Photo FBA Flying Boat

[musec04]

Hello,


Currently on ebay is a photo of a FBA Type based at Dunkerque as shown by the D5 on the nose following capture by the Germans at :


https://www.ebay.de/itm/Seebrugge-Be...kAAOSwwlteZ~sz


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

Clint
This is the 150 hp FBA which post war was designated type H

Unfortunately French sources does not identify which s/n this aircraft had, but on 15 May 1917 two FBA 150hp while being escorted by one Sopwith (probably a Baby) were attacked by three Friedrichshafen from Zeebrügge.
All three French aircraft were shot down, with both FBA captured (beside D.5 also D.12). The D.5 was flown by QM Boucand and Mot Philibert while the D.12 was flown by QM Chauvignat and EV 1 Carle. All four being made POW.
The Sopwith D.21 managed to shoot down (at least claimed to) one of the Freidrichhafens before SM Vigneau himself was shot down by Mankish and Christiansen.

B Rgds
Stig

[musec04]

Hello,


Currently on ebay is a photo of a Russian FBA flying boat captured by German forces and exhibited ar Delka:


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Germany-WWI...kAAOSwxBNenKJo


The Russian Navy operated both FBA B & C types. Can anyone say which variant is shown here?



Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

I have very little on the FBA in Russia, but I believe initially (type A, B and C) the main difference were their engines. Type B had a more angular fin/rudder while the type C had a more rounded one

These early FBA used some four-five different engines and before the Type H came on the line, there was basically very little difference unless you get a perfect photo.

It also seems the French Navy identified these aircraft with their engine power only and French historians differ what they should be called.

For instance, while Gerhard Hartmann says Aviation Maritime bought both type B and C, (also stated by Soltan/Davilla) Lucien Morareau claims they were only type C regardless of engine power.

The serial number on this one is not French (assuming the French Navy used FBA c/n as their serial numbers) and is I believe a Russian Naval one.

Adding all things up I believe the aircraft is a type C. While the engine is very difficult to see I think I see a more curved fin....

BTW, it is quite odd that Zoltan/Davilla says the Russians bought exactly the same number of type B and C, and on top of that also built exactly the same number of each under licence....

Cheers
Stig

[musec04]

Hi Stig,


Thanks for the input. I hadn't previously noted Soltan and Dasvilla gave the same totals.Which given they write that the Russians purchased the type Bs in 1914 and equally that the type C prototype didn't fly until 1915 and also very little other information on the Type C in Russia, the aircraft shown mightt be a Type B if we assume the information for the type C is erroneous? Given the greater information provided on the type B by them, that seems logical at least.



With regard to the serial number not being french, so by implication, a fair probability that this is a licence built machine?


Regards,


Clint

[musec04]

Stig,


Looks like I was completely wrong see:


http://wio.ru/ww1a/fba.htm


I should have done the search first!


So Type C it is!


Regards,


Clint

[musec04]

Hello,


Currently on ebay are the following photos of Italian operated FBA Type H flying Boats:


https://www.ebay.it/itm/RARA-AVIAZIO...0AAOSwefldBNiN


FBA 414 known to have been operated by 255 Squadriglia



https://www.ebay.it/itm/RARA-AVIAZIO...UAAOSw0A9aS4Yp


Regards,


Clint

[musec04]

Hello,


Currently on ebay is a photo of an Italian FBA Type H serial 4313 at:


https://www.ebay.it/itm/1917-WW1-ZON...EAAOSw38dfEC5-


Regards,


Clint

[musec04]

Hello,


Currently on ebay are two photos of Italian operated FBA Type H flying boats at:


FBA Type H 5588?


https://www.ebay.it/itm/Foto-Fotogra...oAAOSwebdfF9Id


FBA Type H 3151


https://www.ebay.it/itm/Foto-Fotogra...EAAOSwk1VfF9Ey


Regards,


Clint

[Stig Jarlevik]

Two typical examples of why I hate the way both the French and Italians painted their digits 3 and 5!

5588? Well you tell me....no way to determine that here.
3151? I agree, but it is only just about possible to make that out.

Got nothing in writing on the Italian FBAs. Do you?

Cheers
Stig