Voisin VI

The Voisin VI or Voisin Type 6[1] was a French pusher biplane bomber aircraft of World War I.[2]

Voisin Type VI
Role Bomber
National origin France
Manufacturer Société Anonyme des Aéroplanes G. Voisin
First flight 1916
Number built approximately 50
Developed from Voisin V

Development history

The first Voisin Type VI entered service in 1916 and replaced the Voisin III on the production lines. However, the Voisin 155 hp (116 kW) (as they were referred to at the Western Front) Salmson engines were held in low regard by their crews.[1] Despite the more powerful engine, the Voisin Type VIs' payload was only marginally better and the maximum speed was only 113 km/h (70 mph; 61 kn) - not enough of an improvement to make a difference, while climb rate suffered substantially.[3]

A single Voisin Type VI was fitted with a second Salmson in the nose of the fuselage, driving a tractor propeller. It is believed that the intention was to test a possible twin pusher and tractor propellor configuration for a new bomber planned by Voisin.

Operational use

Approximately 50 Voisin Type VIs were built, and these served alongside the Voisin Type IIIs in front-line escadrilles during 1916.

Operators
 France

Specifications

Data from [4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 9.62 m (31 ft 6.75 in)
  • Wingspan: 14.75 m (52 ft 4.5 in)
  • Height: 3.80 m (12 ft 6 in)
  • Wing area: 48.66 m2 (523.8 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 1,000 kg (2,205 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,470 kg (3,240 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Salmson (Canton-Unné) P9 9-cyl. water-cooled radial piston engine, 116 kW (155 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 113 km/h (70 mph, 61 kn)
  • Combat range: 249 km (155 mi, 134 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 3,500 m (11,500 ft)

Armament

  • Guns: 1 × machine-gun
  • Bombs: 60 kg (130 lb) of bombs

References
  1. Russell Naughton (2003). "Les Frères Voisin Gabriel (1880 - 1973) et Charles (1882 - 1912)". Monash University. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  2. Justin D. Murphy (2005). Military Aircraft, Origins to 1918: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 9781851094882.
  3. Davilla, Dr. James J.; Soltan, Arthur (1997). French Aircraft of the First World War. Mountain View, CA: Flying Machines Press. ISBN 978-1891268090.
  4. Parmentier, Bruno (2016). "Voisin VI" (in French). Aviation Française. Retrieved 26 January 2019.

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