Albatros B

The Albatros B series, introduced by the German manufacturer Albatros Flugzeugwerke in 1912, was the company’s first successful two‑seat reconnaissance and training biplane. Developed from earlier monoplane experiments, the B‑type aircraft featured a conventional wood‑frame fuselage covered with fabric, a single-bay biplane wing layout with slight stagger, and a fixed tailskid undercarriage. Power was supplied by a 100‑hp Mercedes D.I inline engine, delivering a modest top speed of about 115 km/h (71 mph) and a service ceiling of 3,500 meters, which was adequate for the low‑altitude observation duties of the era. Its open cockpit accommodated a pilot and an observer, allowing for flexible training and reconnaissance missions. The B‑type’s straightforward construction and reliable handling made it a popular trainer for the Imperial German Air Service during the early years of World War I, and it served as a developmental platform for the more advanced Albatros C series. Although quickly superseded by faster, armed aircraft, the Albatros B’s role in establishing standardized two‑seat biplane design and pilot training programs marked a significant step in the evolution of military aviation. The aircraft’s legacy endures, illustrating early aviation ingenuity and influencing subsequent German bomber and fighter concepts.