Aeromarine 75 (Felixstowe F5L)

The Aeromarine 75 was an American flying boat developed by the Aeromarine Plane and Motor Company in the 1920s. It was a large, biplane flying boat primarily designed for long-range maritime reconnaissance and patrol missions. The Aeromarine 75 had a wooden hull and fabric-covered wings. It featured a crew of four and was powered by multiple engines. The aircraft had a significant wingspan, making it suitable for long-endurance flights over water.

This flying boat embodied the characteristics and design principles of its time.

1. Design and Development:

   • The Aeromarine 75 was conceived as a large, biplane flying boat, showcasing the prevailing design trends of the era. Its development took place in the 1920s, a period marked by innovation and experimentation in aviation technology.

2. Purpose and Role:

   • Primarily designed for long-range maritime reconnaissance and patrol missions, the Aeromarine 75 played a vital role in enhancing naval aviation capabilities. Its ability to operate over vast expanses of water made it well-suited for extended missions, including surveillance and patrol duties.

3. Construction Materials:

   • The flying boat featured a wooden hull, a common construction material for seaplanes and flying boats during this period. Wooden construction offered a good balance of strength and weight, essential for an aircraft designed to take off and land on water.

4. Fabric-Covered Wings:

   • The wings of the Aeromarine 75 were covered with fabric, a typical feature in aircraft construction during that time. This design allowed for a combination of structural integrity and aerodynamic efficiency.

5. Powerplant:

   • The aircraft was powered by multiple engines, emphasizing the importance of redundancy and reliability in long-endurance missions. The specific engines used would depend on the model and version of the Aeromarine 75.

6. Crew and Capacity:

   • With a crew capacity of four, the Aeromarine 75 required skilled personnel to operate effectively during maritime missions. The crew likely included roles such as pilot, co-pilot, navigator, and possibly a radio operator or observer, depending on the mission requirements.

7. Wingspan and Long-Endurance:

   • Notable for its significant wingspan, the Aeromarine 75 was designed for long-endurance flights over water. A larger wingspan enhances lift, allowing the aircraft to stay aloft for extended periods, crucial for maritime reconnaissance and patrol missions.