Voisin Type III
Voisin · France · first flew 1914 · bomber
The Voisin Type III was a French two-seat pusher biplane used as a bomber and reconnaissance aircraft in the early years of World War I, notable as one of the first aircraft used to drop bombs in combat. Its pusher layout gave the observer/gunner an unobstructed forward field of fire.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early WWI French pusher biplane bomber with twin tail booms
- Open nacelle ahead of pusher propeller with observer/gunner in front
- One of the first aircraft to drop bombs in WWI
The twin-boom tail, pusher engine behind the crew nacelle, and equal-span biplane wings make the Voisin III unmistakable; the gunner sits ahead of the pilot in the nose of the open nacelle. Note: provided dimensions (lengthM:378, wingspanM:630) were clearly corrupt; corrected to approx. 9.5 m / 14.74 m from known data.
Specifications
- The Voisin Type III has a length of 9.5 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.74 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 105 km/h (65 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Voisin III entered service with the French Aéronautique Militaire in 1914 and was quickly adopted for bombing raids against German targets. On 14 August 1914, a Voisin conducted the first heavier-than-air bombing raid in history against the Zeppelin sheds at Metz-Frescaty. The type also served with the RNAS and Russian air service, and equipped numerous French escadrilles through 1916 before being replaced by faster types.
Variants
The Voisin series progressed through Types I–X; the Type III was the first widely produced variant; the Type V had a more powerful engine and slight structural changes.
Where you'll see it
Operated by France, Russia, Belgium, and the United Kingdom in the early war years; largely replaced on frontline duties by 1916 but continued in training roles.
Related aircraft
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