А.Шепс Самолеты Первой мировой войны. Страны Антанты

"Вуазен-VIII", "Вуазен-X" 1916 г.

   Летные качества самолетов предыдущих серий не могли в полной мере удовлетворять военных, и они предложили фирме провести мероприятия по увеличению скорости полета, дальности полета и боевой нагрузки. Всего этого можно было достичь, установив более мощный двигатель. Сначала на самолет установили 8-цилиндровый, жидкостного охлаждения, рядный двигатель "Пежо-8a" (220 л. с.) Для увеличения дальности полета на верхнее крыло подвешивались два больших топливных бака. В связи с возросшей массой был вновь увеличен размах крыла. В остальном конструкция была аналогичной конструкции самолетов серии "Вуазен-V". На более поздние модификации установили более мощные двигатели "Рено" (250 л. с., а затем и 265 л. с.). И хотя летные характеристики улучшились, самолет уже не мог безнаказанно появляться над линией фронта и с 1916 года использовался в основном как ночной бомбардировщик. Схема безфюзеляжного ферменного биплана себя уже изжила, были нужны новые машины со скоростными и маневренными характеристиками, близкими к истребительным, и, что самое главное, с установкой пулеметов, защищающих заднюю полусферу.
  

Модификации
   "Вуазен-VIII АР" - фронтовой легкий бомбардировщик с двигателем "Пежо-8А" (220л. с.).
   "Вуазен-VIII BN2" - ночной бомбардировщик на базе предыдущего с двигателем "Рено" (250 л. с.). Под гондолой устанавливался ящик для сбрасывания мелких бомб.
   "Вуазен-Х" - развитие "Вуазен-VIII" с более мощным двигателем "Рено" в (265 л. с.).
   "Вуазен-Х пушечный" - вариант с 37-мм пушкой "Кольт" и 6-цилиндровым двигателем "Изотта Фраскини" (240л. с.).
  
  
ЛЕТНО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ
  
   Вуазен-VIII АР Вуазен-VIII BN2 Вуазен LBP Вуазен-Х В2 Вуазен-Х пушечный
   1916г. 1916г. 1915г. 1916г. 1915 г.
   Размах, м 18,8/16,0 18,8/16,0 18,80/16,0 18,5/16,0 18,8/16,0
   Длина, м 10,35 10,35 11,0 10,35 11,0
   Высота, м 3,95 3,95 3,63 3,95
   Площадь крыла, кв.м 63,0 63,0 63,0 63,0
   Сухой вес, кг 1310 1315 1315
   Взлетный вес, кг 1860 1865 1865
   Двигатель: "Пежо-8А" "Рено" "Сальмсон" "Рено" "Изота-Фраскини"
   мощность, л. с. 220 250 225 265 240
   Скорость максимальная, км/ч 118 115 120 130
   Время набора высоты, м/мин 2000/17
   Дальность полета, км 458 450 360 300
   Потолок, м 4300 4000 4000 4000
   Экипаж, чел. 2 2 2 2
   Вооружение 1 пулемет 250 кг бомб 37-мм пушка 37-мм пушка
   180 кг бомб 227 кг бомб 100 кг бомб

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

Voisin 8 BN2 (LAP) and Ca2 (LBP)

