L 72

The Albatros L 72 was a German experimental biplane developed in the early 1920s as part of Albatros Flugzeugwerke’s post‑World War I effort to re‑enter the civil aviation market. First flown in 1923, the L 72 stemmed from the company’s earlier L 71 reconnaissance design but was modified for passenger transport and mail service. Powered by a 260 hp BMW IIIa inline engine, the aircraft featured a wooden frame, fabric‑covered wings, and an enclosed cabin that could accommodate two passengers alongside the pilot. Its staggered, equal‑span wings incorporated a slight dihedral for improved stability, while detachable wing panels allowed for easier maintenance. The L 72’s most notable innovation was its advanced control harmony, achieved through a redesigned aileron linkage that reduced pilot workload during long cross‑country flights. Although only a handful were built, the type demonstrated the viability of lightweight, economical biplanes in commercial roles and influenced later Albatros models such as the L 73 and L 75. The L 72’s brief operational career highlighted the transition from militarized aircraft to peacetime transport, marking an important step in the evolution of European interwar aviation. Today, a restored example is displayed at the Deutsches Museum, where it serves as a tangible reminder of Albatros’s innovative spirit.