J.Davilla, A.Soltan French Aircraft of the First World War (Flying Machines)

Salmson 4

  In 1918 the STAe issued the Ab 2 specification calling for a two-seat aircraft with light armor intended for ground attack. It was to be capable of carrying a T.S.F. and camera. Two aircraft were submitted to meet this specification - the Vendome biplane and the Salmson 4.
  The Salmson 4 was basically an enlarged version of the Salmson 2 reconnaissance aircraft. The wing span was increased and the number of interplane struts was raised to 12. The Salmson 4 was powered by a 260-hp Salmson 9Z engine. The prototype was fitted with a Regy 822 propeller and was flown by test pilot Georges Barbot.
  The Salmson 4 was selected for series production over the Vendome design. An order for several machines was placed on 3 May 1918 and by the time of the Armistice, 12 were assigned to front-line escadrilles. No others were built and the type was finally withdrawn from service in 1920.

  
Salmson 4 Two-Seat Ground Attack Aircraft with 260-hp Salmson 9Z
   Span 15.20 m; length 8.80 m; height 2.96 m; wing area 49.28 sq. m
   Empty weight 1,410 kg; loaded weight 1,935 kg
   Maximum speed:
ground level 168 km/h
1,000 m 147 km/h
2,000 m 143 km/h
4,000 m 137 km/h
   Climb:
500 m 3 minutes 18 seconds
1,000 m 8 minutes 21 seconds
2,000 m 20 minutes 14 seconds
4,000 m 43 minutes 27 seconds
   12 built