Voisin VI

Voisin · France · first flew 1915 · bomber

The Voisin VI was one of a series of French pusher-engine biplane bombers used extensively during World War I, giving the observer/gunner an unobstructed forward field of fire.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsMid-mounted, straight
E — Engines1 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage9.62 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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Spot it by:

Immediately recognisable by the pusher engine arrangement: crew nacelle in front of the wing with the engine and tractor propeller facing rearward, supported by the long tail booms stretching aft.

Specifications

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

History

The Voisin pusher series, including the VI, formed the backbone of early French strategic bombing efforts from 1915 onward. Their pusher configuration meant the observer could operate a cannon or machine gun without the propeller arc to contend with. The type conducted raids over German industrial targets.

Variants

The Voisin series evolved through several marks (III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, X), each with progressively more powerful engines and improved bomb loads.

Where you'll see it

Widely used by the French Aviation Militaire and exported to Belgium, Russia, and Italy; the Voisin pusher biplanes were the primary French bombing aircraft of 1915–16.

Related aircraft

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