Friedrichshafen FF.31

Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen · Germany · first flew 1915 · bomber

The Friedrichshafen FF.31 was a World War I German naval floatplane used for maritime patrol and light bombing duties, produced by Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen GmbH on Lake Constance. It was one of several FF-series designs that equipped the Imperial German Navy.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.15 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

WWI German floatplane bomber with twin-float hull
Single pusher or tractor engine on a biplane airframe
Used for maritime patrol and bombing over the North Sea and Baltic

A large biplane floatplane with twin main floats, a tractor engine, and an open observer position in the nose ahead of the pilot — typical of German naval patrol aircraft of 1914–18.

Specifications

The Friedrichshafen FF.31 has a length of 10.15 m (33 ft).
It has a wingspan of 16.85 m (55 ft).
Its maximum speed is 98 km/h (61 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen developed a succession of floatplane types during WWI, exploiting their lakeside factory location. The FF.31 served the German Navy in patrol and reconnaissance roles over the North Sea and Baltic, where floatplanes were essential for operating from coastal bases.

Variants

The FF series encompassed numerous sub-variants and improved marks; the FF.31 was one of the mid-war patrol types in this lineage.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) during World War I; all were withdrawn or destroyed by war's end under the terms of the Armistice.

Related aircraft

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