Häfeli DH-3
Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte · Switzerland · first flew 1917 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Häfeli DH-3 was a Swiss two-seat reconnaissance biplane built by the Federal Construction Works at Thun.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.95 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Two-bay biplane of wood and fabric construction
- Cutout in the upper wing for the observer's gun
- Water-cooled inline engine
The upper wing cutout gave the observer's pivoting machine gun a wider field of fire. Specifications are for the DH-3a.
Specifications
- The Häfeli DH-3 has a length of 7.95 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.5 m (41 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 145 km/h (90 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
August Haefeli designed it as an improved DH-2 with the same airframe. K+W received an order for 30 early in 1917, without prior testing.
Variants
The DH-3a had a Hispano-Suiza 8Aa engine and the DH-3b was built for engine trials. Surviving DH-3a aircraft were fitted with Handley Page slats in 1932.
Where you'll see it
On 8 January 1919 a DH-3 flew the first Swiss air mail from Zurich to Berne. The DH-3a stayed in service until about 1938-39.
Related aircraft
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