the ferry flight to Finland; the remains of the aircraft were found near [[Eckerö]], [[Åland]]. Type 12 was actually a modified [[Curtiss Twin JN]] with floats made by NAB.


⚫
===Sweden===
⚫
===Austro-Hungarian service===
⚫
During 1914, Albatros Flugzeugwerke toured several countries across northern Europe, performing displays of the then-new B.II. It was considered one of the best primary trainer aircraft available at that time.{{CN|date=February 2024}} However, both the landing gear and propeller of the demonstrator aircraft were damaged upon its arrival in Sweden. Due to the outbreak of the First World War, no spares could be sent and the aircraft was interned. It was subsequently repaired and operated in the trainer role by the [[Swedish Air Force]]. This aircraft was later copied and manufactured in Sweden by six different aircraft companies: ''Svenska Aeroplanfabriken'' (SAF), ''Södertelge Werkstäder'' (SW), ''Marinens Flygväsende'' (MFV), ''Nordiska Aviatikbolaget'' (NAB), [[AB Thulinverken]] as the '''Thulin C''' and ''Flygkompaniets Verkstäder Malmen'' (FVM). It was the first military trainer aircraft in Sweden and received the designation '''Sk 1''' and '''Ö2''' in the Swedish Air Force (the two types differed slightly, mainly by choice of engine). An FVM-built Sk 1 Albatros is on public display in the [[Swedish Air Force Museum]] near [[Linköping]]. The type was used until 1935. One aircraft was later sold to Finland.{{CN|date=February 2024}}
⚫
The Albatros B.II was widely used by the K.u.K, but was given the designation Albatros B.I (series 21).

⚫
===Finland===
⚫
NAB Albatros Type 9 (and SW 20 Albatros), Type 12 and Type 17 were among the first aircraft of the [[Finnish Air Force]]. It was in use between 1918 and 1923. There were two Type 9s, and one each of the Type 12 and 17. There was also one SW 20 Albatros, which was similar to the Type 9. The Type 12 aircraft was destroyed in the ferry flight to Finland; the remains of the aircraft were found near [[Eckerö]], [[Åland]]. Type 12 was actually a modified [[Curtiss Twin JN]] with floats made by NAB.{{CN|date=February 2024}}

⚫
===Austro-Hungary===
⚫
The Albatros B.II was widely used by the K.u.K; somewhat confusingly, it was assigned the designation ''Albatros B.I (series 21)''.{{CN|date=February 2024}}


==Variants==
==Variants==
Line 45: Line 60:
:Developed from the B.I, the B.II entered production in 1914; (Company post-war designation L.2).
:Developed from the B.I, the B.II entered production in 1914; (Company post-war designation L.2).
;B.IIa
;B.IIa
:strengthened airframe, particularly the tail section and {{convert|120|hp|kW|abbr=on|0}} Mercedes D.II or {{convert|120|hp|kW|abbr=on|0}} Argus As III engines with radiators moved to the leading edge of the upper centre section; (Company post-war designation L.30).
:Strengthened airframe, particularly the tail section and {{convert|120|hp|kW|abbr=on|0}} Mercedes D.II or {{convert|120|hp|kW|abbr=on|0}} Argus As III engines with radiators moved to the leading edge of the upper centre section; (Company post-war designation L.30).
;B.II(Ph) series 23:Production of the B.I in Vienna by [[Phönix Flugzeug-Werke AG]], for the [[Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops]].
;B.II (Ph) series 23: Production of the B.I in Vienna by [[Phönix Flugzeug-Werke AG]], for the [[Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops]].<ref name=Treadwell>Treadwell 2010, pp. 236–244.</ref>
;B.II(Ph) series 24:Production of the B.I in Vienna by [[Phönix Flugzeug-Werke AG]], for the [[Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops]].
;B.II (Ph) series 24: Production of the B.I in Vienna by Phönix Flugzeug-Werke AG, for the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops.<ref name=Treadwell/>
;W.1
;W.1
:Seaplane with twin floats and a {{convert|150|hp|kW|abbr=on|0}} [[Benz Bz.III]] engine.<ref name="Gray"/>
:Seaplane with twin floats and a {{convert|150|hp|kW|abbr=on|0}} [[Benz Bz.III]] engine.<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 1819">Grey and Thetford 1962, p. 18.</ref>
;Thulin C: Licence built version by [[AB Thulinverken]]
;Thulin C: Licence built version by [[AB Thulinverken]]


