Hansa-Brandenburg DD
Hansa und Brandenburgische Flugzeugwerke · Germany · first flew 1916 · fighter
The Hansa-Brandenburg DD was a World War I single-seat fighter biplane designed by Ernst Heinkel, notable for its unconventional star-strut interplane bracing system.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Compact fuselage with rotary or inline engine |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- WWI single-seat biplane fighter with star-strut interplane arrangement
- Distinctive spider or Spinne strut system replacing conventional interplane struts
- Compact fuselage with rotary or inline engine
Single-seat biplane with the highly distinctive star or spider interplane strut arrangement radiating from a central point between the wings. Compact fuselage, tractor engine, and conventional tail.
Specifications
- The Hansa-Brandenburg DD has a length of 6.3 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.5 m (28 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 185 km/h (115 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Ernst Heinkel designed the DD for Hansa-Brandenburg as a compact fighter using the characteristic Spinne (spider) strut arrangement that eliminated traditional interplane struts in favour of a central star of struts. The design saw limited service and evaluation in 1916. The concept was not entirely successful and the type did not enter large-scale production.
Variants
The DD was produced in very small numbers; no major production variants are recorded.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated by the Austro-Hungarian air service; did not achieve widespread operational use.
Related aircraft
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