Häfeli DH-2

DH-2
General information
Type	Reconnaissance biplane
Manufacturer	K + W
Designer	August Häfeli
Primary user	Swiss Air Force
Number built	6
History
Introduction date	1916
First flight	1916
Retired	1922

The Häfeli DH-2 was a 1910s Swiss two-seat reconnaissance aircraft, built by aircraft department of the Eidgenoessische Konstruktionswerkstaette (K + W) at Thun, Switzerland.

Development and design

Following on from his earlier design (the DH-1), August Häfeli designed a more conventional biplane for reconnaissance duties designated the Häfeli DH-2. It was a two-bay of wood and fabric construction, powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Mercedes D.I engine, the next five were fitted with an Argus As II water-cooled inline engine. The engine required a large flat radiator which was mounted beside the front cockpit. Performance was disappointing and the aircraft did not go into production. An improved version, the Hafeli DH-3 was developed.

Operational history

The six DH-2s built during 1916 were used to train pilots and observers until they were withdrawn from service in 1922.

Operators

Switzerland

• Swiss Air Force

Specifications (DH-2)

Data from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985)

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Powerplant: 1 × Argus As II , 89 kW (120 hp)

Performance

External links

• ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Bildarchiv. Flugzeug Häfeli DH-2 M II No 47, Mercedes engine, viewer