Airco DH.3
Airco · United Kingdom · first flew 1916 · bomber
The Airco DH.3 was a British twin-engine biplane bomber designed by Geoffrey de Havilland during World War I. It featured a mixed pusher-tractor engine layout and was intended as a long-range bomber for the Royal Flying Corps.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.23 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine WWI biplane bomber
- Pusher/tractor engine arrangement
- Long-span upper wing
Identified by its large biplane wings, twin engines in a push-pull arrangement, and the relatively long nose typical of early WWI British bombers.
Specifications
- The Airco DH.3 has a length of 11.23 m (37 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.54 m (61 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 153 km/h (95 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The DH.3 first flew in 1916 and represented an early attempt at a twin-engine strategic bomber for British forces. Only a small number were produced, and the type did not see widespread operational service before being superseded by more capable designs. It served primarily as a development step in Airco's line of twin-engine aircraft.
Variants
The DH.3A was a slightly modified version with revised engine placement. No major production variants were built in significant numbers.
Where you'll see it
The DH.3 saw limited British service and was never operated in large numbers, remaining largely an experimental and developmental type.
Related aircraft
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