Lohner B.VII

Jakob Lohner · Austria-Hungary · first flew 1915 · reconnaissance aircraft

The Lohner B.VII was an unarmed two-seat reconnaissance biplane operated by the Austro-Hungarian Luftfahrtruppen from 1915, notable for its long endurance and large wingspan.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsMid-mounted, straight
E — Engines1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage9.5 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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The large biplane with a broad, flat wing of 15.4 m span, conventional nacelle-free tractor layout and twin-seat open cockpits is typical of Austro-Hungarian reconnaissance types of the early war period.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Produced by the Viennese coachbuilder-turned-aircraft-manufacturer Jakob Lohner, the B.VII entered service in 1915 and seventy-three examples were completed. Its unarmed status made it vulnerable, and the type was progressively replaced by armed C-category two-seaters including the Lohner C.I derivative.

Variants

The Lohner C.I was an armed variant with a gunner's position added; several sub-marks with different engines were also produced.

Where you'll see it

The B.VII served on reconnaissance duties over the Eastern Front and Italian Front, with an endurance of approximately six hours giving it strategic reach.

Related aircraft

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