  It had become clear to the Aviation Militaire that the failure of the 1915 and 1916 concours puissant to produce a suitable strategic bomber would mean that the Voisins would remain in service until late 1917. Gabriel Voisin was asked to develop an improved bomber with a significantly better performance and heavier bomb load than the Voisin 5s then in service.
  To power his new bomber he chose the 300-hp Hispano engine. However, production difficulties resulted in the Hispano engines being in short supply. Furthermore, the STAe decided that those available should be reserved for fighters. This decision is not surprising, as the bomber had not brought about any meaningful improvement in the war situation aside from the propaganda value of long-distance raids. It was decided that a Peugeot engine would be substituted for the Hispano-Suiza. The 220-hp Peugeot 8Aa not only supplied less power than the anticipated 300-hp engine, but it was also bulky and heavy. Voisin had no choice but to design an enlarged and strengthened airframe to carry the new engine. To support this added weight the wing span had to be increased by more than three meters.
  The new Voisins received the STAe designation Type 8; the factory designation was LAP for the BN2 bombers. Some were armed with cannons and these Ca2 class airplanes were given the factory designation LBP. The fuselage of the basic Voisin series was enlarged to permit the Type 8 to carry an increased bomb load. A huge propeller, four meters in diameter, was fitted. Other changes included an indentation at the base of the rudder and strengthened landing gear struts. Because trapped exhaust bubbles could cause trouble with the Peugeot in-line engine, Voisin used six vertical tubes to eject exhaust over the top of the wing. The undercarriage retained the quadricycle arrangement with brakes on the rear wheels. Because the fuselage was enlarged, the wheels were set farther apart than on previous aircraft in the Voisin series; however, this arrangement created new problems with the suspension system. As with other Voisin aircraft, the structure was entirely of steel and the fuselage was covered with aluminum sheets. The wings and tail surfaces were still covered with cloth.
  The first Voisin 8 to be produced was armed with a 37-mm cannon in the front of the fuselage. This position could also be used by a conventional machine gun on a semi-circular mount. At least one aircraft was fitted with a 47-mm cannon for use against ground targets.


Operational Service

  The Voisin 8s began to leave the factory in August 1916 and had entered service with the escadrilles by November. There were 51 Type 8s (LAP) and 33 Type 8s with cannons (LBP) at the front in August 1917, and ten LAPs and 26 LBPs with the general reserve. The Type 8 presented serious maintenance difficulties because of its Peugeot engine. Eventually, a 280-hp Renault replaced the troublesome Peugeot; these airplanes were designated Type 10. The Type 8s were phased out of front-line service beginning in September 1917.
  Voisin 8s began to reach front-line escadrilles in November 1916; the first to receive the type was VB 114. By the beginning of 1917 Voisin 8s equipped a substantial portion of the bombing escadrilles and were used almost exclusively for night bombing. Despite their many improvements, the Voisin 8s were no match for German fighters.
  On 20 February 1917 the French War Committee drew up a list of priority targets lor night bombers, including factories, railroad stations, munitions depots, barracks, and arsenals. Cities still could be attacked only in reprisal and could be bombed only by direct order of the GQG.
  Only GB 1 and GB 3 still had Voisin bombers on strength. In December 1917 the units assigned to GB 1 were VB 110 (which had converted from Voisin 4s to 8s) and VB 114. GB 3 had three escadrilles: VB 107, VB 108, and VB 109. VC 113 had reequipped with Nieuport 17s in January 1917. VB 101 remained an independent escadrille.
  Bad weather prevented GB 1 from flying many missions in January. Based at Malzeville, GB 1's escadrilles were more active in February, attacking the barracks and airfield at Dieuze as well as bivouacs. During March the Frescaty airfield and Arnaville station were bombed.
  In April VB 110 and VB 114 moved to Villenueve. From there they attacked train stations in an attempt to disrupt the flow of German reinforcements.
  By the end of the May 13, 495 kg of bombs had been expended on the train stations along the front. Major attacks on them continued in June, 5,000 kg of bombs being dropped in the second half of that month. The better weather in July enabled GB 1 to stage raids on train stations, enemy camps, and ammunition dumps. By the end of that month 8,805 kg of bombs had been delivered by GB 1's escadrilles.
  VB/VC 110 and VB 114 moved to Senard on 8 August to support a planned attack in that area. Fighter escort was provided by SPAD 13s of GC 13. To disrupt the enemy supply lines, attacks were concentrated on ammunition dumps and train stations. The airfield al Remonville was also bombed. September proved to be equally busy. GB 1 now concentrated its aircraft for mass attacks at night. Twenty Voisins and two Sopwiths attacked train stations, airfields, and camps with 3,575 kg of bombs and dropped 2,500 leaflets on the night of 4/5 September. A total of 2,980 kg of bombs were dropped on train stations on the nights ol 24/25 and 25/26 September.
  On 3/4 October VB 110 and VB 114 moved to GB 1's new base at Senard. The Voisins seem to have taken part in very few raids during November, possibly due to bad weather. However, raids on train stations continued throughout December. The last mission in 1917 to be flown by the Voisin 8s of GB 1 took place on the night of 23/24 December, when 16 airplanes attacked train stations with 4,330 kg of bombs. By early 1918 Voisin 10s replaced the Voisin 8s in service.
  GB 3 started 1917 with a large number of Voisin 8s. However, two escadrilles switched to Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutters; VB 107 and VB 108 became SOP 107 and SOP 108 respectively. At the same time VC 113 joined GB 3. By the end of July only VB 109 and VC 113 were using Voisin 8s. VB 101, while remaining an independent unit, participated with GB 3 on several missions.
  VB 101 and GB 3 were active over the Somme front. GB 3 covered the areas from Oise to Aisne and, along with VB 101, concentrated on tactical missions against German troops. Both units had some success in disrupting the German transportation system.
  During the German counterattack in mid-March VB 101 was especially active. Enemy convoys and train stations were bombed. April was equally busy. VB 101 flew 104 sorties and dropped 24,130 kg of bombs that month, and GB 3 concentrated its attacks on train stations and other targets in the Serre Valley.
  GB 3 and VB 101 flew a number of sorties against railroad targets in the vicinity of Laon during May and both units continued their attacks on train stations throughout June. VB 109 was despatched to Flanders in June, leaving VB 101 and the newly-arrived VC 113 as the only Voisin units on the Somme front. For the remainder of 1917 VC 113 was the only escadrille attached to GB 3 still equipped with Voisin 8s. Joined by the independent unit VB 101, VC 113 flew only occasional sorties during the last six months of 1917.
  Meanwhile, VB 109, having been sent to the Flanders front, remained quite active in 1917. Joined by VC 116, an independent unit, it made attacks on train stations and airfields. Interrogations of German prisoners revealed that heavy damage had been done by these attacks. For the remainder of 1917 both VB 109 and VC 116 concentrated attacks on train stations and airfields at Ghistelles and Thielt.
  As noted earlier, the Voisin 8s had proved to be troublesome in front-line service because of their unreliable Peugeot engines; by early 1918 the Voisin 8s were replaced by the Renault-powered Voisin 10s.
  Approximately 20 Voisin 8s were also used by the Aviation Maritime, based at Dunkerque. Some of these were lost in a raid on their base by German bombers. The pilots and mechanics of the Aviation Maritime also found the Peugeot engines troublesome, and because of this the aircraft were often unavailable for service. At least one Type 8 was fitted with floats.


