Voisin Type V

Voisin · France · first flew 1912 · bomber

The Voisin Type V was a French pusher biplane that served as one of the primary bombing and reconnaissance aircraft of the early years of World War I. It conducted the first bombing raids of the war and the first night bombing operations.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.62 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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French WWI pusher biplane bomber and reconnaissance aircraft
Observer/gunner in nose nacelle ahead of pilot
Widely used by French and British forces 1914-16

Classic WWI pusher biplane with an open nacelle for the gunner in front, the engine behind the pilot, twin tail booms, and a box-section tail unit.

Specifications

The Voisin Type V has a length of 9.62 m (32 ft).
It has a wingspan of 15.96 m (52 ft).
Its maximum speed is 119 km/h (74 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

Voisin aircraft carried out the first French bombing raid of World War I in August 1914. The Type V was an improved model in the series, capable of carrying a useful bomb load and a flexible machine gun for the observer. It was used by France, Britain, and Russia and remained in service until replaced by more capable types in 1916.

Variants

The Voisin series ran from Type I to Type X with progressive improvements; the Type III, V and VIII were the most important. Engine fits varied.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Aviation Militaire, Royal Flying Corps, and Imperial Russian Air Service 1914-16 in bombing and reconnaissance roles.

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