Friedrichshafen FF.17

Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen · Germany · first flew 1914 · fighter

The Friedrichshafen FF.17 was a German experimental two-seat biplane floatplane of 1914, produced as a single aircraft to explore floatplane configurations for the Imperial German Navy. It was modified during testing from a single main float to a twin-float arrangement as the FF.17b.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	10 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Single example WWI German experimental biplane floatplane
Initially single main float; modified to twin-float FF.17b configuration
Early German naval aviation experimental type, 1914

A large two-bay biplane with floats, typical of early German naval experimental aircraft. The equal-span wings, inline engine in nose, and float arrangement distinguish it from contemporary land-based military types.

Specifications

The Friedrichshafen FF.17 has a length of 10 m (33 ft).
It has a wingspan of 15.2 m (50 ft).
Its maximum speed is 90 km/h (56 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

Built by Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen in early 1914, the FF.17 was one of several experimental types developed by the company that would go on to produce significant numbers of naval aircraft during World War I. The single prototype tested different float arrangements to determine the most practical configuration for operational aircraft. It contributed to the development lineage that included the more successful FF.29 and FF.33 types.

Variants

Single prototype, modified to FF.17b with twin floats.

Where you'll see it

Experimental aircraft only; never entered operational service.

Related aircraft

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