P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One (Flying Machines)

Lohner C.II Series 112

  Ludwig Lohner and Bauer visited Berlin in February 1916 in an unsuccessful attempt to obtain a Roland C.II manufacturing license from the Luft-Fahrzeug-Gesellschaft. Undaunted, Lohner submitted a derivative project to Flars on 14 April 1916 that was rejected. An improved design submitted by Lohner was supported by Flars, who in August 1916 ordered the first of four prototypes. The first airframe, designated 10.19 (Type AB), was inspected on 1 March 1917 by Flars engineers who criticized the poor forward visibility even though Bauer had positioned the 185 hp Daimler engine low in the fuselage. In addition to some minor changes, Flars demanded that the fuselage frames be relocated to increase the observer's space and strengthen the machine gun mount. The maiden flight of the 10.19 prototype (later designated C.II 112.01), with Kriger at the controls and Bauer as observer, occurred on 4 April 1917. Testing by Kriger and Flars pilots continued through 7 June 1917, at which time Flars prohibited LFT pilots from flying the 10.19 owing to weak wing struts which "had been miscalculated in the design stage." Furthermore, Kriger now refused to fly the aircraft because of a dangerous tail-heavy condition. It was an indication of stability problems that would hamstring the project for almost a year without being resolved.
  In June, the C.II 112.01 (10.19) was sent to Lohner for modification and returned to Aspern in July 1917 with wings of increased area moved aft to alleviate the tail-heaviness. Between 2 August and 1 December 1917, Kriger made occasional test flights but the 112.01 continued to demonstrate unacceptable stability and inadequate climb. Testing was stopped and the prototype placed into storage.
  During June 1917, the remaining three C.II production prototypes were tested in short order. Aircraft 112.03 was assembled at Aspern on 16 June and first flown on 20 June. Kriger reported a severe nose-heavy condition. Only a few flights were performed at Aspern in July after which the 112.03 was dismantled and placed into storage in August.
  Aircraft C.II 112.04 was assembled at Aspern on 18 June 1917 and flown for the first time on 21 June. Like the other C.II prototypes, it demonstrated severe stability problems. After Kriger logged several flights in September 1917, the 112.04 was dismantled and placed into storage.
  Aircraft 112.02, the last to be flown, was assembled at Aspern on 18 June and Kriger performed the maiden flight on 29 June 1917. The 112.02 airframe was static load tested in August but failed to meet the required load factor of 5. Aircraft 112.02 was dismantled and stored at the Lohner factory where it was reported in May 1918. In October 1918, the government purchased the four C.II biplanes, paying only three-quarters of the contracted price because the performance requirements had not been met.

Lohner 10.19 (C.II 112.01) Specifications
Engine: 185 hp Daimler
Wing: Span Upper 9.30 m (30.51 ft)
Span Lower 8.40 m (27.56 ft)
Chord Upper 1.60 m (5.25 ft)
Chord Lower 1.60 m (5.25 ft)
Total Wing Area 30.0 sq m (323 sq ft)
General: Length 7.43 m (24.38 ft)
Height 2.95 m (9.68 ft)
Empty Weight 785 kg (1731 lb)
Loaded Weight 1080 kg (2381 lb)
Maximum Speed: 178 km/hr (110.5 mph)
Climb: 1000m (3,281 ft) in 6 min 35 sec
2000m (6,562 ft) in 14 min 2 sec
3000m (9,843 ft) in 31 min 45 sec

E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

10. Flugzeuge der Fabrik Jacob Löhner & Co. Wien, Floridsdorf
10.19 Löhner DD Type AB Dm 185
112.01 Löhner C.II (ex 10.19) Dm 185
112.02 — 112.04 Löhner C.II (Type AB) Dm 185