Halberstadt CL.II
| Halberstadt CL.II | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Protection and attack aircraft |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
February 1917 |
| Commissioning: |
Mid-1917 |
| Number of pieces: |
779 |
.svg){kind=small}
The Halberstadt CL.II was an attack aircraft of the German Air Force in the First World War .
development
August 1916 the inspection of the air force introduced the new category CL (L = light) for two-seater with less than 750 kg curb weight and 160-180 HP engine power. These were initially intended as two-seater escort fighters for use in the protective, later battle squadrons and squadrons.
As the first aircraft of this new type, Halberstädter Flugzeugwerke GmbH presented the CL.II.
The pilot and observer were accommodated in an extended common cockpit, which made it much easier for the crew to understand. The machine looked small and compact, but also offered little space for equipment and ammunition. The high-mounted MG rotating ring mount, however, forced the observer to climb onto the seat or the fuel tank when firing at targets below; he risked falling out of the plane while turning. The chassis, which was later reinforced, also caused problems. In September the aircraft was cleared for use by Kogenluft (Commanding General of the Air Force).
The aircraft received a later at the request of the troop, two rigid, with the propeller synchronized 7.92 mm - LMG 08/15 for the pilot and a 7.92-mm - Parabellum MG to the observer.
Corresponding production orders were issued, which were ordered from Halberstädter Flugzeugwerke and under license from Bayerische Flugzeugwerke . A total of 779 aircraft were built.
Some machines of a variant C.IIa with the powerful 185 HP BMW IIIa engine were built; However, it is doubtful whether they made it to the front in time.
Some machines were used by the Polish air force in 1919–1920.
commitment
The first CL.II came to the front in mid-1917 and immediately proved themselves, both in aerial combat and in use against ground targets. Individual machines also went to the fighter squadrons as protective aircraft and to Bogohl 3 as night fighter. The CL.II also proved itself on November 30, 1917 at the Battle of Cambrai .
The CL.II and its successor model Halberstadt CL.IV , which appeared from June 1918, were also used as night fighter against incoming enemy bomb squadrons until the end of the war.
Technical specifications
.jpg)
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| Construction year | 1917-1918 |
| Intended use | Protection / attack aircraft |
| length | 7.75 m |
| span | 10.77 m |
| height | 2.75 m |
| Wing area | 27.50 m² |
| Empty mass | 730 kg |
| Takeoff mass | 1070 kg |
| water-cooled in- line engine | Mercedes D III , 160 PS (118 kW) |
| Top speed | 175 km / h at sea level, 165 km / h at 5000 m altitude |
| Climbing time to 1000 m | 5 min |
| Climbing time to 1500 m | 9:25 min |
| Ascent time to 5000 m | 51:55 min |
| Service ceiling | 5500 m |
| Range | 500 km |
| Flight duration | 3 h |
| Armament | 2-3 MG, 4-5 10 kg mine bombs |
| crew | 2 |
See also
literature
- Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi: Airplanes from the beginnings to the First World War . Wiesbaden 1976, ISBN 3-8068-0391-9 .
- Günter Kroschel, Helmut Stützer: The German military aircraft 1910–1918 . Wilhelmshaven 1977.
- Kenneth Munson: Warplanes 1914-1919 . Zurich 1968, No. 9.
- Heinz Nowarra: The Development of Airplanes 1914–1918 . Munich 1959.
- Peter M. Grosz: Halberstadt CL.II, Windsock Datafile 27, Berkhamsted 1991.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Halberstadt (airplane). Retrieved September 7, 2012 .
- ↑ Halberstädter Flugzeugwerke GmbH. Accessed September 7, 2014 .