Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms Space By Flag By Year By Tag

Phonix C.I

1917 WORLD WAR 1

Phoenix C. My Story

The Phoenix C.I was a rather simplified two-seat armed reconnaissance aircraft used by the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I. The system is manufactured by Phonix Flugzeug-Werke. Phonix Flugzeug-Werke has already gained some important experience in aircraft construction while undertaking his own projects.

The first models produced by the company were the Albatross type, and by the end of the hostilities Phoenix would be responsible for the production of nearly two dozen different types of aircraft, with more than 1,000 aircraft built in total.

The Phonix C.I won't win any design awards, but its structure and layout have proven feasible enough. Her design was primarily a single cabin with two unequal span wings, a bi-wing structure. Viewed from the front, the wings have parallel struts forming a "V" shape. The engine dominates the front view and fuselage, driving a simple two-bladed wooden propeller. The front underside of the fuselage is given a curved profile that flows into the board-side body.

The fuselage tapers to a conventional fin with a large vertical fin and a horizontal surface. The landing gear was conventional at the time, with two large main wheels and a tail skid. Accommodation is available for two crews, the pilot and the rear observer/gunner.

Power is provided by a single liquid-cooled Hiero 230 hp inline 6-cylinder engine. Performance specs include a top speed of 110 mph and a top speed of 17,715 feet per hour. The range is limited to 3.5 hours of engine life. The wingspan is 36 feet 1 inch and the total weight is over 2,436 pounds.

The C.I became the main reconnaissance force of the Austro-Hungarian Air Force in 1917. The first C.I was delivered to the Air Force on March 2, 1917. In addition to reconnaissance missions, the aircraft was also required to perform artillery reconnaissance missions for the Army.

Although not limited to armed reconnaissance, the CIA would also be required to shell ground targets, engage enemy air targets, or bombard ground targets with its paltry 100-pound bomb load.

Standard armament includes a pair of 8mm Schwarzlose machine guns. An 8mm system is mounted in a fixed position in the front, while the other is mounted on a trainable stand in the rear cockpit. Optional ammunition comes in the form of four 12kg light bombs or two 25kg bombs, as required.

The last C.I was delivered to the Austro-Hungarian army on 1 October 1918.

June 21, 1918, Italian ace fighter pilot - 34 victories - Aviation legend Major (Mayor) Francesco Baracca is reported to be killed by the tail of the Phoenix CI in Montero Gunner shot down. Some early reports suggested that the major survived the crash landing but committed suicide to avoid being captured behind enemy lines. The Italians claimed that Baraka was routed by enemy ground fire.

His body was later recovered and examined by Italian troops near the Piave River, which eventually found a gunshot wound to the right temple (New York Times, July 2, 1918).

Baraka remained a successful and respected foe, known for his chivalry against his foes, including offering small gifts to the living captives and tending the graves of the recovered dead.