Книги

Centennial Perspective
J.Herris
Nachtflugzeug! German N-types of WWI
47

J.Herris - Nachtflugzeug! German N-types of WWI /Centennial Perspective/ (3)

AEG N.I
  
   Like the General Electric Company in the United States, the Allgemeine Elektrizitats-Gesellschaft was one of the more powerful and progressive technology-based companies in Germany. As part of its forward thinking, AEG established a Flugtechnische Abteilung (aero-technical department) at Hennigsdorf (north of Berlin) in 1910 directed by Oberingenieur Paul Stumpf, who pioneered the use of autogeneous-welded steel tubing for aircraft, an advanced structural technology at a time when most airplanes were made of wood. All subsequent AEG aircraft used this technology.
   New assembly shops were opened in July 1915 in Nieder-Neuendorf to become the AEG Flugzeugfabrik led by Direktor Bassler. In the winter of 1915-1916, flight tests of an improved two-seat reconnaissance biplane, known as the AEG C.IV, were satisfactorily completed. Ordered in quantity, the C.IV was praised as a fast, rugged aircraft that stood up well during combat operations.
   AEG responded to the N-type specification by modifying their successful AEG C.IV to lift a 300 kg bomb load by increasing the wingspan 2.24 meters (7.3 ft); changing the wing from a two-bay to a three-bay design. In September 1916, the AEG C.IVn prototype completed its initial flight trials, proving that it was stable and easy to fly, important criteria for night flying. AEG received a production order in December 1916 for 100 AEG C.IVn night bombers.
   The first AEG C.IVn production example (C.9323/16) was dispatched to Adlershof in April 1917 for type-testing. The C.IVn wing failed repeated load tests and it was not until 7 June 1917 that sufficient bending strength was achieved by the installation of triangular reinforcing trusses over both the forward and aft center section spars. This solution, structurally efficient but aerodynamically inelegant, sufficed for a slow aircraft not expected to engage in air-to-air combat.
   Timing of the initial deliveries of the AEG C.IVn and when it first reached the front are not known because it was counted among the regular AEG C.IV aircraft in the Frontbestand. However, by August-September 1917 the Nachtflugzeug (N = night aircraft) category had been established by Idflieg, and the first two AEG N.I bombers were recorded at the front in October 1917. The second production order for 100 AEG N.I bombers was approved in November 1917.
   A reliable, efficient aircraft, the AEG N.I was primarily assigned in ones or twos to divisional two-seater and bombing units to perform short-range raids behind the enemy lines. Later in the war, some N.I biplanes served as advanced trainers.

AEG N.I (C.IVn) Production Orders
Order Date Quantity Serial Numbers Notes
December 1916 100 C.9323-9422/16 Some (all?) given N designation
November 1917 100 N.110-209/17
This view shows the N.I's characteristic triangular bracing trusses above the upper wing center section. The trusses strengthened both wing spars to handle the increased bending forces of the longer wing. Multicolor, hexagonal camouflage similar to that used by the AEG twin-engine night bombers was applied to many N.I aircraft. Given that the N.I shared the same operational role, it is not surprising that similar camouflage was used. "Franz" and "Emil" look less than enthused about their next night bombing mission. A Wolff propeller is fitted to this N.I.
Some AEG N.Is were used briefly in a civilian capacity after the war. Civil N.I aircraft may have been given the 200 hp Benz Bz.IV engine, which could account for the different shape of the engine cowling and over-wing radiator. The wing structure appears to be modified.
Crash of an unknown AEG C.IVn/N.I showing the night camouflage and upper-wing bracing. The night bomber camouflage is so dark it is hard to see the national insignia. The two trusses bracing the upper wing spars are prominent.
AEG N.I
AEG N.I
AEG N.I
Albatros C.VIIIN

   Albatros, the largest German airplane manufacturer, submitted the Albatros C.VIIIN for the N-type requirement. Well streamlined with great resemblence to other Albatros two-seaters, the C.VIIIN looked like a longer wing-span, 3-bay version of the Albatros C.XII. However, powered by a 160 hp Mercedes D.III engine instead of the 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa used in the C.XII, it was much too under-powered for operations, yet a more powerful engine was apparently not tested.
Albatros C VIII N
BFW N.I
  
