Friedrichshafen FF.29

From Wings of Linen
Friedrichshafen FF.29
Role Seaplane
Manufacturer Friedrichshafen
Introduction Nov 1914 [1]
Primary user Germany
Number built ≥37 [2]
Wingspan 16.2 m (53 ft 2 in) [3]
Engine 100hp Mercedes D.I inline (29A)
or 120hp Mercedes D.II inline
or 120hp Argus inline [2]
Armament none, or a small bomb load
Crew 2
Max Speed 95 km/h (59 mph) [3]

The Friedrichshafen FF.29 was a floatplane built in small numbers for the German Navy starting in November 1914. [1] Production commenced simultaneously on the 29A, powered by the 100hp Mercedes D.I, and the 29, powered by the 120hp Mercedes D.II, and some later units used the 120hp Argus. The 29As were delivered between December 1914 and August 1915 and the 29s between November 1914 and July 1915. Unsurprisingly the 29s with the larger engine proved to be better and was the focus of later orders.

As was common in early unarmed aircraft, the observer sat in front of the pilot and there was no radio. The FF.29 was the standard workhorse seaplane, and it continued to serve as a trainer in the Baltic until near the end of 1915.[2]

For more information, see Wikipedia:Friedrichshafen FF.29.

References

Citations
  1. 1.0 1.1 Gray, p.366.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Nowarra, p.70.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Nowarra, pp.204-205.
Bibliography
  • Peter Gray and Owen Thetford. German Aircraft of the First World War. Great Britain, Putnam, 1962, 1987. ISBN 0-85177-809-7.
  • 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