Friedrichshafen FF.49c

The Friedrichshafen FF.49c was a strengthened and enlarged Friedrichshafen FF.33j with a larger 200hp Benz engine. The increased horsepower allowed the plane to carry both radio equipment and a defensive machine gun. Balanced controls made it less tiring to fly, which was important on a long patrol. As a testament to its seaworthiness, one FF.49c spent an entire week floating in the North Sea until its crew was finally rescued. The FF.49c was used through the Armistice. Originally it was armed only with the observer's gun, but late-production models in 1918 included a synchronized forward-firing gun.

The FF49 performed admirably whether it was on patrol, doing a rescue, or guiding a ship or submarine through an Entente minefield.

1:144 Scale

 * Shapeways: Columbia Aerodrome