   In August 1917, Idflieg contracted with the Bayerische Flugzeug Werke (BFW) of Munich to design and build three prototype N.I night bombers. These were to be powered by a 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa engine and be capable of lifting a 500 kg bomb load. A flight duration of four hours was specified.
   The dates of the prototype's completion and first flight are not known. In the fall of 1918, the triplane was fitted with test probes (venturi tubes) to explore the airflow around the airframe and determine the specific glide ratio. During these test flights two crewmen were carried to read and record the data. After the war, one BFW N.I "in repairable condition with engine" was stored at a government depot.
   The fuselage was well-streamlined with good nose entry from a spinner, but the large, flat-plate radiator beneath the top wing doubtless contributed a lot of drag. The BFW N.I appears to have been an attempt to carry a bombload nearly as large as the twin-engine night bombers being used but with only one engine. The bomb load was heavy for a single-engine airplane, and the gunner had a flexible machine gun for defense. The triplane layout was likely chosen to give the required large wing area with moderate span for better maneuverability. Few details of its performance or flying qualities have survived.
The BFW N.I was designed to carry one 300 kg bomb, two 100 kg bombs, two 50 kg bombs, and twelve 12 kg bombs for a total of 744 kg, a heavy load for a single-engine aircraft. All three wings had a 1.60 m chord. The lower wing had 3° dihedral; the other wings had none. Stagger was 6.5° and sweepback was 4°.
Friedrichshafen N.I
  
   Friedrichshafen specialized in floatplanes and bombers, so seemed well-positioned to develop a suitable N-type. However, powered by a 260 hp Mercedes D.IVa, it appears overly large and cumbersome with its long swept wings and very
long nose that would have obscured the pilot's vision during night landings, hardly desirable for its intended night bomber role. In addition, its engine was in demand for other operational types already in production, and it remained a prototype.
LVG N.I

   The LVG company was noted for a long line of two-seat combat aircraft that started with robust, unarmed B-types that lead to the early LVG C.I and C.II. The B.II was a reduced-span, lighter derivative of the B.I for greater speed and maneuverability. When combat operations showed the need for armament, LVG installed more powerful engines in these two types and created the LVG C.I and C.II, respectively; both types reached the front in May-June 1915. The standard LVG C.II had a wingspan of either 12.68 or 12.85 meters; both wings were used on production aircraft and it is not known in which order they were produced or when the change took place. In any case, standard C.II aircraft were powered by either a 150 hp Benz Bz.III or a 160 hp Mercedes D.III engine and carried a bomb load of four 12.5 kg PuW bombs.
   In addition to the standard C.II, there existed a version fitted with Nachtflachen (night wings) having a 13.80 meter span. This referred to a night bomber variant given greater wing area to lift a heavier bomb load. The post-war Inter-Allied Control Commission report mentions an LVG N.I powered by a 150 hp Benz Bz.III, which is probably the C.II with increased wing span. Unfortunately, it is not known how many of these aircraft were built nor when they served; they were certainly included in the LVG C.II Frontbestand.
This photo of an LVG C.II probably shows the long-span (13.80 m) Nachtflachen (night wings) version, also known, perhaps unofficially, as the LVG C.IIN and LVG N.I. Unlike the standard C.II that carried four 12.5 kg PuW bombs, this aircraft is carrying six 50 kg PuW bombs under the wings and four 12.5 kg PuW bombs under the fuselage, a far greater bomb load. Interestingly, Idflieg's N-type specification required a bomb load of six 50 kg PuW bombs. Was Idflieg's bomb load requirement based on the long-span LVG's bomb-carrying capability as exemplified in this photo? This aircraft is fitted with a Monson propeller manufactured by the Karl Mohns & Emil Sohn Luftschraubenfabrik in Berlin. The early introduction of the LVG C.II makes it likely the LVG N.I was the first production N-type, although it was almost certainly included in the LVG C.II type inventory in the Frontbestand tables.
Sablatnig N.I & Related Types
  
