1915 version

 

The Voisin Triplane was a large experimental bomber built by Voisin.The first model was designing and produced in 39 days, presentation in August 1915 before the French high military, and was fitted with four Salmson radial engines of 150 hp / 110 kW each. The four engines were mounted in tandem pairs in two nacelles on the centre wing. Not only did it have three wings, but also two fuselages, the upper one affording an air gunner a near 360-degree field of fire. Two gun positions were provided, one the nose and second behind the trailing edge of the wings, firing downwards through an aperture in the fuselage. The tail surfaces being supported between the fuselage and an upper boom attached to the centre section of the upper wing.

 

1915

 

As this first machine did not come up to expectations on its trials, another machine was constructed in 1916, similar in general design, but embodying many modifications. This Triplane No.2 got the design study identification E.28. The 1916 version switched to four 200 hp (150 kW) Hispano Suiza engines, and a redesigned circular section fuselage.In both models the lower fuselage forms the main body, the upper fuselage being of much lighter construction and serving as an outrigger for the tail.The four Hispano-Suiza engines (220 h.p. each) are mounted in pairs in tandem, just below the middle plane in the 1916 model, on tubular V frames, extending from top to bottom planes. The engine mounting is additionally braced by diagonal struts from both upper and lower fuselages.

1916 version

 

 

Engines: 4 × Hispano-Suiza V-8, 150 kW (200 hp)

Upper wingspan: 36 m (118 ft)

Wing area: 200 m² (2,150 sq ft)

Chord: 6 ft. 6 in

Empty weight: 4,990 kg (11,000 lb)

Gross weight: 6,985 kg (15,400 lb)

Maximum speed: 127 km/h; 69 kn (79 mph) at 1981 metres (6500 ft)

Service ceiling: 3,505 m (11,500 ft)

Time to altitude: 27 minutes to 1981 m (6,500 ft)

Wing loading: 35 kg/m² (7.1 lb/sq ft)

Crew: 3