Häfeli DH-1
Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte · Switzerland · first flew 1916 · transport aircraft
The Häfeli DH-1 was a Swiss two-seat reconnaissance aircraft of World War I, employing a twin-boom pusher configuration to give the observer an unobstructed forward field of fire without a propeller in the way.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.56 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-boom pusher biplane with the engine behind the crew nacelle
- Swiss World War I observation aircraft; only six built
- Unobstructed forward field of fire due to pusher configuration — observer in nose
The twin-boom pusher layout with a crew nacelle sitting between the wings and a rear-mounted pusher propeller is the principal recognition feature; the three-bay biplane wing structure adds to the distinctive silhouette.
Specifications
- The Häfeli DH-1 has a length of 8.56 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.8 m (42 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 126 km/h (78 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by August Häfeli at the Swiss federal construction workshops, the DH-1 first flew in 1916 and six examples were built for the Swiss Army Air Corps. Three were lost in accidents within a short period, reflecting the challenging handling qualities common to early pusher designs, and the type was replaced by more conventional tractor aircraft.
Variants
No variants were produced; all six aircraft were built to a single standard.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the Swiss Army Air Corps during and immediately after World War I; Switzerland's neutrality meant the aircraft was never used in combat.
Related aircraft
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