Georges Levy G.L. 40
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| G.L. 40 | |
|---|---|
| Type | amphibious aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Georges Levy |
| Designed by | Blanchard and Le Pen |
| Maiden flight | 1917 |
| Primary users | French Air Force Finnish Air Force |
Georges Levy G.L. 40 HB2 was a three-seated French, amphibious biplane that was designed in 1917. The aircraft was designed by Blanchard and Le Pen and therefore the aircraft was also known as the Levy-Le Pen. It was claimed to be the best French amphibious aircraft of WW1, but that is probably due to the low scale production of such aircraft in France at that time.
The Finnish Air Force purchased 12 Georges Levy G.L. 40 HB2s, but they weren't pleased with them. Three aircraft were lost in accidents that claimed lives - and it was given the nickname "the flying coffin" in the 1920s.
[edit] Operators
[edit] Specifications (G.L. 40 HB2)
Data from Thulinista Hornetiin
General characteristics
- Crew: 3
- Length: 12.4 m (ft in)
- Wingspan: 18.5 m (ft in)
- Height: 3.85 m (ft in)
- Wing area: m² (ft²)
- Empty weight: kg (lb)
- Loaded weight: kg (lb)
- Useful load: kg (kg)
- Max takeoff weight: kg (lb)
- Powerplant: × Renault V-engine, kW (300 hp) each
Performance
- Never exceed speed: km/h (knots, mph)
- Maximum speed: 145 km/h (knots, mph)
- Cruise speed: 115 km/h (knots, mph)
- Stall speed: km/h (knots, mph)
- Range: 400 km (nm, mi)
- Service ceiling: m (ft)
- Rate of climb: m/s (ft/min)
- Wing loading: kg/m² (lb/ft²)
- Power/mass: W/kg (hp/lb)
Armament
[edit] Sources
- Timo Heinonen (1992). Thulinista Hornetiin - 75 vuotta Suomen ilmavoimien lentokoneita. Tikkakoski: Keski-Suomen ilmailumuseo. ISBN 9519568824.
