Donnet-Denhaut D.D.2

From Wings of Linen
Donnet-Denhaut D.D.2
Role Flying Boat
Manufacturer Donnet-Denhaut
Primary users France
U.S.A.
Number built 401 [1]
Wingspan 14.2 m (46 ft 7 in)[2]
Engine 150hp Hispano-Suiza 8Aa vee[note 1]
Armament flexible nose MG
2×35–50 kg (77–110 lb) bombs
Crew 2
Max Speed 160 km/h (99 mph)[1][2][note 2]
Climb 3,000 m (9,840 ft) in 11:00[2]
Range 450 km (280 mi)[1]

The Donnet-Denhaut D.D.2 was a successful response to the call by Aviation Maritime for an armed, radio-carrying flying boat, capable of carrying a pair of bombs for use against submarines. It was quite successful and 401 were built.

The US Navy purchased some DD.2s, but as they were getting old by 1918, they were mostly used for training. Instead DD.8's and DD.9's were used for combat missions.[1]

It carried a wireless transmitter and it was used for maritime and anti-submarine patrol in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and North Sea.[3]

For more information, see Wikipedia:Donnet-Denhaut flying boat.

References

Notes
  1. 36 were built with the less-reliable 160hp Canton-Unné R9[1]. The final versions used the 200hp Hispano-Suiza.[3]
  2. 130 km/h (80 mph) cruising speed.[2]
Citations
  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Davilla, p.192.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Nowarra, pp.202-203.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Nowarra, p.130.
Bibliography
  • Dr. James J. Davilla and Arthur M. Soltan. French Aircraft of the First World War. Flying Machines Press, 1997. ISBN 0-9637110-4-0.
  • Heinz J. Nowarra, Bruce Robertson, and Peter G. Cooksley. Marine Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Letchworth, Herts, England: Harleyford Publications Limited, 1966. ISBN 0900435070