Airco DH.3

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DH.3
DH3 flt.jpg
Airco DH.3
RoleBiplane bomber
Manufacturer Airco
Designer Geoffrey de Havilland
Introduction1916
Retired1917
StatusPrototype only
Number built2 [1]
Developed into Airco DH.10 Amiens

The Airco DH.3 was a British bomber aircraft of the First World War. The DH.3 was designed in 1916 as a long-range day bomber by Geoffrey de Havilland, chief designer at the Aircraft Manufacturing Company. It was a large biplane with wide-span three-bay wings, slender fuselage, and a curved rudder. It was powered by two 120 hp (89 kW) Beardmore engines, mounted as pushers between the wings. In addition to tailskid landing gear, two wheels were placed beneath the nose to prevent bumping.

Contents

A second prototype, designated DH.3A, was built with more powerful 160 hp (120 kW) Beardmore engines, and the War Office placed a production order for 50. [1] This order was cancelled, however, before any could be completed, because strategic bombing was not thought to be worthwhile, and twin-engined bombers were claimed to be impracticable. The two prototypes were scrapped in 1917. [2]

The DH.10 Amiens was a development of the DH.3 which first flew in March 1918, but was too late to see squadron service during the war.

Specifications (DH.3)

Data from De Havilland Aircraft since 1909 [3]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 Mason 1994, p. 48.
  2. Jackson 1987, p. 51.
  3. Jackson 1987, pp. 50, 52.

Bibliography

  • Donald, David, ed. The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada: Prospero Books, 1997, p. 118. ISBN   1-85605-375-X.
  • Jackson, A.J. De Havilland Aircraft since 1909. London: Putnam, Third edition, 1987. ISBN   0-85177-802-X.
  • Mason, Francis K. The British Bomber since 1914. London: Putnam, 1994. ISBN   0-85177-861-5.