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By
Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannover_CL.III
CL.III |
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A German Hannover CL.III shot down by American machine gunners in the First World War. |
Role |
Ground attack aircraft |
National origin |
Germany |
Manufacturer |
Hannoversche Waggonfabrik |
Designed by |
Hermann Dorner |
First flight |
1917 |
Number built |
617 |
The Hannover CL.III was a German military aircraft of World War I. It was a two-seat multi-role aircraft, primarily used as a ground attack machine. Like other Hannover aircraft, it included an unusual biplane tail, allowing for a greater firing arc for the tail gunner.Until the introduction of the aircraft, such tails had only been used on larger aircraft.
Design
Compared to the preceding CL.II, the CL.III had redesigned ailerons with aerodynamic balance areas that overhung the wingtips, a modification that provided greater maneuverability, especially at the low levels that the CL.III was expected to be operating at in its new ground-attack role as the Schutzstaffeln (escort squadrons) were reassigned as Schlactstaffeln (battle squadrons). It was also intended that it should use the excellent Mercedes D.III engine, but the Idflieg gave priority for these engines to fighter production, and most CL.IIIs were produced with the same Argus engine that the CL.II had used. The Argus engined variant was designated CL.IIIa.
Variants
- Hannover CL.III
- Powered by a 119-kW (160-hp) Mercedes D.III engine.
- Hannover CL.IIIa
- CL III powered by a 134-kW (180-hp) Argus As.III engine
- Hannover CL.IIIb
- Experimental model of the CL.III, with a two-bay wing.
Operators
German Empire
Specifications (CL.IIIa)Data from Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft
General characteristics
- Crew: Two, pilot & observer/gunner
- Length: 7.58 m (24 ft 10 in)
- Wingspan: 11.70 m (38 ft 5 in)
- Height: 2.80 m (9 ft 2 in)
- Loaded weight: 1,081 kg (2,378 lb)
- Powerplant: 1× Argus As.III 6-cylinder inline engine, 134 kW (180 hp)
Performance
Armament
- 3 × 7.92 mm (0.323 in) LMG 08/15 machineguns (two ring-mounted in observer's cockpit, one fixed forward)
See also
Related lists
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Published in July 2009.
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