Sablatnig SF-2

The Sablatnig SF-2 was a reconnaissance seaplane produced in Germany during the First World War.^[1]

SF-2
Role	Reconnaissance seaplane
National origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Sablatnig, LFG, LVG
First flight	1916
Primary user	Imperial German Navy
Number built	26

Development

A refined version of the Sablatnig SF-1, the SF-2 featured a new empennage and was fitted with a radio transmitter.^[2][3] The prototype (serial 580) had a smaller tail-fin and rudder than the SF-1, but production examples added a large ventral fin.^[3] Construction was of wood, skinned i fabric.^[2]

Operational history

Sablatnig delivered six aircraft (navy serials 580–585) between June and September 1916.^[3] These were followed by ten machines built under licence by LVG (serials 791–800) between October and December, and ten more built by LFG (serials 705–714) between April and May the following year.^[3] Although produced as a reconnaissance machine, in practice, they were widely used as trainers.^[3]

Specifications

Data from Kroschel & Stützer 1994, p.145

General characteristics

• Crew: Two, pilot and observer
• Length: 9.53 m (31 ft 3 in)
• Wingspan: 18.53 m (60 ft 10 in)
• Height: 4.25 m (13 ft 11 in)
• Empty weight: 1,078 kg (2,372 lb)
• Gross weight: 1,697 kg (3,733 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Mercedes D.III , 120 kW (160 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 130 km/h (81 mph, 70 kn)
• Rate of climb: 1.4 m/s (273 ft/min)