Bulgarian Air Force
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Bulgaria
Air Force

Aircraft Types


Farman VII 
Five Farman VII two-seater biplanes with 50 hp Gnome engine obtained from Russia in 1912. In service by November 1912. Used by 1 and 2 Aeroplane Otdelenie for the reconnaissance and bombing roles. From late 1913 used by the Aeroplane School as a trainer until withdrawn from service in 1915. No serial numbers carried.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
n/a     1912  
n/a     1912  
n/a     1912  
n/a     1912  
n/a     1912  

References:

  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part I by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part II by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Insignia Issue 13, Winter 1999


Nieuport IV 
Two Duks-built Nieuport IV two-seater monoplanes with 70 hp Gnome engines delivered from Russia in 1912. In service late October 1912. Used only for training due to their non-standard flying controls. No serial numbers carried.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
n/a     Oct 1912  
n/a     Oct 1912  

References:

  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part I by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Insignia Issue 13, Winter 1999


Rumpler Taube 
Two(?) Rumpler Taube monoplanes acquired circa 1912. No details of service use known - probably used for the training role. Withdrawn from service in 1913? The 'Insignia' article includes a photograph of a Bulgarian example with no serial but with RUMPLER marked on the fuselage sides. Not mentioned in the 'Air Power' books.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
n/a     1912?  
n/a     1912?  

References:

  • Insignia Issue 13, Winter 1999


Sikorsky S-7 
The sole Sikorsky S-7 two-seater monoplane was purchased from Russia and delivered in 1912. 70 hp Gnome engine. Used for the training role. Withdrawn from service in 19?? Not mentioned in the 'Air Power' books.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
n/a     1912  

References:

  • Insignia Issue 13, Winter 1999


Sommer biplane 
One Sommer two-seater biplane delivered from France in 1912. 70 hp Renault engine. Used by 2 Aeroplane Otdelenie for the reconnaissance and light bombing role unitl at least June 1913. Withdrawn from service in late 1913.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
5     Nov 1912  

References:

  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part I by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Insignia Issue 13, Winter 1999


Voisin-Militer 1911 biplane 
One Voisin-Militer 1911 two-seater biplane ordered late 1911 and delivered from France in 1912. In service by 14 November 1912. 70 hp Renault engine. Used by 1 and then 3 Aeroplane Otdelenie for the reconnaissance and bombing roles. Captured by Greek forces circa 21 June 1913.

Serial c/no. Prev. Identity Delivered Fate/Notes
n/a     Nov 1912  

References:

  • Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part I by Dimitar Nedialkov, 2001
  • Insignia Issue 13, Winter 1999


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First Created: 26 September 2003 - Last Revised: 23 April 2005
Copyright © 2003 John Hayles.     e-mail: john@aeroflight.co.uk