Farman MF.11 Shorthorn
The Maurice Farman MF.11 Shorthorn is a French aircraft developed before World War I by the Farman Aviation Works. The MF.11 served in both the British and French air services on the Western Front in the early stages of the war, as a reconnaissance and light bomber. Later it was relegated to training duties.
It had a pusher configuration unequal-span biplane like the earlier Farman MF.7 on which it was based. The nacelle containing crew and engine were mounted in the gap between the two wings. The aircraft was also fitted with a machine gun for the observer, whose position was at the front in order to give a clear field of fire.
Its nickname in British service (Shorthorn) was derived from that of the MF.7 (nickname Longhorn), as it lacked the characteristic front-mounted elevator and elongated skids of its predecessor.
On 6 September 1914 the first air-sea battle took place when a Japanese Farman MF.11 aircraft launched by the seaplane carrier Wakamiya unsuccessfully attacked SMS Kaiserin Elisabeth with bombs.
It flew the first bombing raid of the war when on 21 December 1914 an MF.11 of the Royal Naval Air Service attacked German artillery positions around Ostend, Belgium.
FARMAN MF.11 SHORTHORN INFORMATION
Introduction: May 1914
Primary users : French Air Force; Royal Flying Corps
Crew: 2 (pilot & observer/gunner)
Length: 9.45 m
Wingspan: 16.15 m
Engine: 1 × Renault 8D V-8 air-cooled piston engine, 101 hp
Maximum speed: 106 km/h
