Sablatnig SF-2

The Sablatnig SF-2 was a reconnaissance seaplane produced in Germany during the First World War.[1]

SF-2
Role Reconnaissance seaplane
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Sablatnig, LFG, LVG
First flight 1916
Primary user Imperial German Navy
Number built 26

Development

A refined version of the Sablatnig SF-1, the SF-2 featured a new empennage and was fitted with a radio transmitter.[2][3] The prototype (serial 580) had a smaller tail-fin and rudder than the SF-1, but production examples added a large ventral fin.[3] Construction was of wood, skinned i fabric.[2]

Operational history

Sablatnig delivered six aircraft (navy serials 580–585) between June and September 1916.[3] These were followed by ten machines built under licence by LVG (serials 791–800) between October and December, and ten more built by LFG (serials 705–714) between April and May the following year.[3] Although produced as a reconnaissance machine, in practice, they were widely used as trainers.[3]

Specifications

Data from Kroschel & Stützer 1994, p.145

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two, pilot and observer
  • Length: 9.53 m (31 ft 3 in)
  • Wingspan: 18.53 m (60 ft 10 in)
  • Height: 4.25 m (13 ft 11 in)
  • Empty weight: 1,078 kg (2,372 lb)
  • Gross weight: 1,697 kg (3,733 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Mercedes D.III , 120 kW (160 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 130 km/h (81 mph, 70 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 1.4 m/s (273 ft/min)

Notes
  1. Taylor 1989, p.787
  2. Gray & Thetford 1962, p.539
  3. Nowarra 1966, p.78

References
  • Gray, Peter; Owen Thetford (1962). German Aircraft of the First World War. London: Putnam.
  • Herris, Jack (2015). German Seaplanes of WWI: Sablatnig, Kaiserliche Werften, Lübeck-Travemünde, LTG, & Oertz: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Seaplanes. Great War Aviation Centennial Series. Vol. 15. n.p.: Aeronaut Books. ISBN 978-1-935881-27-8.
  • Kroschel, Günter; Helmut Stützer (1994). Die Deutschen Militärflugzeuge 1910–1918. Herford: Verlag E.S. Mittler & Sohn.
  • Nowarra, Heinz J. (1966). Marine Aircraft of the 1914–1918 War. Letchworth, Harts: Harleyford Publications.
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
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