Voisin VI explained

The Voisin VI or Voisin Type 6 was a French pusher biplane bomber aircraft of World War I.[1]

Development history

The first Voisin Type VI entered service in 1916 and replaced the Voisin III on the production lines. However, the Voisin (as they were referred to at the Western Front) Salmson engines were held in low regard by their crews.[2] Despite the more powerful engine, the Voisin Type VIs' payload was only marginally better and the maximum speed was only - not enough of an improvement to make a difference, while climb rate suffered substantially.[3]

A single Voisin Type VI was fitted with a second Salmson in the nose of the fuselage, driving a tractor propeller. It is believed that the intention was to test a possible twin pusher and tractor propeller configuration for a new bomber planned by Voisin.

Operational use

Approximately 50 Voisin Type VIs were built, and these served alongside the Voisin Type IIIs in front-line escadrilles during 1916.

Operators

Notes and References

  1. Book: Military Aircraft, Origins to 1918: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. Justin D. Murphy. ABC-CLIO. 2005. 9781851094882.
  2. Web site: Les Frères Voisin Gabriel (1880 - 1973) et Charles (1882 - 1912). Russell Naughton. 2003. 26 January 2019. Monash University.
  3. Book: Davilla. Dr. James J.. Soltan. Arthur . French Aircraft of the First World War. Flying Machines Press. Mountain View, CA. 1997. 978-1891268090.