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

Oeffag 50.13

  As soon as the massive 360 hp six-cylinder Daimler inline engine became available for flight tests, aircraft manufacturers were encouraged to design appropriately large reconnaissance and bomber biplanes carrying a crew of two or three. Professor Knoller began wind tunnel investigation in June 1917 to choose the airfoil for the 50.13 (Type BF) prototype. The 50.13, a private venture undertaking, was ready for engine installation in February 1918, but because of production delays the engine did not arrive until May. Final installations, including fixed machine gun and camera, were completed in July. Flight test report no.14 (13 August 1918) recorded that Oeffag test pilot Leutnant Alois Stiploschek and passenger attained a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) and reached 4000 meters (13,124 ft) in 58.5 minutes. The engine, which is known to have been experiencing developmental problems, was probably responsible for the poor performance. On 10 September 1918, the 50.03 was on its 18th test flight when the engine failed. With great skill, test pilot Stiploschek executed an emergency landing in a vineyard near Felixdorf. Fortunately no one was injured, but the prototype was destroyed, effectively putting an end to the development program.

Oeffag 50.13 Specifications
Engine: 360 hp Daimler
Wing: Span Upper 12.30 m (40.35 ft)
Span Lower 12.30 m (40.35 ft)
Chord Upper 1.60m (5.25 ft)
Chord Lower 1.60 m (5.25 ft)
Dihedral Upper 0 deg
Dihedral Lower 0 deg
Sweepback Upper 0 deg
Sweepback Lower 0 deg
Gap 1.60 m (5.25 ft)
Total Wing Area 36.96 sq m (398 sq ft)
General: Length 9.17 m (30.08 ft)
Height 3.18 m (10.43 ft)
Track 2.00 m (6.56 ft)
Empty Weight 1170 kg (2580 lb)
Loaded Weight 1740 kg (3837 lb)