DFW B.II
DFW · Germany · first flew 1914 · light aircraft
The DFW B.II (Deutsche Flugzeug-Werke B.II) was an unarmed two-seat reconnaissance biplane used by the German Imperial Air Service at the outbreak of World War One. Like all B-class German aircraft, it carried an observer alongside the pilot in an unarmed reconnaissance role.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.38 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German two-seat unarmed reconnaissance biplane
- Observer seated ahead of pilot in pusher-style nacelle — actually tractor layout
- Wire-braced wings with large overhang
A typical early-war German biplane with equal-span wings, wire bracing, a tractor rotary or inline engine, and open cockpits; largely indistinguishable from other B-class types without close inspection of markings.
Specifications
- The DFW B.II has a length of 8.38 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.01 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 130 km/h (81 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from earlier DFW designs, the B.II entered service in 1914 and served in the early months of the war performing reconnaissance over the Western and Eastern Fronts. It was soon replaced by the armed C-class two-seaters as air combat developed.
Variants
The B.II was the main production variant of the DFW B-series; it differed from the B.I in engine installation and minor airframe details.
Where you'll see it
Served with the German Imperial Air Service (Luftstreitkräfte) on both the Western and Eastern Fronts during 1914–1915 before being relegated to training duties.
Related aircraft
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