==Operators==
==Operators==
[[File:Albatros B.II (Sk-1) 04 (7713136876).jpg|thumb|Albatros B.II (Sk-1) in the [[Swedish Air Force Museum]].]]
[[File:Albatros B.II (Sk-1) 04 (7713136876).jpg|thumb|Albatros B.II (Sk&nbsp;1) in the [[Swedish Air Force Museum]].]]
;
;{{flag|German Empire}}
;{{flag|German Empire}}
*''[[Luftstreitkräfte]]''
* ''[[Luftstreitkräfte]]''
*''[[Kaiserliche Marine]]''
* ''[[Kaiserliche Marine]]''
;{{flag|Austria-Hungary}}
;{{flag|Austria-Hungary}}
*[[Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops]]
* [[Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops]]
;{{flag|Kingdom of Bulgaria}}
;{{flag|Kingdom of Bulgaria}}
*[[Bulgarian Air Force]] operated this type to 1918
* [[Bulgarian Air Force]] operated this type to 1918
;{{FIN}}
;{{FIN}}
*[[Finnish Air Force]] operated five aircraft postwar
* [[Finnish Air Force]] operated three aircraft (two NAB 9, one SW 20) in 1918-20
;{{LAT}}
;{{LAT}}
*[[Latvian Air Force]]
* [[Latvian Air Force]]
;{{flag|Lithuania|1918}}
;{{flag|Lithuania|1918}}
*[[Lithuanian Air Force]] operated six aircraft postwar
* [[Lithuanian Air Force]] operated six aircraft postwar
* [[Aeroclub of Lithuania|Air Club of Lithuania]] from 1929 until late 1930s used one ex-military Albatros B.II
;{{flag|Ottoman Empire}}
;{{flag|Ottoman Empire}}
*[[Ottoman Air Force]]
* [[Ottoman Air Force]]
;{{POL}}
;{{POL}}
*[[Polish Air Force]] operated 116 B.IIs and B.IIas between 1918 and 1927. A dozen or so remained within civil aviation until 1937.
* [[Polish Air Force]] operated 116 B.IIs and B.IIas between 1918 and 1927. A dozen or so remained within civil aviation until 1937.
;{{SWE}}
;{{SWE}}
*[[Swedish Air Force]] operated 47 aircraft postwar.
* [[Swedish Air Force]] operated 47 aircraft (locally designated ''Sk&nbsp;1/Ö2'').
*[[Swedish Navy]] operated five aircraft between 1920 and 1929.
* [[Swedish Navy]] operated five aircraft between 1920 and 1929.
;{{Flagcountry|UKGBI}}
;{{Flagcountry|UKGBI}}
*[[Royal Naval Air Service]], [[Royal Flying Corps]], [[Royal Air Force]] operated one aircraft from August 1914 - February 1918.<ref name=AMJuly2010>{{cite journal|last=Jarrett|first=Philip|year=2010|title=The Allies' Albatros|journal=Aeroplane|publisher=IPC|issue=July 2010|pages=82-87}}</ref>
* [[Royal Naval Air Service]], [[Royal Flying Corps]], [[Royal Air Force]] operated one aircraft from August 1914 - February 1918.<ref name=AMJuly2010>{{cite journal |last = Jarrett |first = Philip |year = 2010 |title = The Allies' Albatros |journal = Aeroplane |publisher = IPC |issue = July 2010 |pages = 82–87}}</ref>