Foreign Service

United Kingdom
  The RNAS purchased two Voisin 8 Ca cannons with 220-hp Peugeot engines (although the original order had called for 200-hp Hispano Suizas). These were assigned serials N544 and N545 and based at Grain. N545 was fitted with a 37-mm Hotchkiss gun and used for anti-submarine trials.

United States
  The United States acquired a few Voisin 8s, although none was assigned to operational squadrons. In February 1918 the Americans had decided to establish two day bombing squadrons and one night bomber squadron. It was decided to supply the night bomber squadron with Voisin 8s. This selection was based on the experience of U.S. crews who had served with Voisin-equipped escadrilles. Deliveries of the Voisin 8 were very slow and it took ten weeks for eight aircraft to arrive. These aircraft were formed into a training squadron based at Amanty.


Voisin 8 (LAP) Two-Seat Bomber with Peugeot 8Aa
   Span 18.00 m; length 10.35 m; height 3.95 m; wing area 61.14 sq. m
   Empty weight 1,310 kg; loaded weight 1,860 kg
   Maximum speed 118 km/h at 2,000 m; climb to 2,000 m in 17 minutes; range 350 km
   Armament: one machine gun and approximately 180 kg of bombs
   Approximately 1,100 Voisin 8 LAP and LBP were built

Voisin 8 (LBP) Two-Seat, Cannon-Armed Airplane with Peugeot 8Aa
   Span 18.00 m; length 10.35 m; height 3.95 m; wing area 61.14 sq. m (some sources say 63 sq. m)
   Empty weight 1,310 kg; loaded weight 1,860 kg
   Maximum speed: 118 km/h at 2,000 m; climb to 2,000 m in 17 minutes; range 350 km
   Armament: one 37-mm Hotchkiss cannon


Voisin 9 A2 (LC)
  
  The Voisin 9 (which carried the factory designation LC and the project number E.60) was a modified Type 8 lightened for reconnaissance missions. It appears that the major modifications were internal, and it was fitted with the 160-hp Renault 8G engine. The aircraft was given the STAe designation Type 9 A2, confirming that it was intended for the two-seat army cooperation role. Only one was built in 1917, and the Breguet 14, Salmson 2, and SPAD 11 were selected for service with the reconnaissance escadrilles.


