Friedrichshafen FF.33

History

Flugzeugbau Friedrichshafen was founded in 1912 to serve the German Empire as an aircraft manufacturer during the First World War (1914-1918), survived the armistice in 1918 and finally collapsed in 1923. Before they ended, the company produced some lesser-known Great War fighters, including the useful FF.

33 biplane seaplanes of Kaiserliche Marine (German Navy). ff. The 33 first flew in 1914 and entered service that year. About 315 of the two main brands marked the plane's brief career.

As a seaplane, FF. The Series 33's inherent ability to land and take off on water gives it a very useful advantage over high seas. A common biplane configuration was used, including upper and lower wing assemblies supported by wires and parallel struts.

Two open-air tandem cockpits were used by two crew members. The engine is mounted on the nose as usual, and there is a traditional tail.

The original production model became FF. 33 of them were equipped with the Mercedes D.II, of which only 6 were produced. In the next FF, the positions of the two crew members were reversed. 33b, the power doesn't come from the 160-horsepower Maybach inline engine.

Only five were produced by the brand.

FF. The 33e designates the main reconnaissance gun powered by the Mercedes Bz. Series III in-line and these also received extended seaplanes for better water flow. The buoy below the stern was removed and crew communication equipment was installed. About 180 of them were made.

They have a top speed of 68 mph and a battery life of up to 5 hours.

FF. 33e results in FF. 33f, a "fighting scout" variant with a reduced wingspan and a rotatable machine gun. Five of this type were produced. ff. 33 hours of wearing aerodynamic improvements, fifty people follow the standard. ff. 33j also improves and retains provisions for communications equipment. ff.

The 33l became the final form of combat reconnaissance, with around 130 examples produced. They were armed with stationary machine guns. ff. The 33e is an offshoot of the dual-control trainer.

FF. 39 is an improvement over FF. 33e model, but finished in Benz Bz. IV engines and 14 engines were produced.

FF. The 49b is a special bomber form of the FF. 49c and swapped crew positions again. The observer's machine gun went out. Fifteen were produced. ff. 49c is an improved FF. 39 With reinforcement elements, improved controls and standard communications. Observers received a trainable machine gun. Two hundred of this brand were produced.

FF. 59a and FF. 59b is a one-off development for FF. 39. FF. The 59c has a revised rear wing and revised wing struts and wire stays. C.I became a unique part of FF. 33l, the land-based version of the seaplane with the landing gear installed.

Operator of FF (outside the German Empire). The 33 series include Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden. Hungary FF. 33s in service until 1920, polished versions until 1922 and Finnish FF. The 33s lasted until 1923.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Dimensions

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Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes