Hannover CL.II
Hannoversche Waggonfabrik · Germany · first flew 1917 · fighter
The Hannover CL.II was a German two-seat escort and ground-attack biplane of World War I, noted for its compact size, twin-tail configuration, and effectiveness in the escort and close support roles. It entered service in 1917.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.58 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- German World War I two-seat biplane escort fighter
- Distinctive biplane tail unit (twin tail fins)
- Short-span lower wing giving excellent downward visibility
Compact biplane with twin tail fins (rather than a single conventional tail), short lower wing, and a notably deep fuselage for a two-seat type of its era.
Specifications
- The Hannover CL.II has a length of 7.58 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.7 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 165 km/h (103 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Hannoversche Waggonfabrik, better known as a railcar manufacturer, produced a surprisingly effective series of CL-class aircraft. The CL.II used a distinctive twin-tail arrangement and a short lower wing to give the rear gunner a wide field of fire. It served alongside the CL.III and was used heavily during 1917–1918.
Variants
The CL.IIa was a minor variant; the CL.III followed with a more powerful engine. All shared the characteristic twin-tail biplane design.
Where you'll see it
German Air Service from 1917 until the Armistice, used on the Western Front for escort, ground attack, and close air support.
Related aircraft
- Hannoversche Waggonfabrik Hannover CL.III
- Hannover C.IV
- Hannover CL.V
- AEG D.I
- AEG Dr.I
- Albatros C.XIII
- Albatros D.IX
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