Halberstadt CL.II. 1917.

Kraków 2022-11-26

Halberstadt CL.II.

The Halberstadt CL.II aircraft was a German two-seater biplane fighter aircraft, developed at the end of 1916. The prototype flew in early 1917. The aircraft was designed and manufactured by the Halberstadt aviation plant.

The Halberstadt CL.II construction was assigned a large spectrum of tasks; from hunting, through reconnaissance (assault) to reconnaissance tasks. The planes were to operate in groups and cover each other. Serial production began and then the aircraft was designated Halberstadt CL.II. Production was also started in other factories. In total, about 1,200 aircraft were built.

Halberstadt CL.II. 2021 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
Halberstadt CL.II. 2021 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

Halberstadt CL.II in Poland.

In July 1919, the Equipment Purchase Commission of the Ministry of Military Affairs bought 6 Halberstadt CL.II aircraft in Gdańsk. In August 1919, they became part of the Polish Military Aviation. The planes were used in the war between Poland and Muscovites.

One Halberstadt CL.II aircraft was assembled from captured parts in June 1920, in the aviation workshop at the Ławica airport in Poznań. It was used to train crews at the Pilot School in Poznań.

Another 8 Halberstadt CL.II aircraft were acquired by Poland at various airports in Poland, where they were left by the invaders. They were in a different technical condition, but they were repaired at the plant in Mokotów.

Construction.

The Halberstadt CL.II aircraft was a biplane, two-seat fighter and reconnaissance (line) aircraft of mixed construction. The aircraft was powered by an in-line engine.

Data T-T Halberstadt CL.II:

Span 10.77 m. Length 7.39 m. Height 2.75 m. Bearing area 27.5 m2. Curb weight 780 kg. Total weight 1,150 kg. Top speed 165 km/h. Ceiling 5,000 m. Flight time 3 hours.

Written by Karol Placha Hetman