Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen FF.43
Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen · German Empire · first flew 1916 · bomber
The Friedrichshafen FF.43 was a German single-engine biplane floatplane used by the Imperial German Navy for maritime patrol and bombing missions during World War I. It was one of several Friedrichshafen floatplane types that equipped German naval air stations.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.55 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- German WWI single-engine floatplane bomber
- Biplane flying boat configuration
- Naval patrol and maritime bombing role
A two-bay biplane floatplane with a single tractor engine, twin main floats, and an open crew nacelle; typical of German naval floatplanes of the WWI era.
Specifications
- The Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen FF.43 has a length of 8.55 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16 m (52 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 163 km/h (101 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed at the Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen works on Lake Constance, the FF.43 entered service in 1916 and was used for reconnaissance and bombing over the Baltic and North Sea areas. It followed the successful FF.33 family and was built in modest numbers.
Variants
Minor sub-variants existed with different engine fits; the type was part of a broader family of Friedrichshafen naval floatplanes.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Imperial German Navy's seaplane stations along the Baltic and North Sea coasts from 1916.
Related aircraft
- Friedrichshafen G.II
- Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen FF.49
- Friedrichshafen D.I
- Friedrichshafen FF.31
- AEG G.IV
- AEG R.I
- Airco DH.3
- Airco DH.4
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