==Specifications (B.II with Mercedes D.II engine)==
==Specifications (B.II with Mercedes D.II engine)==
{{Aircraft specs
{{aerospecs
|ref= German aircraft of the First World War<ref name="Gray">{{cite book|last=Gray|first=Peter|author2=Owen Thetford|title=German aircraft of the First World War|publisher=Putnam|location=London|year=1970|edition=2nd|isbn=0-370-00103-6}}</ref>
|ref= ''German Aircraft of the First World War''<ref name="Grey and Thetford p. 19">Grey and Thetford 1962, p. 19.</ref>
|met or eng?=met
|prime units? = met
⚫
|crew= Two
|genhide=
⚫
|length m= 7.63
⚫
|crew=Two
|length m=7.63
|length ft= 25
|length ft=25
|length in= 0.38
⚫
|span m= 12.8
⚫
|length in=0⅜
|span m=12.8
|span ft= 42
|span ft=42
|span in= 0
⚫
|height m= 3.15
⚫
|span in=0
|height m=3.15
|height ft= 10
|height ft=10
|height in= 4
⚫
|wing area sqm= 40.12
⚫
|height in=4
|wing area sqm=40.12
|wing area sqft= 431.8
⚫
|empty weight kg= 723
⚫
|wing area sqft=431.8
|empty weight kg=723
|empty weight lb= 1,594
|empty weight lb=1,594
|gross weight kg= 1,071
|gross weight kg=1,071
|gross weight lb= 2,361
|eng1 number= 1
⚫
|gross weight lb=2,361
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name= [[Mercedes D.II]]
|eng1 type=[[Mercedes D.II]]
|eng1 kw= 89.5
|eng1 kw=89.5
|eng1 hp= 120
|eng1 hp=120
|max speed kmh= 120
⚫
|max speed mph= 75
|perfhide=
⚫
|endurance= Four hours
|max speed kmh=120
⚫
|ceiling m= 3,000
⚫
|max speed mph=75
⚫
|ceiling ft= 9,840
|max speed kts=
⚫
|climb rate ms= 1.6
⚫
|endurance h=4
⚫
|climb rate ftmin= 320
|endurance min=
⚫
|ceiling m=3,000
⚫
|ceiling ft=9,840
⚫
|climb rate ms=1.6
⚫
|climb rate ftmin=320
}}
}}


Line 117: Line 130:
{{aircontent|
{{aircontent|
|related=
|related=
*[[Albatros B.I]]
* [[Albatros B.I]]
*[[Albatros B.III]]
* [[Albatros B.III]]
*[[Albatros C.III]]
* [[Albatros C.III]]
*[[Lebed XI]]
* [[Lebed XI]]
*[[Lebed XII]]
* [[Lebed XII]]
|similar aircraft=
|similar aircraft=
*[[Hansa-Brandenburg B.I]]
* [[Hansa-Brandenburg B.I]]


Records set
Records set
*[[Flight_endurance_record#Non-refueled.2C_manned]]
* [[Flight endurance record#Non-refueled.2C manned]]


|lists=
|lists=
*[[List of military aircraft of Germany]]
* [[List of military aircraft of Germany]]
|see also=
|see also=
}}
}}


==References==
==References==
===Citations===
⚫
{{commons category|Albatros B.II}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
⚫
{{Commons category|Albatros B.II}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Cole |first1 = Christopher |last2 = Cheeseman |first2 = Eric Franklin |date = 1984 |title = The Air Defence of Britain: 1914-1918 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=g_ZmAAAAMAAJ&q=Feldflieger+Abteilung+41+Faversham |location = London, UK |publisher = The Bodley Head |isbn = 978-0370305387}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Grey |first1 = Peter |first2 = Owen |last2 = Thetford |title = German Aircraft of the First World War |publisher = Putnam |location = London, UK |year = 1970 |edition = Second |isbn = 0-370-00103-6}}
* {{cite book |last = Grosz |first = Peter M. |title = Albatros C.I Windsock Datafile No. 57 |publisher = Albatros Productions |date = 1996 |ISBN = 0-948414-76-6}}
*{{cite book |last1=Herris |first1=Jack |title=Albatros Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes: Volume 3: Bombers, Seaplanes, J-Types |date=2017 |publisher=Aeronaut Books |location=Charleston, South Carolina |isbn=978-1-935881-49-0|series=Great War Aviation Centennial Series |volume=26}}
* {{cite journal |last1 = Klaauw |first1 = Bart van der |title = Unexpected Windfalls: Accidentally or Deliberately, More than 100 Aircraft 'arrived' in Dutch Territory During the Great War |journal = Air Enthusiast |date = March–April 1999 |issue = 80 |pages = 54–59 |issn = 0143-5450}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Nelcarz |first1 = Bartolomiej |last2 = Peczkowski |first2 = Robert |name-list-style = amp |title = White Eagles: The Aircraft, Men and Operations of the Polish Air Force 1918–1939 |location = Ottringham, UK |publisher = Hikoki Publications |year = 2001 |isbn = 1-902109-73-2}}
* {{cite book |last = Treadwell |first = Terry C. |title = German & Austro-Hungarian Aircraft Manufacturers 1908–1918 |year = 2010 |publisher = Amberley Publishing |location = Stroud, UK |isbn = 978-1-4456-0102-1}}

