Hansa-Brandenburg FB
Hansa und Brandenburgische Flugzeugwerke · Germany · first flew 1916 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Hansa-Brandenburg FB was a German twin-engine biplane flying boat used for maritime patrol and reconnaissance during World War I.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine WWI biplane flying boat
- Pusher engine arrangement with tractor nose
- Large central float hull with braced biplane wings
Twin-engine biplane flying boat with engines mounted between the wings in push-pull or tractor arrangement. Large boat hull, extensive interplane strut bracing, and open crew positions are distinctive.
Specifications
- The Hansa-Brandenburg FB has a length of 11 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20 m (66 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 140 km/h (87 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Ernst Heinkel at Hansa-Brandenburg, the FB entered service with the Imperial German Navy around 1916. It was used for coastal patrol and anti-submarine duties over the North Sea and Baltic. The type saw limited production compared to more successful Hansa-Brandenburg designs.
Variants
The FB was produced in small numbers with minor engine variations; no distinct named sub-variants are widely documented.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Imperial German Navy Kaiserliche Marine for maritime reconnaissance from coastal bases. The type was retired by the end of WWI.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.