Häfeli DH-3
| DH-3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | Reconnaissance biplane |
| Manufacturer | K + W |
| Designer | August Häfeli |
| Introduction | 1917 |
| Retired | 1939 |
| Primary user | Swiss Air Force |
| Number built | DH-3 24 DH-3a 83 DH-3b 3 |
| Developed from | Hafeli DH-2 |
The Häfeli DH-3 was a 1910 Swiss two-seat reconnaissance aircraft, built by the aircraft department of the Federal Construction Works (Eidgenoessische Konstruktionswerkstaette, (K+W)) at Thun, Switzerland.
Development and design
Following the poor performance of the DH-2, August Häfeli designed an improved version the Häfeli DH-3. It was basically the same airframe as the DH-2, the upper wing had a cutout to give a greater field of fire for the pivoting machine gun. It was a two-bay aircraft of wood and fabric construction, powered by a 120 hp (89 kW) Argus As II water-cooled inline engine. Initial problems with the landing gear and the engine cooling system led to modifications. Further developments were the re-engined and improved DH-3a, and the DH-3b used for engine trials. Following successful trials with an installation of the Handley Page slats all surviving DH-3as were modified in 1932.
Operational history
On 8 January 1919 a DH-3 inaugurated the first Swiss air mail service between Zurich and Berne. A DH-3 aircraft failed a structural test in 1923 which caused the DH-3 to be withdrawn from service. The DH-3a, following modification, remained in service until 1939.
Variants
- DH-3
- Initial production version with Argus As II engine, 24 built.
- DH-3a
- Improved version with Hispano-Suiza HS-41 8Aa engines, four aircraft ordered in 1919. A second order for 30 aircraft was placed in 1919 with license-built engines, a third order for 49 aircraft being placed in 1925. Survivors were modified at Thun in 1932 with Handley Page slats and changes to allow crew to wear parachutes.
- DH-3b
- Three aircraft powered by the indigenous 150 hp (112 kW) LFW 0 engine developed by the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works were built in 1918.
Operators
Specifications (DH-3a)
Data from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985)
General characteristics
- Crew: two
- Length: 26 ft 1 in (7.95 m)
- Wingspan: 41 ft 0 in (12.50 m)
- Height: 10 ft 2 in (3.10 m)
- Wing area: 409.04 m² (38 m²)
- Empty weight: 1,587 lb (720 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 2,447 lb (1110 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Hispano-Suiza HS-41 8Aa 8-cylinder Vee piston engine, 150 hp (112 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 90 mph (145 km/h)
- Range: 249 miles (400 km)
- Service ceiling: 14,765 ft (4500 m)
Armament
- one pivoted machine-gun in the rear cockpit
References
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985). Orbis Publishing.
External links
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