The DeHavilland D.H.4 was fast long range bomber. Due to its powerful engine, it was very agile for a plane of its size and weight and could easily outrun enemy planes. In addition to the two guns in the rear, some planes carried another two forward facing guns mounted in front of the pilot.
The large fuel tank between the pilot and the gunner made in-flight communication difficult and also created a fire hazard. The plane was sometimes called a "Flaming Coffin." Besides being used for bombing, the D.H.4 was also used for long range reconnaissance and aerial photography.
This plane carries the markings of the Royal Flying Corps No. 55 Squadron.
Specifications | |
---|---|
Country of Manufacture | Great Britain |
First Year of Service | 1917 |
Wing Span | 42.3 ft | 12.9 m |
Length | 30.7 ft | 9.3 m |
Height | 11 ft | 3.3 m |
Weight | 3472lbs | 1575 kg |
Engine | Rolls Royce, V12 liquid cooled engine, 375hp |
Top Speed | 143 mph | 230km/h |
Range | 800 miles | 1280 km |
Armament | 2-4 machine guns, 460 lb (209 kg) of bombs |
Crew | 2 |