Voisin 9 Two-Seat Reconnaissance Airplane with 160-hp Renault 8G
   Span 14.54 tn: length 10.00 m; height 3.75 m; wing area 48 sq. m
   Empty weight 950 kg; loaded weight 1450 kg
   Maximum speed: 120 km/h at 2000 m; climb to 2000 m in 20 minutes 10 seconds; endurance 4 hours
   One built



Voisin 10 (LAR/LBR)

  As already noted, the Voisin 8’s Peugeot engine had proved to be unreliable, seriously reducing the Type 8's serviceability. An attempt was made to salvage the Voisin 8 design which, aside from the engine, had proved to be quite successful. A new engine that would be compatible with the Type 8 airframe was chosen - the 280-hp Renault 12Fe. This engine was not only more powerful than the Peugeot but was also significantly lighter. A Lumiere propeller was fitted and there were some minor changes made to the carburetor. The fuselage was enlarged so it could carry more fuel and a heavier bomb load - 120 kg more than the Voisin 8. No major changes were made to the wing, but the rudder was enlarged and fitted with a small mass balance. The new Voisin carried the STAe designation Type 10 and had the Voisin designation E.54 and LAR.

Variants

  As with most aircraft in the Voisin series, some Voisin 10s were fitted with cannons. The 37-mm Hotchkiss was usually carried. Those airplanes were designated the Voisin 10 Ca2 (Voisin designation LBR). The cannons were not widely used by the Voisin 10 escadrilles, however, and it appears that most Type 10 Ca2s had the weapons removed and were used solely as conventional bombers.
  The Voisin 10 was put to more pacific use when one was converted by an engineer named Nemisrovsky and a physician named Tilmant into a flying ambulance. It was designated an "Aerochir," or ambulance. Its main function was to transport a surgeon, X-ray machine, and up to 360 kg of medical supplies to front-line hospitals. Stretcher cases could also be evacuated in what would have been the first aerial medivac operations in history. The ambulance plane was easily recognizable by a red cross on a white square painted on the nose. The "Aerochir" did not see operational service, as development was not completed until the end of the war.
  A single Voisin 10 was converted to a radio-controlled drone in 1918. The first fully automatic flight took place in September 1918. The airplane, carrying a pilot who did not touch the controls, made a 100-km circuit at Etampes. The project was discontinued after the first flight, but testing was resumed in 1923.


Operational Service

  The Voisin 10 entered service slowly. By 1 January 1918 there were to have been 300 at the front; in reality there were only 104. This shortfall caused the STAe to try to speed production. New night bombers were needed and the Voisin 10 was the only design readily available. An additional order for 300 aircraft was placed in May 1918 even though the initial 300 had not yet been completed. In time, production improved to the point that 11 aircraft were being manufactured every week. As delays continued to prevent the arrival of the more sophisticated Farman F.50s and Caudron C.23s, additional Voisin 10s were ordered. Eventually, a total of 900 were produced.

Reconnaissance

  An unusual mission for the Voisins 10s was night reconnaissance to assess troop movements. Six night reconnaissance escadrilles were formed with Voisin 10s

Bombing

  The first Voisin 10s were supplied to VB 114. They were given a color scheme of solid black (except for camouflage on the upper wing), which was eventually applied to most Voisin night bombers. Voisin 10s were also used by escadrilles assigned to GB 1, 7, 8, 10, and 51 and were extremely active during the last year of the war.
  The main mission of the Voisin 10 was night bombardment, and it was in this role that the airplane would become famous. The number of units equipped with Voisins actually increased in 1918.
  Thus during 1918 the number of Voisin escadrilles increased from five to 13. As the number increased the night bomber units were formed into Escadres. GB 8 and GB 10 were formed into Escadre 14 and GB 1, GB 7, and GB 51 were formed into Escadre 11.
  The first three months of 1918 found the Voisin 10s continuing their attacks on enemy troop concentrations and supply lines. GB 1. now based at Rumont, used small numbers of Voisins to bomb railroad stations and airfields in January and February. On 25 February V 25 joined the group. In March an attempt was made to use a single Voisin as a pathfinder for the other airplanes. The lead Voisin would drop colored flares on the selected target. Unfortunately, clouds diminished the efficacy of this technique.
  GB 3 had two Voisin escadrilles, VB 109 and VB 113, at the beginning of 1918. They were based at Champien in support of the 3rd Armee. In February they had moved to GB 8. Based at Creves, GB 8 had two Voisin escadrilles assigned to it in January, VC 1 16 and VB 125. By the time VB 109 and VB 113 joined GB 8 the entire group had combined with GB 10 to form Escadre 14.