   Sablatnig, a minor manufacturer, is best known for its series of floatplanes produced in small numbers for the German navy. Wanting to supply the German army, which bought airplanes in much greater quantity than the navy, starting in 1917 Sablatnig produced a series of prototypes for two-seat, C-type aircraft. At least five examples of the Sablatnig C.I were built, and this design was developed into the N.I.
   The Sablatnig C.I was a conventional, two-bay biplane powered by a 180 hp Argus As.III and the first prototype had a streamlined propeller spinner that was omitted from the four subsequent aircraft. The C.I had landing lights in the upper wing and thus seems to have been designed for night operations from the beginning. Moreover, the C.I could carry six 50-kg booms, the bomb load Idflieg had specified for the single-engine night bomber type, further indicating that the C.I was designed with the Idflieg night-bombing requirements in mind. Ailerons were fitted to all wings.
   Developed from the C.I, the N.I had the more powerful 220 hp Benz Bz.IV and lacked a spinner, something that was clearly unnecessary for such a slow aircraft. In addition, the wing-mounted landing lights were moved to the lower wing for better ground illumination during night landings. Like the C.I, ailerons were fitted to all wings, and the N.I also had servo tabs mounted on the top of the upper wing ailerons to reduce the aileron control forces and improve maneuverability. Despite its substantially greater power, the N.I had similar performance to the preceding C.I.


Sablatnig N.I Orders and Production

   Like most information on the N.I, orders and production details are obscure. What is known is that a batch of 50 Sablatnig C.I aircraft with 180 hp Argus As.III engines were ordered in July 1917, receiving serials C.7700/17 to C.7749/17. Technical requirements specified were: take-off and landing run 150m, a bomb load of six 50 kg PuW bombs, totallying 300 kg, and a maximum speed of at least 125 km/h. These requirements were consistent with Idflieg’s single-engine night bomber specifications, which, together with the landing lights built into the upper wing, strongly indicate the C.I was designed to those requirements. Moreover, the early AEG N.I aircraft were originally designated C.IVn; N-class serials were first assigned in September 1917, a couple of months after the Sablatnig C.I order.
   In is not known when and why it was decided to build most of the aircraft as Sablatnig N.I(Bz) with Benz engines. Perhaps the N.I needed more power for its night-bombing role, although the AEG N.I carried the same bomb load with only 150 hp The 'Bz' suffix to the type designation is consistent with license production; if Benz built the airframes, it is reasonable that Benz engines would be used.
   Known Sablatnig C.I serials include: 7700/17, 7702/17, 7703/18, and 7704/18 (the year '18' suffixes likely a painter's mistake). Known Sablatnig N.I serials include: 7705/17, 7730/17, 7734/17, 7736/17, 7743/17, and 7745/17. From this data it seems clear that the first 5 aircraft of the 50-aircraft order were completed as C.Is and the remaining 45 were completed as N.Is.

  
Continued Development

   Development of Sablatnig C-types continued with additional prototypes. First was the Sablatnig C.II; several C.II prototypes were produced that differed primarily in their inter-plane bracing. One version had two bays featuring I-struts, another version had X-struts, and the third had conventional parallel struts. All three variants had supplementary bracing struts from the upper fuselage longerons to the lower wings, eliminating the need for bracing wires on the inner bay of struts. Ailerons were fitted on all wings connected by an actuating strut. The fuselage appeared to be a semi-monocoque plywood shell similar to those commonly used by Albatros. The C.II in its various versions was more compact than the C.I with a more powerful 240-245 h.p. Maybach Mb.IVa engine. Nevertheless, speed was significantly below requirements and no production ensued.
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In Retrospect

