Voisin L

Avions Voisin · France · first flew 1913 · bomber

The Voisin L was a French pusher biplane that formed the backbone of French bombing and artillery observation operations in the early years of World War I, with the observer occupying a front nacelle and the engine pushing from behind.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Pusher-engine biplane with observer/gunner in nose nacelle
• Lattice tail booms, no fuselage — open nacelle with engine behind crew
• France's principal early bomber series; Type 8 built in large numbers 1916–17

The pusher nacelle biplane configuration with the gunner ahead of the engine, open lattice booms and absence of a conventional fuselage are unmistakable identifiers shared across all Voisin L variants.

Specifications

• The Voisin L has a length of 10.5 m (34 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 13.5 m (44 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 95 km/h (59 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

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

History

Produced from 1912 through various marks, the Voisin series established the classic French pusher formula with a nacelle crew compartment, the engine aft of the crew, and open lattice tail booms. The Type 8 heavy bomber variant of 1916–17 was built in substantial numbers and conducted France's night bombing campaign.

Variants

Numerous marks existed, from the early Types 1–3 to the definitive Type 8 heavy bomber with a 220 hp Peugeot engine and 1,500 lb bomb capacity.

Where you'll see it

The Voisin L series served in large numbers with the Aviation Militaire from 1914 to 1917; it also equipped Belgian, Russian and British units.

Related aircraft

• Farman MF.11 Shorthorn
• Sikorsky Ilya Muromets
• Breguet AG.4
• Caproni Ca.1

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