L 100

The Albatros L 100 was a pioneering German transport aircraft introduced in 1934 by the historic Albatros Flugzeugwerke. Conceived as a modern response to the growing demand for reliable cargo and airmail services across Europe, the L 100 combined the company’s expertise in all‑metal construction with cutting‑edge aerodynamic features. The low‑wing monoplane was powered by two 750 hp air‑cooled radial engines mounted on streamlined nacelles, delivering a maximum speed of 315 km/h and a service ceiling of 7 500 m. Its stressed‑skin fuselage housed a 2 000 kg payload and incorporated a re‑trievable loading hatch, enabling rapid conversion between freight, passenger, and medical‑evacuation roles. Retractable undercarriage and variable‑pitch propellers gave the L 100 a range of roughly 1 500 km, making it one of the first European aircraft capable of nonstop inter‑city flights with a full load.

Operationally, the L 100 established a robust airmail network between Berlin, Paris, and Rome, and later served in auxiliary transport duties during the early years of World War II. Its emphasis on durability, versatility, and efficient performance set a benchmark for subsequent light transport designs, influencing both German and international manufacturers in the pre‑war era. The L 100’s legacy endures as a milestone in the evolution of multipurpose aviation platforms.