Wednesday 20 May 2009

(1917-1923) Dorand A.R.1 / A.R.2

This is often captioned as a photo of Greek army pilots in front of a Dorand AR.2, but it may be a mistake and these may actually be French.When the Greeks entered the First World War, they acquired 12 Dorand AR.1/AR.2 aircraft from France. These comprised the core of the Greek 532nd Reconnaissance Unit, which was established on 12 December 1917. They were used until 1923 for reconnaissance and as trainers.

Operational History
Dec. 1917 - 12 Dorand AR1/AR2 aircraft are purchased to comprise the core of the 532 Reconnaissance Unit during the First World War.
1923 - Removed from service.

Specifications
- Dorand AR.1 two-seater reconnaissance / trainer

Origin: French
Crew: 2 (pilot and observer)
Length: 9.14 m
Height: 3.30 m
Wingspan: 13.29 m
Wing Area: 50,36 m²
Weight: Empty 810 kg, loaded 1247 kg
Powerplant: 1× Renault 8 Gd V-engine, 190 hp (140 kW)
Speed: 152 km/h at 2,000 m, 147 km/h at 3,000 m, 141 km/h at 4,000 m
Climb: 2,000 m in 11 min, 3,000 m in 22 min 20 sec, 3,000 m in 39 minGreek Dorand AR.1
Range: 375 km
Endurance: 3 hours
Ceiling: 5,500 m
Armament: 1 × fixed forward-firing .303 inch Vickers machine gun for the pilot, 1 or 2 × Lewis gun(s) on a movable mounting for the observer, and 82 kg of bombs (4 x 120 mm bombs) carried internally

- Dorand AR.2 two-seater reconnaissance / trainer
Origin: French
Crew: 2 (pilot and observer) Length: 9.14 m
Height: 3.30 m Wingspan: 13.29 m
Wing Area: 50,36 m² Weight: Empty 810 kg, loaded 1247 kg Powerplant: 1× Lorraine 8Bb, 240 hp
Speed: 159 km/h at 2,000 m
Range: 375 km
Endurance: 3 hours
Ceiling: 5,500 m
Armament: 1 × fixed forward-firing .303 inch Vickers machine gun for the pilot, 1 or 2 × Lewis gun(s) on a movable mounting for the observer, and 82 kg of bombs carried internally


For gamers and game designers
The Dorand A.R.1/A.R.2 is considered a relatively slow day-time reconnaissance aircraft compared to its contemporaries.

For modellers
Dorand AR1 profileIt is not certain what colours the Greek Dorands had. Most probably they were like all other French ones during World War 1 and probably different when used as trainers after the war. The colours on the photos are speculative.

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