Albatros
Albatros L 78
The Albatros L 78 was a post‑World‑War I light biplane produced by the German firm Albatros Flugzeugwerke as the nation rebuilt its civil aviation sector under the constraints of the Treaty of Versailles. First flown in early 1927, the L 78 was conceived as a versatile sport‑tourer and trainer, blending the robust construction of wartime fighters with the simplicity required for civilian use. Its structure comprised a wooden frame with fabric‑covered wings and fuselage, a single‑bay biplane layout, and a fixed, split‑axle landing gear. Power was supplied by a 150 hp Siemens‑Halske Sh 14 radial engine mounted in the nose, delivering a top speed of roughly 200 km/h, a service ceiling near 5 000 m and a range of about 800 km—adequate for the long‑distance record attempts that soon followed.
The L 78 gained prominence after participating in the 1930 Challenge International de Tourisme, where its reliability and handling impressed both pilots and spectators. It served extensively in German flight schools, introducing a generation of pilots to modern aeronautical practices. Though only a few dozen were built, the aircraft’s blend of performance, ease of maintenance, and attractive design helped revive German civil aviation and laid groundwork for later Albatros models that would influence early 1930s sport aircraft development.
The L 78 gained prominence after participating in the 1930 Challenge International de Tourisme, where its reliability and handling impressed both pilots and spectators. It served extensively in German flight schools, introducing a generation of pilots to modern aeronautical practices. Though only a few dozen were built, the aircraft’s blend of performance, ease of maintenance, and attractive design helped revive German civil aviation and laid groundwork for later Albatros models that would influence early 1930s sport aircraft development.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1928
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Albatros
- Engine
- BMW VI
- Wikidata ID
- Q110243479