The B.II, a two-seater reconnaissance plane, was the first airplane that established Albatros’ reputation, and was the forerunner of many successfaul craft from that manufacturer. Designed by Ernst Heinkel, it set an altitude record of 14,765 feet early in its career. It was produced in large numbers in the first half of the war.
The seating arrangement was poor; the pilot sat in the rear cockpit and the observer was up front, where the lower wing blocked his downward view, while the protruding engine block almost completely obscured his forward view. When Albatros developed the armed C.I based on their B-series, the seat positions were swapped so that the observer/gunner had a better view and clear field of fire.
Top Speed: 66 m.p.h.
Manufacturer: Albatros Werke GmbH
Year: 1914
Engine: 100 h.p. Mercedes 6-cylinder inline
Wingspan: 42 feet
Weight: 2,356 lb.
Armament: none