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Airco DH.1

From Alfawiki
The Aircraft Manufacturing Company (Airco)
IndustryAerospace, Aircraft manufacturing
Founded1914
FounderGeoffrey de Havilland
Headquarters
United Kingdom
ProductsMilitary aircraft (including Airco DH.1)


Template:Infobox aircraft

The Airco DH.1 was an early British military biplane featuring a conventional "Farman" pattern design, operated by the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. By the time its originally intended engine became readily available, the aircraft had already become outdated for combat roles. Except for a limited deployment in the Middle East, it primarily served as a trainer and was utilized for Home Defence missions.

Design and development

Geoffrey de Havilland, a leading designer at the Royal Aircraft Factory, contributed to many prewar "Factory" models before departing to become chief designer at The Aircraft Manufacturing Company (Airco) in 1914. His initial design at Airco bore strong similarities to the F.E.2, one of his last projects at the Royal Aircraft Factory.

Mirroring the F.E.2, the DH.1 employed a pusher layout, positioning the pilot and observer in tandem open cockpits at the front of the aircraft. The observer’s cockpit was situated slightly lower than the pilot’s and equipped with a machine gun. The wings were typical for the era: fabric-covered, two-bay, unstaggered, unswept, and of equal span. The tailplane and rudder were mounted on two extended open-framework booms.[1] Like the F.E.2b, this model was designed to accommodate a water-cooled Beardmore 120 hp (89 kW) inline engine.[2][N 1] However, all Beardmore engines were allocated to F.E.2b and R.E.5 production lines, which led to fitting an air-cooled Renault 70 hp (52 kW) V8 engine instead.[2][3]

The prototype featured unique aerofoils mounted on the sides of the nacelle that could rotate 90 degrees to function as air brakes, a rare innovation at that time; these were soon removed.[4] It had fixed conventional landing gear with main wheels supported by V-struts and suspension provided by coil springs combined with oleos.[2][3]

In January 1915, Geoffrey de Havilland himself conducted the maiden flight of the DH.1 prototype at Hendon.[2] Despite being underpowered due to the Renault engine, its performance remained acceptable,[5] prompting an initial production order for 49 units.[3] Since Airco was engaged with other projects, manufacturing was subcontracted to Savages Limited in King's Lynn, a company previously known for producing fairground equipment.[N 2][7] These units incorporated a simplified rubber cord suspension system and featured an updated cockpit coaming that enhanced the observer’s field of fire for their gun. Production progressed slowly; by late 1915 only five aircraft had been delivered to the RFC.[2]

Subsequent production models were equipped with the originally intended Beardmore engine as supplies increased, resulting in the designation DH.1A. Although trials demonstrated that the DH.1A matched or exceeded performance compared to the F.E.2b, this comparison offered little advantage since the F.E.2b itself was slated for replacement by newer tractor-configured fighters. Nevertheless, Savages received an additional order for 50 DH.1As.[8][N 3] Even as the DH.1 took flight, plans were underway for a single-seat successor; by June 1915, the first flight of the D.H.2 had occurred.[9] Essentially a scaled-down version of its predecessor, the D.H.2 evolved into one of Britain's most significant fighters during that period.[7]

Operational history

The DH.1 was deployed exclusively in the Middle East theatre, where six Beardmore-powered DH.1A models were delivered in July 1916. These aircraft were assigned to No. 14 Squadron RFC and functioned primarily as escorts for their B.E.2 reconnaissance planes. On 2 August 1916, a DH.1A from 14 Squadron claimed an Aviatik two-seater, marking the only documented combat success involving this type. The final recorded engagement involving a DH.1 occurred on 5 March 1917, when one was downed during a bombing mission targeting Tel el Sheria. By November 1917, No. 14 Squadron had transitioned to operating the R.E.8, indicating that the last operational DH.1s were likely retired before this time.

Apart from frontline service, other DH.1s were utilized for training purposes; a total of 43 aircraft were allocated for this role, while Home Defence units within the United Kingdom received an additional 24 aircraft. The DH.1 series was ultimately phased out of active service in 1918.

Variants

DH.1
Initial prototype and early production models equipped with a 70hp Renault engine.
DH.1A
Approximately 70 production units fitted with a more powerful 120hp Beardmore engine.

Overall production comprised one prototype and 99 DH.1 and DH.1A aircraft, all manufactured by Savages.

Operators

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Specifications (DH.1)

File:Airco DH-1A 3-view line drawing.jpg
3-view

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See also

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References

Notes
  1. ↑ Some sources indicate that the intended powerplant was the 100 hp (75 kW) Green.[3]
  2. ↑ During World War I, it was common for firms without prior aviation experience but with relevant skills—such as cabinet making—to be involved in aircraft production.[6]
  3. ↑ While all second batch units were completed, only 73 DH.1s were issued operationally within RFC squadrons.[8]
Citations
  1. ↑ Mason 1992, p. 39.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Jackson 1987, p. 44.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Bruce 1982, p. 39.
  4. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  5. ↑ Mason 1992, p. 40.
  6. ↑ Rumerman, Judy. "The U.S. Aircraft Industry During World War I." Archived 4 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine ''U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, 2003. Retrieved: 17 October 2011.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Rickard, J. "Airco D.H.1." History of War, 31 March 2009. Retrieved: 17 October 2011.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Bruce 1982, p. 40.
  9. ↑ Jackson, 1978 p47
Bibliography
  • Bruce, J.M. The Aeroplanes of the Royal Flying Corps (Military Wing). London: Putnam, 1982.
  • Grey, C. G. Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1919 (reprint). New York: Arco Publishing Company, 1969.
  • Jackson, A. J. De Havilland Aircraft since 1909. London: Putnam, Third edition, 1987.
  • Lamberton, W. M. Reconnaissance & Bomber Aircraft of the 1914–1918 War. Letchworth, UK: Harleyford, 1962.
  • Mason, Francis K. The British Fighter since 1912. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1992.
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation, 1989 edition. London: Studio Editions, 1989.

External links

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