Battles of Picardie and Flanders

  The German offensive resulted in the Battles of Picardie and Flanders in March and April. The Voisin units were assigned to support the French troops involved in these battles. GB 1 was based at Passy-en-Valois and later at Arcy Sainte Restitue. GB 7 was initially based at May-en-Multien and later moved to Sapoonay. GB 8 was at Cramaille.
  GB 1, joined now by VC 116, attacked troop columns and train stations in an attempt to reduce the movement of German troops to the front lines. GB 7, on the other hand, concentrated on enemy airfields and bivouacs. GB 8 attacked similar targets during March and April.

Battle of Aisne

  Before the Battle of Aisne (27 May to 4 June) GB 1 flew a large number of sorties. GB 1 was based at Cernon during the Battle of Aisne and flew night reconnaissance and bombing missions.
  During the Battle of Aisne GB 7 moved to Ferme des Greves and then to Mairy-sur-Marne. It operated in support of the army units in Champagne and concentrated on train stations and railroad yards in Reims.
  GB 8 operated from Bettencourt and attacked a wide variety of targets. In early June GB 8 was joined by GB 10 to form Group Laurens, which later became Escadre 14. During the remainder of June and July Escadre 14 carried out a series of attacks along the Somme front.
  GB 1 lost VB 116 when that unit was attached to GB 10 on 5 June. GB 1 continued attacks from its base at Cernon, while GB 7 continued attacks on railroad targets during June and July.

Battle of Ile-de-France

  During the Battle of Ile-de-France (18 July to 14 August) GB 1 remained at Cernon and staged raids around Amifontaine, Saint-Gille, Jonchery, Claquedent, Fismes, and Bouffiquereux. At the end of July VB 110 received the new Farman F.50s and passed its Voisin 10s to the newly formed VB 133. Three days later VB 114 also re-equipped with Farman F.50 and its Voisin 10s were sent to VB 135, serving with the newly-formed GB 51. The Voisins now took part in fewer raids as the F.50s slowly became operational. However, because of engine difficulties with the Farmans, the Voisin 10s still formed the backbone of GB 1 through August and September. GB 1 and 7 (the latter still based at Mairy-sur-Marne) concentrated their attacks on targets in the Ardre and Suippe Valleys in support of the Armees in Champagne. GB 7 was assigned to attack stations along the Guignicourt-Laon railroad route. GB 8 and 10 were based at Chalons and had a total of 30 Voisin 10s between them. Escadre 14 bombed munitions depots and train stations during the battle. GB 51 was formed with VB 135 and 136 at this time and, along with GB 1, was based at Cernon.
Battle of Santerre

  The Battle of Santerre lasted from the 8th to the 30th of August and all the Groupes d'Bombardement were active in supporting French troops during the battle. GB 1 and GB 51 remained at Cernon. The remaining Voisin 10s of GB 1 saw limited action and by 26 August the group lost another Voisin unit when V 25 re-equipped with Farman F.50s. Its Voisin 10s were sent to VB 137, the only escadrille attached to GB 1 still using Voisins.
  GB 7 was based at Mairy-sur-Marne at the beginning of the battle; on 15 August it moved to Champagne and continued to concentrate its attacks on railroad stations, camps, and communications centers.
  The escadrilles assigned to Escadre 14 were also active during the Battle of Santerre. GB 8 was stationed at Fourneuil and flew numerous strikes against train stations. GB 10 flew sorties from Champeaux to targets at Laon, Anizy-le-Chateau, Feres, Chauny, Tergnier, and Ham.

