Anatra DS

Anatra · Russian Empire · first flew 1916 · fighter

The Anatra DS (also known as the Anadva or Anasal) was a two-seat reconnaissance and fighter biplane produced by the Anatra factory in Odessa for the Imperial Russian Air Service during World War I. It was one of the few aircraft types produced domestically in Russia during the war.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsMid-mounted, straight
E — Engines1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage8.1 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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A conventional equal-span biplane with a tractor engine, tandem open cockpits, and wire bracing; unremarkable in appearance but distinguishable by its Anatra factory origins and Russian military markings.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The Anatra works, founded by Artur Anatra in Odessa, produced this two-seater to supplement imported aircraft in Russian service. The DS variant incorporated a more powerful engine than earlier Anatra designs. Production was modest but significant given Russia's limited industrial base, and the type saw action on the Eastern Front from 1916.

Variants

The DS (Dvukhmestny Salon) was a refinement of earlier Anatra designs; the Anasal featured a Salmson radial engine variant.

Where you'll see it

Used by the Imperial Russian Air Service on the Eastern Front during 1916–1917; operations ceased with the Russian Revolution and collapse of the air service.

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