   Like the AEG N.I, the Sablatnig N.I was assigned in ones and twos to two-seater and bombing units and labored in obscurity performing short-range, tactical night bombing. Interestingly, the Sablatnig does not appear in the Frontbest and inventory until well after front-line AEG N.I numbers peaked. Although this could indicate the Sablatnig had a protracted development, it is more likely that some factor related to production capacity drove the Sablatnig N.I production schedule.
   The Germans preferred twin-engine night bombers for their greater reliability and bomb load, therefore the N-types were never numerous. Moreover, it is difficult to rationalize production of the Sablatnig N.I when compared to the AEG N.I, which preceded it in both production and operations. Despite the significantly greater power of the Sablatnig's 220 hp Benz Bz.IV compared to the 150 hp Benz Bz.III used by the AEG, the Sablatnig N.I was slower than the AEG and apparently carried the same bomb load. While speed was not especially important in night bombing, bomb-load certainly was. And the more powerful engine used in the Sablatnig N.I used more scarce fuel to operate. Unless the Sablatnig carried more bombs, or there was some other compelling reason such as excess production capacity at Sablatnig or Benz that would otherwise have been wasted, it is difficult to understand why the Sablatnig N.I was placed in production.
   The Sablatnig C.II derived from the N.I was a mediocre design deserving of its obscurity. However, the elegant C.III was a real design break-through, although the wire wing bracing appears vulnerable to combat damage and might have been replaced with stronger struts had development continued. The C.III appeared to have good development potential but arrived too late.


