Caspar U.1
Caspar-Werke · Germany · first flew 1922 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Caspar U.1 was a German patrol floatplane of the 1920s, designed by Ernst Heinkel and built by Caspar-Werke. It was meant to be stored in a cylindrical container aboard a submarine.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Two single-step floats under the fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Cantilever biplane wings with no struts or bracing wires
- Two single-step floats under the fuselage
- Open cockpit behind the upper wing with a front-mounted radial engine
A small cantilever biplane on two single-step floats, powered by a front-mounted 55 horsepower Siemens radial engine. The pilot sat in an open cockpit behind the upper wing.
Specifications
- The Caspar U.1 has a length of 6.2 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.8 m (26 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 145 km/h (90 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The U.1 was designed to fit a container 7.40 metres long and 1.70 metres across so that a submarine could carry it. To cut assembly time it was built as a cantilever biplane, which removed the need to rig struts and wires. Four men were claimed to have unpacked and assembled it in 1 minute 3 seconds.
Variants
Three aircraft were built.
Where you'll see it
The Reichsmarine was the German operator. The United States Navy bought two aircraft, delivered to Naval Air Station Anacostia in late 1922 and tested during 1923; one was damaged beyond repair while on a truck for a parade.
Related aircraft
- Caspar CLE 11
- Caspar CS 14
- Caspar C 23
- Caspar C 24
- Aero A.14 Brandenburg
- Blackburn R.1 Blackburn
- Blanchard Brd.1
- Blériot-SPAD S.40
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