Albatros B.II

The Albatros B.II was a German two‑seat reconnaissance biplane built by the Albatros Flugzeugwerke during the early years of World War I. First flown in late 1914, it evolved from the earlier B.I model, incorporating a stronger 120 hp Mercedes D.II inline engine and a redesigned, slightly larger fuselage that improved pilot and observer comfort. Its wooden frame was covered with fabric, while the equal‑span, unstaggered wings featured a modest 10 m span and could be folded for transport. The aircraft carried a modest payload of cameras and a forward‑firing machine gun for self‑defence, but its primary role remained aerial observation and artillery spotting. The B.II saw extensive service with the Imperial German Air Service on both the Western and Eastern fronts, where its reliable handling and good endurance made it a workhorse for early tactical reconnaissance. Although quickly superseded by more powerful armed C‑type aircraft, the Albatros B.II demonstrated the practical value of dedicated two‑seat scouts and contributed to the development of aircraft structures, engine integration, and crew cooperation that shaped later combat‑type designs. Its legacy endures as a symbol of early aviation innovation and the rapid evolution of military aircraft during the first global conflict.

Albatros

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