{{Albatros aircraft}}
{{Albatros aircraft}}
{{Thulin aircraft}}
{{Thulin aircraft}}
{{World War I Aircraft of the Central Powers}}
{{World War I Aircraft of the Central Powers}}
{{Idflieg B-class designations}}
{{Idflieg B-class designations}}
{{Swedish trainer aircraft}}
{{Swedish military aircraft designations}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Biplanes]]
[[Category:Biplanes]]
[[Category:Thulin aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:1910s German military reconnaissance aircraft]]
[[Category:1910s German military reconnaissance aircraft]]

Latest revision as of 11:20, 21 April 2024

B.II
An Albatros B.IIa in the Polish Aviation Museum
Role Reconnaissance aircraft
Manufacturer Albatros Flugzeugwerke
Designer Robert Thelen
First flight 1914
Primary user Luftstreitkräfte

The Albatros B.II, (post-war company designation L.2) was an unarmed two-seat reconnaissance biplane designed and produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Albatros Flugzeugwerke. It was the aircraft that brought Albatros Flugzeugwerke to the world's attention.[citation needed]

The design of the B.II, which included an unusually strong fuselage and an atypically flexible trailing edge, drew heavily upon the preceding Albatros B.I. Various measures were incorporated to elevate its usefulness as a reconnaissance aircraft, such as the presence of large square cutouts in the lower wing spars to increase downwards visibility from the observer's position. The pilot was seated behind the observer, rather than in front as later convention would dictate. In terms of flying performance, the B.II was inherently stabile and relatively docile, characteristics that naturally lent itself to the trainer role for which a dedicated variant, the B.IIA, would be developed. Further developments, including a floatplane and the Albatros B.III, would also be produced.

The B.II was active from the onset of the First World War, being operated by the Luftstreitkräfte during the opening year of the conflict primarily to perform aerial reconnaissance. It was displaced from frontline service due to the arrival of more capable armed reconnaissance types, and was then used as a primary trainer.[1] The B.II proved to be an export success, being adopted by multiple countries, both inside and outside of the Central Powers. Some of these overseas operators, such as the Swedish Air Force in 1919 and the Polish Air Force, continued to operate the type even after the Armistice of 11 November 1918 that ended the conflict.

Design and development[edit]

There is some dispute over the origins of this B.II; the aeronautical engineer Ernst Heinkel claimed to have designed the aircraft, however this claim is widely considered untrue by many aviation historians.[2] It is commonly accepted that the aircraft's actual designer was Robert Thelen. Irrespective of this controversy, the design process commended during peacetime and drew extensively upon the preceding Albatros B.I.[3] One of the most clear visual distinctions between the B.I and the B.II was a noticeably shorter wingspan of the latter.

Side view of an Albatros B.II on the ground, circa 1914

The fuselage of the B.II, which was atypically strong for the era, was primarily composed of plywood.[3] The primary structural members of this fuselage comprised four longerons of mixed construction, comprising ash forward of the cockpit and spruce to the aft, that tapered sharply towards the rear. The design of the fuselage was commonplace amongst the company's twin-seat aircraft.[3] The nose of the aircraft features a rounded metal panel along with the aircraft's engine; various engines would be used to power the type, such as the Mercedes D.II, which was capable of up to 89 kW (120 hp). The majority of the engine block was uncovered.[3] Cooling was achieved via radiators fitted to the sides of the forward fuselage alongside the cockpit.[3]

The B.II was operated by a crew of two; as was commonplace at the time, the pilot was seated in the rear cockpit while the observer was seated in the forward position.[3] The field of view from observer's position was partially obstructed downwards by the center-section trestle while the forward view was negatively impacted by the protruding engine block. To improve the downward field of view, large square cutouts were present in the lower wing spars; the lower wing also had a shorter span than its upper counterpart.[1] The structure of the wing followed the company's established practices, comprising a pair of spars, the rearward of which being roughly in the middle of the wing, making the trailing edge atypically flexible and thus gave the B.II a level of inherent stability. It had ailerons with an inverse taper while the operating cables ran externally over the surface of the lower wing.[4]