Battle of Saint Mihiel

  During the Battle of Saint Mihiel (12 to 30 September) GB 1 and 51 were based at Cernon. GB 7 used the airfield at Mairy-sur-Marne. GB 8 was stationed initially at Fourneuil, then at Ferme des Greves, and finally at Coupru. GB 10 was initially at Chateau-Thierry but later joined with GB 8 at Coupru. All these Voisin units were active during the Battle of Saint Mihiel and in addition to the usual transportation targets a large number of raids were made on the blast furnaces in the Serre Valley.

Battles for Champagne and Argonne

  The final major actions of the First World War were the Battles for Champagne and Argonne, which lasted from 25 September to 11 November. GB 1's affiliation with Voisin bombers ended ten days after the battle began when VB 137 left GB 1 and was assigned to GB 51.
  GB 7 moved to La Cheppe during the battle and remained there until the war's end. GB 51 moved to Le Cheppe just before the Armistice.
  Escadre 14 also provided support for French troops during this final battle. GB 8 moved back to Fermes des Greves while GB 10 remained at Corpu. In a two-week period from 25 September to 11 November, Escadre 14 flew 250 sorties and dropped 61,520 kg of bombs. Targets included the stations at Montecornet, Maries, Vervins, Hirson, and Chimay. The railroad lines between Guignicourt and Laon and the Serre depots were also frequently bombed.

Postwar Service

  Postwar, the obsolete Voisin 10s were rapidly replaced. The Voisin escadrilles were redesignated in 1920 as follows:
   Bomber units: VB 121, 119, 118, 109, 125, 101, and 113, assigned to the 2nd RB (Nuit) at Malzeville and redesignated Escadrilles 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, and 210 respectively.
   Reconnaissance units: VR 290, redesignated the 8th Escadrille of the 4th RAO at Bourget. VR 557 and 556 became the 6th and 8th Escadrilles of the 7th RAO at Pau.
   T.O.E. units: VR 547, 543, 541, and 542 became Escadrilles 2, 3, 7, and 8 of the Regiment d'Algerie-Tunise. VR 551, 555, 552, 553, 554, and 558 became Escadrilles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Regiment du Maroc. V 571 was redesignated the 1st Escadrille d'Indochine in 1919.
   VC 116, VB 133, VB 135, VB 136, VB 137, VR 291, VR 292, VR 293, VR 294, and VR 296 were disbanded in 1919.


Foreign Service

Czechoslovakia
  Four Voisin 10s were obtained by Czechoslovakia after the war. Three were assigned to 4 Letecka Setnina at Cheb and one to Letecke Dilny at Cheb. They had been withdrawn from service by 1923.

United States
  The United States obtained two Voisin 10s in 1919. They were used solely to train pilots for night bombing.


Voisin 10 (LAR) Two-Seat Bomber with 280-hp Renault 12Fe
   Span 17.90 m; length 10.35 m; height 3.95 m; wing area 61.14 sq. m
   Empty weight 1,400 kg; loaded weight 2,200 kg
   Maximum speed: 135 km/h at 2,000 m; climb to 2,000 m in 20 minutes; range 350 km; endurance 5 hours
   Armament: one machine gun and 300 kg of bombs
   Approximately 900 LAR and LBR Voisin 10s were built

Voisin 10 (LBR) Two-Seat, Cannon-Armed Airplane with 280-hp Renault 12Fe
   Span 17.90 m; length 10.35 m; height 3.95 m; wing area 61.14 sq. m
   Empty weight 1,450 kg; loaded weight 2,200 kg
   Maximum speed: 130 km/h at 2,000 m; climb to 2,000 m in 14 minutes 40 seconds; range 350 km; endurance 5 hours
   Armament: one 37-mm Hotchkiss cannon



Voisin 11 Bn2

  Near the end of the war Voisin designed a new aircraft he designated the type E.94. It was actually a Voisin 10 with a lighter wing and a new engine - a 350-hp Panhard 12Bc. Changes were made to the landing gear suspension system and its attachments to the fuselage. Also, the ailerons were modified. The wing span was slightly increased, the fuselage length slightly reduced, and the wing surface area was enlarged. Slight modifications were also made to the rudder. Performance was almost identical to the Voisin 10. A few Type 11s were built before the war's end but as there were no significant improvements provided by the new engine, large scale production did not ensue.


