Page 307 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

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▼ AIRCO D.H.9A “NINAK” Intended as an improvement
Date 1918 Origin UK on the previous models of its
series, the D.H.9 proved to be
Wingspan 46ft (14.03m)
an embarrassing failure; it was
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Length 30 ⁄4ft (9.22m) not until this modified version,
Observer had a BOMBER AIRCRAFT
single .303in Top speed 114mph (183kph) powered by the American Liberty
Lewis gun Engine 400hp (294.1kW) engine, entered service that it
American-made Packhard Liberty 12 redeemed itself. It carried a
Liberty engine 660lb (300kg) bomb load.

Tail fin

New semi-streamlined
fuselage design incorporated
internal bomb bay

Twin engines in the
nose geared to a single
“pusher” propeller

Under-wing racks could Single engine in the nose
carry 400lb (180kg) with “puller” propeller
of bombs
▼ VICKERS VIMY The Vimy missed combat service ▲ ZEPPELIN STAAKEN The most remarkable aircraft
Date 1918 Origin UK during World War I by a matter Date 1917 Origin Germany built for the Luftstreitkräfte (the
Wings made of of weeks, but it went on to be 1 German Air Force), the giant
plywood-covered Wingspan 68ft (20.75m) the British Royal Air Force’s lead Wingspan 138 ⁄2ft (42.2m) R-series Zeppelins had four, five,
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1
spruce ribs and spars Length 43 ⁄2ft (13.28m) bomber until 1925. By that time Length 72 ⁄2ft (22.1m) or six engines, and could deliver
Top speed 100mph (160kph) it had achieved everlasting fame Top speed 84mph (135kph) a ton or more of bombs to
as the first aircraft to cross targets (such as those in London,
Engine Two 360hp (264.7kW) Engine 4 x 220hp (161.8kW)
Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII in-line V-12s the Atlantic. Daimler-Benz Bz.IVs in wing nacelles; England), with precision.
2 x 160hp (117.6kW) D.IIIs in nose
Twin Rolls-Royce engines mounted well
inboard, directly above undercarriage struts
Forward gun position had two Lewis guns on a
Scarff ring mount; co-pilot doubled as gunner

Glazed nose allowed
bomb-aimer to see target
Biplane tail with twin
fixed fins and rudders