The Aviatik Biplane.
This is one of the most noticeable of German machines. A special feature is the space provided in the front part of the fuselage, which gives the observer every opportunity of free movement for scouting, writing, photographing, and throwing bombs. The vital parts and front are well fortified with a metallic “capot,” and the rest of the fuselage is also armoured. The rapid erection and dismantling of this machine has been especially well planned. The supporting surface consists of two planes of unequal dimensions, the upper one being the larger. Each is divided into two sections fixed independently on the fuselage. The planes are coated with a liquid to render them incombustible. The longitudinal stability is assured by a fixed plane prolonged by a rudder for controlling the vertical movements. Two large “ailerons” at the back of the upper planes are provided for lateral stability.
[Topical Press.
A RUMPLER MONOPLANE (A TAUBE),
showing the distinctive bird shape so affected by the German monoplane makers.
Steering is effected by a vertical rudder placed between the two portions of the horizontal plane rudder. The dimensions of one type of the Aviatik can be seen in the table of types of German aëroplanes.