Time Period: World War I
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Type: Biplane, Fighter Aircraft, General Purpose Aircraft
Manufacturer: Airco
Airco DH.1 Aircraft Overview
The Airco DH.1 was a biplane fighter aircraft designed by Geoffrey de Havilland (who went on to become one of the most important aircraft designers of the 20th century) for the Aircraft Manufacturing Company (or Airco) in 1915.
The DH.1 was designed to respond to the urgent need for a new fighter aircraft to replace the aging B.E.2c and other similar designs that proved ineffective against the German fighters. The DH.1 featured a wooden structure and was powered by a 90-horsepower RAF 1a engine. It was armed with a single .303 inch (7.7 mm) Lewis machine gun mounted on the upper wing, which was operated by the pilot using a Bowden cable.
Although the DH.1 showed some promise in testing, it was ultimately not put into production due to its poor performance and stability issues. Only two prototypes were built, and they were eventually used for experimental purposes. Nevertheless, the DH.1 was an important stepping stone in the development of the DH series of fighter aircraft, which would go on to make significant contributions to the Allied war effort during World War I.
Airco DH.1 Specifications
- Crew: two (pilot and observer)
- Length: 28 ft 11+5⁄8 in (8.830 m)
- Wingspan: 41 ft 0 in (12.50 m)
- Height: 11 ft 4 in (3.45 m)
- Wing area: 426+1⁄4 sq ft (39.60 m2)
- Empty weight: 1,356 lb (615 kg)
- Gross weight: 2,044 lb (927 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Renault Type W air-cooled V-8, 70 hp (52 kW)
- Propellers: wood fixed pitch propeller
Airco DH.1 Performance
- Maximum speed: 80 mph (130 km/h, 70 kn)
- Rate of climb: 350 ft/min (1.8 m/s)
- Wing loading: 4.7 lb/sq ft (23 kg/m2)
Airco DH.1 Armament
- Guns: 1 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis machine gun for an observer.