Voisin 11 Two-Seat Bomber with 350-hp Panhard 12 Be
   Span 18.08 m; length 10.24 m; height 3.95 m; wing area 62.00 sq. m
   Empty weight 1,490 kg; loaded weight 2,050 kg
   Maximum speed: 125 km/h at 2,000 m
   Approximately 10 built


Voisin with 300-hp Fiat A12bis Engine

  It appears that a development of the Voisin 8 appeared in 1918, powered by a 300-hp Fiat A12bis engine. It is possible that Voisin attempted this modification because of complaints that the Renault engines used on the Voisin 10 were prone to catching fire in flight. In any event, the Fiat-powered Voisin was not developed further.


Voisin Experimental Design with 300-hp Fiat A12bis
   Span 17.93 m; length 10.95 m; wing area 61.14 sq. m
   Empty weight 1,490 kg
   Maximum speed 125 km/h at 2,000 m



Voisin with 400-hp Liberty Engine

  A Voisin single-engine bomber was under construction in 1918, to have been fitted with a 400-hp Liberty engine. Known specifications include an empty weight of 1,300 kg, a loaded weight of 1,800 kg, and a military load of 400 kg. The surface area of the biplane wings was 146 sq. m. Maximum speed was estimated at 150 km/h at 4,000 m and climb to 4,000 m was to have taken 40 minutes. Endurance was estimated at four hours. As of May 1918, construction had been completed and the type was still awaiting delivery of the Liberty engine. It is not known if the engine ever arrived or what the results of testing revealed.



Voisin E.59

  The Voisin E.59 was a study initiated in July 1917. It had the same wings as used on the Voisin 8 but with a one-piece fuselage of circular cross-section. The gunner in the nose controlled both a cannon and a machine gun, the latter in the lower part of the nose. A second machine gun position was in a separate position behind the pilot. The vertical tail was connected to the top wing by a thin beam of circular cross-section. The aircraft was to be powered by two 220-hp Hispano 8Bc engines, but was never built.

G.Swanborough, P.Bowers United States Military Aircraft Since 1909 (Putnam)

VOISIN 8 AND 10

   Even though the basic Voisin design dated back to 1912, the French government tried to sell the U.S. Army later versions as combat types after U.S. entry into World War I. The Model 8 shown was sent to the U.S. for testing in 1917. Ten other examples of the old pusher, with its unique quadricycle landing gear, were purchased in France and used as trainers by the A.E.F., eight Model 8s with 220 h.p. Peugeot engines and two Model 10s with 300 h.p. Renaults.

Jane's All The World Aircraft 1919

1917 MODEL. - TWO-SEATER NIGHT BOMBER.
  
  
Length : 10 m.
Span : Upper plane, 18 m.
   Lower plane, 17 m.
Surface of Wings : 63.2 sq. m.
Weight of machine, empty : 1,400 kgs.
Useful load : 650 kgs.
Motor : 280 h.p. Renault.
Speed : Maximum, 130 k.p.h.
   Minimum, 70 k.p.h.
Climbing speed : 4,000 metres in 45 minutes.
  
  
  
1917 MODEL. - TWO-SEATER GUN CARRIER.
  
  
   This machine has similar characteristics to the night bomber. It is fitted with a 47 millimetre gun.
  
  
  
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
  
  
   Steel construction control by ailerons and rear tail unit. Four-wheeled landing carriage.
   This type is fitted indifferently with Peugeot, Panhard, and Fiat motors.

Журнал Flight

Flight, December 25, 1919.

SOME FRENCH MACHINES AT THE SHOW

G. Voisin

   The ancient house of Voisin is not showing any new machines, as the contention of M. Gabriel Voisin is that the production of a new machine designed for peace-time flying is a matter of long and painstaking work and experimentation, requiring months or even years before an absolutely satisfactory machine can be created. The only full-size machine shown on this stand is, therefore, a War type - the Voisin X - which was in use at the time of signing the Armistice. It is a pusher fitted with a Renault engine, and provided with guns and bomb-gear. A scale model of the four-engined triplane of 1915 is also shown, as well as a small model of a patent Voisin hangar.