Sablatnig SF-8

The Sablatnig SF-8 was a training seaplane produced in Germany during the First World War.[1] While Sablatnig's previous designs for the Imperial German Navy had often seen service as trainers, the SF-8 was purpose-built for this role, at Dr Sablatnig's suggestion.[2] The SF-8 was similar to the firm's earlier designs: a conventional two-bay biplane with staggered wings of unequal span, with open cockpits in tandem.[2]

SF-8
Role Seaplane trainer
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Sablatnig
First flight 1918
Primary user Imperial German Navy
Number built At least 3 (out of 33 ordered)

Operational history

The Navy ordered three machines for evaluation (serials 2020–2022) in 1917, which were delivered on 17 January the following year.[3] After evaluation at Warnemünde proved favourable, the Navy ordered the type into production, placing an order for 30 machines and allocating serial numbers 6001–6030 to the batch.[2] It is unclear how many of these were produced or delivered before the end of the war.[2]

Specifications

Data from Kroschel & Stützer 1994, p.165

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two, pilot and instructor
  • Length: 10.20 m (33 ft 6 in)
  • Wingspan: 16.00 m (52 ft 6 in)
  • Height: 3.80 m (12 ft 6 in)
  • Empty weight: 1,183 kg (2,603 lb)
  • Gross weight: 1,574 kg (3,465 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Benz Bz.III , 110 kW (150 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 130 km/h (81 mph, 70 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 1.1 m/s (223 ft/min)

Notes
  1. Taylor 1989, p.787
  2. Nowarra 1966, p.64
  3. Gray & Thetford 1962, p.544

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.
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
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