Otto Pusher Biplane

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Otto Pusher Biplane
Role Reconnaissance, Trainer
Manufacturer Otto
Designer Gabriel Letsch[1]
First flight 1912?
Introduction 1914
Primary user Germany
Wingspan 14.8 m (48 ft 7 in)[2]
Engine 100hp Argus inline-4
Armament light arms
Crew 2
Max Speed 110 km/h (68 mph)[3]
Ceiling 1,200 m (3,940 ft)[4]

The Otto Pusher Biplane was Otto's first production airplane. The Bavarian Fliegerkommando (Flying Command) initially preferred pushers for their better sight lines for the observer. Early versions had triple rudders, but 1914 versions had a single large round rudder. A few Otto Pushers were built by Pfalz, with an angular rudder.[5] The Prussian air arm, preferring tractor aircraft, did not use the Otto Pusher, but a few were supplied to the German Navy. It was sometimes known as the Otto Type B[6].

The Pusher's limited power and low ceiling meant pilots had to endure ground fire through their entire flight, frequently from both enemy and "friendly" troops.[2]

When Otto split off AGO as its Prussian subsidiary, AGO started by building the Pusher as its first production product. In Prussian use it was mostly used as a trainer[7].


Timeline[8]

References

Citations
  1. Herris'19, p.3
  2. 2.0 2.1 Herris'19, pp.13-35.
  3. Herris'19, p.34.
  4. Herris'19, p.17.
  5. Herris'19, p.16.
  6. Lamberton, p.160.
  7. Herris'19, pp.84-89.
  8. Herris'19, pp.18-19.
Bibliography
  • Jack Herris, Otto, AGO, and BFW Aircraft of WWI. USA: Aeronaut Books, 2019. ISBN 978-1-935881-78-0.
  • W.M. Lamberton and E.F. Cheesman, Reconnaissance & Bomber Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Great Britain: Harleyford Publications Ltd., 1962. ISBN 9780900435027