Halberstadt CL.II

infobox Aircraft
name = CL.II
type = Escort Fighter/Ground Attack Aircraft
manufacturer = Halberstädter Flugzeugwerke


caption =
designer = Karl Theis
first flight = 1917
introduced = 1917
introduction=
retired =
status =
primary user = Imperial German Army Air Service
more users =
produced =
number built = 900
unit cost =
developed from =
variants with their own articles = The Halberstadt CL.II was a German two seat escort fighter/ground attack aircraft of the First World War. It served in large numbers with the German Imperial German Army Air Service in 1917-18.

Development and design

Early in 1917, "Idflieg", the German Army Inspectorate of Flying Troops, developed a requirement for a new type of two seat aircraft, smaller than the existing C-type aircraft. This type, to be known as CL-type aircraft, were to be used to equip "Schutzstaffeln" (Protection flights) to escort reconnaissance aircraft. Gray and Thetford 1961, p.xv.] To meet this requirement, Halberstadt developed an aircraft based on its earlier, unsuccessful Halberstadt D.IV single seat fighter. Originally designated the Halberstadt C.II, it was re-designated the Halberstadt CL.II when the CL designation was applied.

The CL.II was a single-engined biplane, with an all wooden structure. The fuselage was covered with thin plywood panelling and housed the crew of two in a single cockpit, with the observer's machine gun being mounted on an elevated gun ring, giving a good field of fire, allowing downwards fire at targets on the ground. The single-bay wings were fabric covered, with a swept upper wing.Gray and Thetford 1961, p.137.]

The CL.II passed its "Typenprüfung" (type-test) on 7 May 1917, which resulted in production orders being placed. Halberstadt built 700 CL.IIs by the time production shifted to the improved Halberstadt CL.IV in mid 1918. A further 200 CL.II aircraft were built in 1918 by the Bayerische Flugzugwerke (BFW).

Operational history

The CL.II entered service in August 1917, and proved extremely successful, its excellent manouverability, rate of climb and good field of fire for its armament allowing it to match opposing single-seat fighters. It also proved to be well suited to close-support, which became the primary role of the CL-type aircraft, the units operating them being re-designated "Schlachtstaffelen" (Battle flights).Gray and Thetford 1961, p.136.]

Ground support by the "Schlachtstaffelen" proved very effective, being used both in support of German attacks and to disrupt enemy attacks. An early example of the successful use of CL type aircraft in the ground attack role was during the German counter attack on 30 November 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai, where they were a major factor in the German performance.Gray and Thetford 1961, p.136-137.]

The success of the German tactics at Cambrai, including the use of close air support, resulted in the Germans assembling large numbers of CL-types in support of the Spring Offensive in March 1918, with 38 "Schlachtstaffelen" (equipped with the CL.II, CL.IV and the Hannover CL.III) available, of which 27 were deployed against the British forces during the initial attack Operation "Michael"Gray and Thetford 1961, p.140-141.] The CL.II continued in service until the end of the War.

Variants

;CL.II:Main production type, powered by Mercedes D.III engine of 112 kW (150 hp).;CL.IIa:CL.II fitted with BMW IIIa engine. Few produced for evaluation purposes. Green and Swanborough 1994, p.274.]

Operators

;flag|German Empire
*"Luftstreitkräfte"

pecifications (CL.II)

aircraft specifications

plane or copter?=plane
jet or prop?=prop

ref= German Aircraft of the First World War Gray and Thetford 1962, p.138-139 ]

crew=Two
capacity=
length main= 7.30 m
length alt= 23 ft 11⅜ in
span main= 10.77 m
span alt= 35 ft 4 in
height main= 2.75 m
height alt= 9 ft 0¼ in
area main= 27.5 m²
area alt= 297 ft²
airfoil=
empty weight main= 773 kg
empty weight alt= 1,701 lb
loaded weight main= 1,133 kg
loaded weight alt= 2,493 lb
useful load main=
useful load alt=
max takeoff weight main=
max takeoff weight alt=
more general=

engine (prop)=Mercedes D.III
type of prop=6-cylinder water cooled inline engine
number of props=1
power main= 119 kW
power alt= 160 hp
power original=

max speed main= 165 km/h
max speed alt= 90 knots, 103 mph
max speed more= at 5,000 m (16,400 ft)
cruise speed main=
cruise speed alt=
stall speed main=
stall speed alt=
never exceed speed main=
never exceed speed alt=
range main=
range alt=
ceiling main= 5,090 m Angelucci 1981, p.48]
ceiling alt= 16,600 ft
climb rate main=
climb rate alt=
loading main= 41.2 kg/m²
loading alt= 8.39 lb/ft²
thrust/weight=
power/mass main= 0.11 kW/kg
power/mass alt= 0.064 hp/lb
more performance=
*Endurance: 3 hr
*Climb to 1,000 m (3,280 ft): 5 min
*Climb to 5,000 m (16,400 ft): 39.5 min

armament=
* 1 × 7.92 mm Spandau LMG 08/15 machine gun, synchronized
* 1 × 7.92 mm Parabellum LMG 14 machine gun, on ring mount for observer
* Grenades
* Up to 5 × 10 kg bombs
avionics=

ee also

aircontent

related=*Halberstadt CL.IV

similar aircraft=*Hannover CL.III

*Bristol Fighter

lists=

see also=

References

Notes

Bibliography

*Angelucci, Enzo (ed.). "World Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft." London: Jane's, 1981. ISBN 0 7106 0148 4.
*Gray, Peter and Thetford, Owen. "German Aircraft of the First World War". London: Putnam, 1962.
*Green, William and Swanborough, Gordon. "The Complete Book of Fighters". New York: Smithmark, 1994. ISBN 0-8317-3939-8.

External links

* [http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWhalberstadt.htm Halberstadt CL-II] Spartacus Educational
* [http://www.wwiaviation.com/German_2seaters.html German Two Seaters]