Armstrong Whitworth FK3
| Armstrong Whitworth FK3 | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Multipurpose aircraft / trainer aircraft |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
1915 |
| Number of pieces: |
about 500 |
The Armstrong Whitworth FK 3 was a British two-seat multipurpose aircraft of the First World War .
history
In 1910, the Dutch designer Frederick Koolhoven began developing aircraft. In 1914 he went to Armstrong Whitworth . The Koolhoven aircraft all received his initials as a distinguishing feature. His first design for his new employer was the FK 3. It was used everywhere on the front lines from 1915, both as a training machine, but also as a transporter, reporting aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft and light ground support aircraft. A total of 493 machines were built. 150 machines were built by Armstrong Whitworth himself, the rest by Hewlett & Blondeau.
The plane
Like most aircraft of the time, the FK3 was a wooden structure. The wings were covered with fabric. The wheels were set forward; there was no tail wheel at the rear, only a grinding spur . To prevent the aircraft from turning upside down if the runway was uneven, a runner was installed between the bow wheels.
Military use
-
Bulgaria
- 1 captured specimen
-
United Kingdom
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 2 |
| length | 9.84 m |
| span | 12.19 m |
| height | 3.63 m |
| Wing area | 41.1 m² |
| Empty mass | 629 kg |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 983 kg |
| Top speed | 143 km / h or kts |
| Service ceiling | 3699 m |
| Range | about 3 hours |
| Engines | 1 × 8-cylinder V-engine Royal Aircraft Factory IA with 67 kW |
| Armament | 1 articulated 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun in the rear |
literature
- Michael Sharpe: Biplane, Triplane & Seaplanes. Gondromverlag, Bindlach 2001, ISBN 3-8112-1872-7 .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Tapper, 1973, p. 367