Hansa-Brandenburg L14
Hansa und Brandenburgische Flugzeugwerke · Germany · first flew 1917 · bomber
The Hansa-Brandenburg L14 was a German World War I torpedo-carrying floatplane biplane designed for anti-shipping strikes in coastal waters. It was developed by Ernst Heinkel's design team at Hansa-Brandenburg.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German torpedo bomber floatplane
- Twin float undercarriage
- Biplane with single inline engine
A large, twin-float biplane with an inline engine, distinguished from reconnaissance types by its torpedo attachment points under the fuselage; heavier and more robust than contemporary patrol floatplanes.
Specifications
- The Hansa-Brandenburg L14 has a length of 11.2 m (37 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.7 m (58 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 150 km/h (93 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Produced in 1917, the L14 was intended to provide the German Navy with a torpedo-carrying capability from coastal bases. Only a limited number were built, and operational use was restricted by the practical difficulties of torpedo delivery from early floatplanes.
Variants
The L14 was one of a series of Hansa-Brandenburg floatplane torpedo types; closely related variants are documented but did not enter large-scale production.
Where you'll see it
Used by the Imperial German Navy in Baltic and North Sea coastal operations; combat record was limited and the type was not produced in large numbers.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.