The B.II was furnished with a large triangular tail, akin to the B.I; it had an unbalanced rudder and elevator control surfaces.[3] Both the tailplane and fin were braced via a streamlined steel strut. The structure was mainly composed of lightweight steel tubing, while the exterior covering was fabric.[3] The undercarriage used a traditional V-shaped chassis and was also composed of steel tubing; a claw-type break was fitted to the center of the axel. The tailskid, which was made of ash, featured an elastic shock chord and was installed upon an inverted pylon structure.[4]

Various improvements and modifications were made to the B.II following its entry to service. Many aircraft would receive strengthening, particularly around the tail unit, while the radiators were also relocated from the fuselage sides to the center of the wing's leading edge.[4] A floatplane variant of the B.II was developed, known as the W.1 or B.II-W, as was a purpose-built trainer with increased wingspan, dual flying controls, and different engines, designated the B.IIa. Further developments of the design led to the Albatros B.III, which was produced in small numbers. Across multiple variants, large numbers of the B.II were built both on behalf of the Luftstreitkräfte and various other military air services, typically those amongst the Central Powers.

Operational history[edit]

Military personnel in front of a B.II, circa 1916

Germany[edit]

First flown in 1914, the B.II was already operationally active by the outbreak of the First World War during July 1914.[4] It was heavily used through the first 12 months of the conflict in the aerial reconnaissance role; however, as the Allies fielded increasing numbers of armed military aircraft, the B.II was relatively defenseless due to its lack of armament. Thus, following the introduction of the armed C-type two-seaters that took over the reconnaissance role, the B.II was relegated from frontline duties.[4] However, largely due to its relatively docile flight characteristics and economic engine, the B.II found a new life, remaining in use as a trainer, and thus remained active with the Luftstreitkräfte throughout the conflict.[4]

During 1914, the B.II established a world altitude record of 4,500 m (14,800 ft).[citation needed]

A B.II from Feldflieger Abteilung 41 was one of the first landplanes (as opposed to Zeppelin) to drop bombs on England that caused some damage;[5] on 16 April 1915, ten bombs were dropped by hand in the area of Sittingbourne and Faversham. No significant damage or casualties resulted.[6]

Sweden[edit]

During 1914, Albatros Flugzeugwerke toured several countries across northern Europe, performing displays of the then-new B.II. It was considered one of the best primary trainer aircraft available at that time.[citation needed] However, both the landing gear and propeller of the demonstrator aircraft were damaged upon its arrival in Sweden. Due to the outbreak of the First World War, no spares could be sent and the aircraft was interned. It was subsequently repaired and operated in the trainer role by the Swedish Air Force. This aircraft was later copied and manufactured in Sweden by six different aircraft companies: Svenska Aeroplanfabriken (SAF), Södertelge Werkstäder (SW), Marinens Flygväsende (MFV), Nordiska Aviatikbolaget (NAB), AB Thulinverken as the Thulin C and Flygkompaniets Verkstäder Malmen (FVM). It was the first military trainer aircraft in Sweden and received the designation Sk 1 and Ö2 in the Swedish Air Force (the two types differed slightly, mainly by choice of engine). An FVM-built Sk 1 Albatros is on public display in the Swedish Air Force Museum near Linköping. The type was used until 1935. One aircraft was later sold to Finland.[citation needed]

Finland[edit]

NAB Albatros Type 9 (and SW 20 Albatros), Type 12 and Type 17 were among the first aircraft of the Finnish Air Force. It was in use between 1918 and 1923. There were two Type 9s, and one each of the Type 12 and 17. There was also one SW 20 Albatros, which was similar to the Type 9. The Type 12 aircraft was destroyed in the ferry flight to Finland; the remains of the aircraft were found near Eckerö, Åland. Type 12 was actually a modified Curtiss Twin JN with floats made by NAB.[citation needed]

Austro-Hungary[edit]

