Lohner Type M Explained

The Lohner M was a reconnaissance flying boat produced in Austria-Hungary during World War I.

Design

The Lohner M was a biplane flying boat with slightly backswept wings and the pilot and observer sat side-by-side in the cockpit. One version of the Type M, the "MkN", was designed as a mine-spotting plane.^[1]

Variants

M:(M1) Initial production aircraft powered by Hiero 4-cylinder water-cooled in-line piston engine; 4 delivered to KuK Kriegsmarine (E.17 to E.21).

Mn:(M2) Second production batch; 5 delivered to KuK Kriegsmarine (E.33 to E.38).

Mk:A single M powered by Mercedes D.I (M.31)

Mkn:

Operational history

The Type Ms patrolled the Adriatic Sea from 1914 until spring 1915, but they were supplanted by the Lohner Type L. After 1915, the Type Ms were consigned to second-line duties, but remained in service until 1917.

Operators

• Austro-Hungarian Navy

Notes and References

1. Heinz J. Nowarra, Bruce Robertson, and Peter G. Cooksley. Marine Aircraft of the 1914–1918 War. Letchworth, Herts, England: Harleyford Publications Limited, 1966.