Sablatnig C.I, N.I, & C.II Specifications
Sablatnig C.I Sablatnig N.I Sablatnig C.I
Engine 180 hp Argus As.III 220 hp Benz Bz.IV 240 hp Maybach Mb.IVa
Wing Span (Upper) 16.0 m (52.5 ft.) 16.0 m (52.5 ft.) 12.5 m (41.0 ft.)
Length: 8.7 m (28.5 ft.) 8.7 m (28.5 ft.) 8.3 m (27.2 ft.)
Empty Weight 1,050 kg (2,315 lb.) 1,190 kg (2,624 lb.) 1,070 kg (2,354 lb.)
Loaded Weight 1,540 kg (3,395 lb.) 1,860 kg (4,101 lb.) 1,600 kg (3,520 lb.)
Maximum Speed 120 km/h (75 mph) 125 km/h (78 mph) 150 km/h (94 mph)
Climb to 1000m 9 min. 10 min. 4.5 min.
Climb to 2000m 20 min. - -
Climb to 4000m - 59 min. -
Climb to 5000m - 30 min.
Armament 1 flexible machine gun & 300 kg bombs 1 flexible machine gun & 300 kg bombs 1 flexible machine gun
& 1 fixed machine gun
Sablatnig N.I 7705/17; the colors and pattern of this profile are conjectural and based on the available photographs.
Sablatnig N.I(Bz) 7730/17; the colors and pattern of this profile are conjectural and based on the available photographs.
Sablatnig N.I(Bz) 7745/17; the colors and pattern of this profile are conjectural and based on the available photographs.
Sablatnig C.I 7700/17 was the first of five Sablatnig C.I aircraft built. Landing lights were built into the upper wing for night operations and the bomb load of six 50 kg PuW bombs was that specified by Idflieg for single-engine night bombers, leading to the conclusion that it was designed to meet that specification. Interestingly for such a slow aircraft, it features a nicely-streamlined nose with propeller spinner. The large wings to lift the 300 kg bomb load are prominent, and ailerons were fitted to all wings. Skids under the wingtips help protect them from rough night landings. The Sablatnig N.I was developed from the Sablatnig C.I through a series of modifications.
Sablatnig C.I 7702/17 was the third of the five C.I aircraft built. The spinner of the first prototype has been omitted, giving it a more utilitarian appearance. The servo-tabs on the ailerons are visible; these reduced the pilot's control forces to reduce his workload and improve maneuverability.
This view of Sablatnig C.I 7702/17 emphasizes its similarity to the Sablatnig N.I. Dark camouflage has been applied for night operations.
Sablatnig C.I 7703/18 was the fourth of the five C.I aircraft built. The lack of a spinner on the aircraft likely made little or no performance difference compared to the first C.I prototype given how slow these aircraft were. Unlike the first C.I, the landing lights are now in the lower wings.
Nose and engine details of one of the last four Sablatnig C.I aircraft are shown in this damaged photograph. The landing lights are in the leading edge of the lower wings. All the C.I aircraft wore dark camouflage for night operations.
Sablatnig C.I 7704/18, seen here without its wings, was the last of the five C.I aircraft built. Like the other C.I aircraft, dark camouflage has been applied for night operations. Did the factory painter make a mistake with the serial number? The number 7704 is part of the block of five numbers for the C.I, but the year suffix for that block is '/17', whereas the suffix here is '/18', which appears to be a mistake also made on 7703/18.
One of the last four Sablatnig C.I aircraft is ready for takeoff. The aircraft looks very much like the Sablatnig N.I.
Sablatnig N.I 7705/17 was the first Sablatnig N.I built; it was derived from the earlier, similar C.I aircraft. As evident from the photo, the N.I was a large two-seater of conventional design and construction. The wings and horizontal tail are covered in lozenge camouflage fabric in night colors; even the rudder is dark. The large designation and serial number painted in white on the fuselage aids identification but compromises the dark, night-bomber camouflage. There is a cutout in the left lower wing to clear the fins of a large bomb, an alternative load to the specified six 50 kg PuW bombs.
This close-up view of Sablatnig N.I 7705/17 clearly shows the servo tab mounted above the aileron on the upper wing to reduce control forces. Ailerons are fitted to all wings with an actuating strut connecting upper and lower ailerons. The long exhaust pipe exhausts above the upper wing to avoid ruining the pilot's night vision. The cut-out in the lower left wing near the fuselage to clear the fins of a large bomb, an alternative load to the specified six 50 kg PuW bombs, may have been unique to this aircraft.
This front view of the Sablatnig N.I, 7705/17 shows the landing lights, now in the lower wings, fitted to assist night landings. The overall clean fuselage lines are somewhat spoiled by the massive radiator in front of the upper wing. Skids under the lower wing protect the structure from mediocre landings at night.
A mid-production machine, Sablatnig N.I(Bz) 7730/17 shows that even the engine cowling and fuselage are covered with printed camouflage fabric in night colors. The large type designation and serial number on the fuselage are now in outline from, which is much less obvious at night, but now the rudder is painted white, compromising its night camouflage. Interestingly, the type designation and serial number are repeated on the rear fuselage at more normal size. The skid under the lower right wing to protect it against rough night landings is clearly visible.
A late-production machine, Sablatnig N.I(Bz) 7745/17 reverted to the large type designation and serial number on the fuselage in solid form but retained the white rudder, further compromising its night camouflage. The normal size type designation and serial number are now moved to the fin. The skid under the lower wing for night landings is clearly visible as is the servo tab above the upper aileron.
This Sablatnig N.I was used as an airliner post-war; notice the landing lights in the lower wing. The unknown pilot is at the left; Lore Birn, the woman in the center, is the wife of the man on the right, famous Austrian actor Ludwig Stossel. Being Jewish, Stossel and his wife fled to England in the late 1930s, then reached Hollywood in 1939. Among many roles he appeared in the movie Casablanca (as Mr. Leuchtag) and played Lou Gehrig's father in Pride of the Yankees.
Sablatnig N.I 7713/17 is shown post-war in civil DLR colors with military insignia still applied.The post-war Sablatnig P.I and P.II passenger airplanes were derived from the N.I, but like most other German airplane manufacturers the Sablatnig company went bankrupt in the 1920s, as intended by the Allies under the terms of the Armistice.
This interesting photo shows the Sablatnig C.III monoplane on the left, one of the C.II biplane prototypes in the middle, and a production N.I on the right, making for an interesting picture of Sablatnig design evolution. Although the C.II is smaller and more compact than the N.I, it retains most of its design features other than the strut configuration. On the other hand, the C.III is a major advance. Although the C.III retains the basic fuselage and tail design of the earlier types, its low-wing monoplane design had much less drag; its frontal radiator also reduced drag.
The Sablatnig C.II was a more compact, powerful development of the C.I and N.I. Powered by a 240-245 hp Maybach Mb.lVa engine, it retained the bulky, high-drag radiator in front of the upper wing and was too slow to receive a production order. It was produced in several versions; this is the version with I-struts. All versions featured ailerons on all wings connected by an actuating strut and additional struts running from the upper longerons to the lower wings. The aileron servo tabs above the upper wing used by the N.I were retained by the C.II. The stubby exhaust is at the level of the crewmen's faces, clearly not pleasant for the crew.
By 1918 rubber was scarce in Germany and the tires of this prototype may have been scavenged for another aircraft.
Front view of the Sablatnig C.II version with I-struts show more of its features. The slanting struts from the fuselage to the base of the inboard interplane I-struts eliminated the need for bracing wires for the inboard bay.
Rear view of the Sablatnig C.II version with I-struts show more of its features.
One of several versions of the Sablatnig C.II, this was the version with conventional, parallel inter-plane struts. The exhaust has been lengthened on this aircraft to move the gases away from the crew.
One of several variations of the Sablatnig C.II, this is the version with X-struts. The bracing wires between bays appear to be connected at their intersections; this would reduce wire vibration, thereby reducing drag. The additional struts running from the upper longerons to the lower wings are clearly visible and appear to eliminate the need for bracing wires on the inner bay. The exhaust exits above the upper wing to protect the crew.
Postwar, the Sablatnig N.I was developed into the P.I passenger plane.
Postwar the Sablatnig N.I was developed into the P.I and P.II passenger-carrying aircraft; a rear view of one of these aircraft is shown here.
Sablatnig N.I
Sablatnig N.I
Sablatnig N.I
Sablatnig N.I & Related Types
  