The Albatros B.II was widely used by the K.u.K; somewhat confusingly, it was assigned the designation Albatros B.I (series 21).[citation needed]

Variants[edit]

B.II
Developed from the B.I, the B.II entered production in 1914; (Company post-war designation L.2).
B.IIa
Strengthened airframe, particularly the tail section and 120 hp (89 kW) Mercedes D.II or 120 hp (89 kW) Argus As III engines with radiators moved to the leading edge of the upper centre section; (Company post-war designation L.30).
B.II (Ph) series 23
Production of the B.I in Vienna by Phönix Flugzeug-Werke AG, for the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops.[7]
B.II (Ph) series 24
Production of the B.I in Vienna by Phönix Flugzeug-Werke AG, for the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops.[7]
W.1
Seaplane with twin floats and a 150 hp (112 kW) Benz Bz.III engine.[8]
Thulin C
Licence built version by AB Thulinverken

Operators[edit]

Albatros B.II (Sk 1) in the Swedish Air Force Museum.
 German Empire
 Austria-Hungary
 Kingdom of Bulgaria
 Finland
 Latvia
 Lithuania
 Ottoman Empire
 Poland
  • Polish Air Force operated 116 B.IIs and B.IIas between 1918 and 1927. A dozen or so remained within civil aviation until 1937.
 Sweden
 United Kingdom

Specifications (B.II with Mercedes D.II engine)[edit]

Data from German Aircraft of the First World War[10]

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two
  • Length: 7.63 m (25 ft 0.38 in)
  • Wingspan: 12.8 m (42 ft 0 in)
  • Height: 3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)
  • Wing area: 40.12 m2 (431.8 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 723 kg (1,594 lb)
  • Gross weight: 1,071 kg (2,361 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Mercedes D.II , 89.5 kW (120 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 120 km/h (75 mph, 65 kn)
  • Endurance: Four hours
  • Service ceiling: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 1.6 m/s (320 ft/min)

See also[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Records set

Related lists

References[edit]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ a b Grey and Thetford 1962, pp. 17-18.
  2. ^ Grosz 1996, pp. 5, 10.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Grey and Thetford 1962, p. 17.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Grey and Thetford 1962, p. 18.
  5. ^ Cole and Cheeseman 1984, p. 50.
  6. ^ Castle, Ian. "Zeppelin Raids, Gothas and 'Giants' - 16th April 1915 - Kent". iancastlezeppelin.co.uk. Archived from the original on 6 January 2017. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  7. ^ a b Treadwell 2010, pp. 236–244.
  8. ^ Grey and Thetford 1962, p. 18.
  9. ^ Jarrett, Philip (2010). "The Allies' Albatros". Aeroplane (July 2010). IPC: 82–87.
  10. ^ Grey and Thetford 1962, p. 19.

Bibliography[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Albatros B.II.
  • Cole, Christopher; Cheeseman, Eric Franklin (1984). The Air Defence of Britain: 1914-1918. London, UK: The Bodley Head. ISBN 978-0370305387.
  • Grey, Peter; Thetford, Owen (1970). German Aircraft of the First World War (Second ed.). London, UK: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-00103-6.
  • Grosz, Peter M. (1996). Albatros C.I Windsock Datafile No. 57. Albatros Productions. ISBN 0-948414-76-6.
  • Herris, Jack (2017). Albatros Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes: Volume 3: Bombers, Seaplanes, J-Types. Great War Aviation Centennial Series. Vol. 26. Charleston, South Carolina: Aeronaut Books. ISBN 978-1-935881-49-0.
  • Klaauw, Bart van der (March–April 1999). "Unexpected Windfalls: Accidentally or Deliberately, More than 100 Aircraft 'arrived' in Dutch Territory During the Great War". Air Enthusiast (80): 54–59. ISSN 0143-5450.
  • Nelcarz, Bartolomiej & Peczkowski, Robert (2001). White Eagles: The Aircraft, Men and Operations of the Polish Air Force 1918–1939. Ottringham, UK: Hikoki Publications. ISBN 1-902109-73-2.
  • Treadwell, Terry C. (2010). German & Austro-Hungarian Aircraft Manufacturers 1908–1918. Stroud, UK: Amberley Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4456-0102-1.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Albatros_B.II&oldid=1220029194"