Kaiserliche Werft Wilhelmshaven 401

No. 401–403
Role	Training seaplane
National origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Kaiserliche Werft Wilhelmshaven
First flight	1915
Primary user	Imperial German Navy
Number built	3

Imperian German Navy seaplanes numbers 401 to 403 were the only three examples of a unique seaplane design produced for the Navy's flying service during the First World War.^[1][2][3] Production of these types commenced in April 1915 in an effort to supply the navy with a seaplane trainer of contemporary design.^[1] With the outbreak of war, the output of Germany's major seaplane manufacturers was taken up with producing front-line types, and the only trainers available were obsolete or rebuilt machines withdrawn from their original duties.^[1] Number 401 and its two siblings were delivered to the Navy in August 1915.^[1]

Specifications

Data from Kroschel & Stützer 1994, p.135

General characteristics

• Crew: Two, pilot and instructor
• Powerplant: 1 × Mercedes D.I, 80 kW (107 hp)

Notes

1. Nowarra 1966, p.78
2. Gray & Thetford 1962, p.450
3. Kroschel & Stützer 1994, p.135

References

• Gray, Peter; Owen Thetford (1962). German Aircraft of the First World War. London: Putnam.
• Kroschel, Günter; Helmut Stützer (1994). Die Deutschen Militärflugzeuge 1910–1918. Herford: Verlag E.S. Mittler & Sohn.
• Nowarra, Heinz J. (1966). Marine Aircraft of the 1914–1918 War. Letchworth, Harts: Harleyford Publications.