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   The final known Sablatnig two-seater was the handsome, innovative C.III monoplane. The C.III tail and semi-monocoque plywood fuselage were derived from the C.II. Apparently the same 240-260 hp Maybach Mb.IVa engine fitted to the C.II was used, but this time a frontal radiator was employed for reduced drag. The wire-braced monoplane wing was of constant chord, and both ailerons and elevators were horn-balanced. Flying surfaces were covered in lozenge camouflage fabric. The under¬carriage spreader bar was faired into a lifting surface in the manner of later Fokker designs. The C.III was well-streamlined and looked as advanced as any contemporary. Unfortunately, further details and performance of this elegant aircraft are not available, and it remained a prototype.
   The Sablatnig C.II derived from the N.I was a mediocre design deserving of its obscurity. However, the elegant C.III was a real design break-through, although the wire wing bracing appears vulnerable to combat damage and might have been replaced with stronger struts had development continued. The C.III appeared to have good development potential but arrived too late.
This view of the Sablatnig C.III monoplane shows the horn balances on ailerons and elevator and the camouflage fabric covering the wings and tail surfaces. The wings have a constant chord with cut-outs at the wing roots to enhance the observer's downward visibility. Unfortunately, nothing is known of its performance or handling qualities. On the original print metal framing can be seen on the outboard leading edges of both horizontal stabilizers that, if covered, would fair them into the elevators.
This rear quarter view of the Sablatnig C.III monoplane illustrates the excellent field of fire for the gunner. The semi-monocoque plywood fuselage was well streamlined. Two handholds are visible on the lower aft fuselage for ground handling. The under-carriage spreader bar was enclosed in an airfoil like later Fokker designs. Power was the same 240-260 hp Maybach Mb.lVa engine used in the Sablatnig C.II.
Side view of the Sablatnig C.III monoplane emphasizes its streamlined design.
This front view of the Sablatnig C.III monoplane emphasizes its clean lines and advanced design.
This interesting photo shows the Sablatnig C.III monoplane on the left, one of the C.II biplane prototypes in the middle, and a production N.I on the right, making for an interesting picture of Sablatnig design evolution. Although the C.II is smaller and more compact than the N.I, it retains most of its design features other than the strut configuration. On the other hand, the C.III is a major advance. Although the C.III retains the basic fuselage and tail design of the earlier types, its low-wing monoplane design had much less drag; its frontal radiator also reduced drag.