Engineering:Häfeli DH-2

From HandWiki
DH-2
1916 DH-2.JPG
Role Reconnaissance biplane
Manufacturer K + W
Designer August Häfeli
First flight 1916
Introduction 1916
Retired 1922
Primary user Swiss Air Force
Number built 6

The Häfeli DH-2 was a 1910s Switzerland two-seat reconnaissance aircraft, built by aircraft department of the Eidgenoessische Konstruktionswerkstaette (K + W) at Thun, Switzerland.

Development and design

Following on from his earlier design (the DH-1), August Häfeli designed a more conventional biplane for reconnaissance duties designated the Häfeli DH-2. It was a two-bay of wood and fabric construction, powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Mercedes D.I engine, the next five were fitted with an Argus As II water-cooled inline engine. The engine required a large flat radiator which was mounted beside the front cockpit. Performance was disappointing and the aircraft did not go into production. An improved version, the Hafeli DH-3 was developed.

Operational history

The six DH-2s built during 1916 were used to train pilots and observers until they were withdrawn from service in 1922.

Operators

  Switzerland

Specifications (DH-2)

Data from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985)[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Powerplant: 1 × Argus As II , 89 kW (120 hp)

Performance

References

  1. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985). Orbis Publishing. 

External links