Ursinus Fighter Seaplane

Ursinus fighter seaplane Floats extended Via Chris Bolger

This unusual German fighter prototype of 1916-17 was designed by Oskar Ursinus. In an attempt to improve manoueverability and reduce drag, it featured retractable floats which could be raised and lowered manually. This also required that the propellor be mounted on an extension shaft to prevent interference with the floats. One prototype was built, and production by Gotha was planned. Unfortunately, the prototype was destroyed early on and development was halted.

Ursinus fighter seaplane

Timeline

• 1916 - 1917.

Specifications	fighter seaplane
Designer(s)	Oskar Ursinus
Mission Type	Seaplane fighter prototype
Powerplant	1 x 150 hp Benz BZ III
Dimensions
Span	29 ft 6.385 in (9 m)
Length	25 ft 6.5 in (7.77 m)
Height	9 ft 6.25 in (2.9 m) (floats extended) 6 ft 6.75 in (2.0 m) (floats retracted)
Wing area	?
Weights
Empty	1,649 lb (749.5 kg)
Loaded	2,205 lb (1,002 kg)
Max	--
Performance
Max speed	124 mph (200 km/hr) (est.)
Cruise speed	?
Initial climb rate	?
Service ceiling	?
Range	?
Endurance	?
Armament	unknown
Crew	One
User	Germany (not operational)
Number built	One
Construction Numbers	?
Serial Numbers	?

Ursinus fighter seaplane, floats retracted

Profile

Ursinus fighter seaplane. Based on line drawing from UNKNOWN! N.5, revised based on photos and the profile at Chandelle, but still not totally accurate; colors are speculative.

Web Links

• Archives of Chandelle, A Journal of Aviation History
  • Arcana from the Great War: the Ursinus Seaplane and the Vickers FB.26a

Sources

1. Bowers, Peter M. Unconventional Aircraft. Tab Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA, 1984. ISBN 0-8306-2384-1.
2. Miranda, J. and P. Mercado. UNKNOWN! N.5.
3. Updated Information and other References:
   • Chris Bolger:
     • Email Message One

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