W.Green, G.Swanborough The Complete Book of Fighters
BRANDENBURG KF Germany
The first fighter to be designed by Ernst Heinkel as chief designer for the Hansa- und Brandenburgische Flugzeug-Werke, the KF two-seater appeared early in 1916, and was a two-bay, twin-boom biplane powered by a 150 hp Benz Bz III six-cylinder water-cooled engine installed as a pusher and driving a two-bladed propeller between the tailbooms. The KF was of wooden construction with plywood-covered fuselage nacelle and tailbooms, and armament was intended to consist of a single 7,92-mm Parabellum machine gun on a flexible mounting in the forward cockpit. Work on the KF was discontinued as it offered no advance in performance over the similarly-configured Ago C I which served in the reconnaissance role.
Max speed, 87 mph (140 km/h) at 3,280 ft (1000 m).
Empty weight, 1,675 lb (760 kg).
Loaded weight, 2,844 lb (1290 kg).
Span, 38 ft 0 2/3 in (11,60 m).
Length, 27 ft 7 3/4 in (8,48 m).
Wing area, 414.50 sq ft (38,6 m2).
C.Owers Hansa-Brandenburg Aircraft of WWI Vol.1: Landplanes (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 17)
Type KF
The KF was Brandenburg's first attempt to design a dedicated fighter although the machine was intended to act in the reconnaissance role as well. Appearing early in 1916 the KF was a pusher with the observer/gunner seated in front of the pilot. The tail surfaces were carried by twin booms that came from the lower wings. The machine was of conventional Brandenburg mixed wood and fabric construction with a ply covered nacelle and tail booms. Work was discontinued as it offered no improvement over types already in production.(18)
(18) The Type KF is illustrated in the Typenschau by a three- view drawing.
Type KF Specifications
Source Typenschau Green & Swanborough Brandenburg 3-View
Span, m 11.60/ 10.80 11.60 11.600/ 10.800
Length, m 8.48 8.48 8.480
Wing Area 38.60 m2 38.6 m2 38.6 m2
Empty Wt. 760 kg 760 kg 760 kg
Loaded Wt. 1,290 kg 1,290 kg 1,290 kg
Speed - 140 km/h -
Motor - 150-hp Benz Bz.III 150-hp Benz