Airco DH.5
Airco · United Kingdom · first flew 1916 · fighter
The Airco DH.5 was a British single-seat biplane fighter of the First World War, notable for its unusual backward wing stagger that gave the pilot an excellent forward field of view. Despite this innovation, it proved inferior in performance to German fighters at altitude.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.71 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI biplane with distinctive backward-staggered wings
- Upper wing set behind lower wing for pilot forward view
- Le Rhône rotary-engined single-seat fighter
Unmistakable for its backward-staggered wings where the upper wing sits behind the lower; this configuration is unique among WWI fighters and makes the DH.5 instantly identifiable.
Specifications
- The Airco DH.5 has a length of 6.71 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.82 m (26 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 164 km/h (102 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and produced by Airco, the DH.5 entered service with the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. Its performance at altitude was disappointing compared to contemporaries, and it was relegated to low-level ground-attack duties where it proved more effective. Production totalled around 550 aircraft.
Variants
The DH.5 was built in a single production variant; no significant sub-variants were produced.
Where you'll see it
Served with several RFC squadrons on the Western Front in 1917, primarily in the ground-attack role. It was replaced by the superior SE.5a and Sopwith Camel by the end of 1917.
Related aircraft
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