Evening All,
I really enjoyed building the Ago floatplane last year in the GB while Ninetythirdliberator (Dan Smith) brought this machine to my attention with his build of the Formaplane kit. I have to admit that I knew almost nothing of the Austro-Hungarian Naval Air Service before I started this project, but it has really aroused my interest as they flew some very graceful and interesting flying boats, some of which I am sure would make excellent subjects for scratch builds. This particular model was a test of concept for me to see if I could mould a flying boat hull: it is large for a push mould but it works. Larger hulls will have to be considered carefully before attempting to make them.
The Phoenix Typ A was a Hansa Brandenburg design (the W18) which was manufactured under licence for the Austro-Hungarian navy: one was supplied to the German navy but as German pilots preferred floatplanes rather than flying boats the type was not used by them. By contrast the Austro-Hungarian navy used flying boats in considerable numbers for the defence of port and other coastal installations, and for offensive operations and reconnaissance.
The Phonix Type A entered service in the summer of 1917 for the defence of Trieste, Pola, Kumbor and Parenzo (Porec) - all on the Adriatic Sea, where it was capable of holding its own against the Nieuport 11 being used by their Italian opponents. Machines were powered by either a 200hp or 230hp Heiro engine (the German machine was powered by a Benz III), and there were variations in the tail structures and radiators mounted on the top wing.
In 1918 these machines were generally withdrawn from front line service as their relatively limited range and lack of manoeuvrability meant that they were outclassed by the newer machines being employed by the Italians.
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
