The F.F. 49c Friedrichshafen Project

Project Description

The objektive of the project is to build a replica of the German F.F.49c Friedrichshafen airplane. This type of airplane was used in Denmark around 1920 in both military and civilian versions with the Danish type desscription HB II (Hydro Biplan 2).

The replica that is under construction covers the civilian version with the Danish registration T – DABA. This particular airplane was used by the DDL – The Danich Air Lines at their initial start of passenger transportation in 1920. The airplane could carry one pilot, one mechanic, and two passengers. The route was Copenhagen – Malmoe – Travemünde and return.

The replica will be built in full scale ( 1:1) according to drawings from the Danish National Archives ( Rigsarkivet). The building process will as far as possible follow the material and quality specifications, as well as known methods at the time of manufacture of similar airplanes. However, built to specifications, the airplane is not going to fly, but will be on display in the museum.

To verify that the requirements and specifications from drawings and other sources are fulfilled, the project group has responsibilities to make notifi- cations of discrepancies and ”out of tolerance” in a building log.

The Danish Aviation Museum (Danmarks Flyvemuseum) and the Tuborg Fonden sponsors the projekt. All parts produced for the airplane belongs to the museum. The project has appr. 7 members that dedicate their time to the project  on voluntary basis.

Finally, one of the project objectives is through dialog with the visitors at the museum, to explain the building methods, processes and the material used in the airplane manufacturing industry during WW 1.

Ole Bjørnsten
Project manager