The Häfeli DH-5 was a 1910s Swiss two-seat reconnaissance aircraft, built by the aircraft department of the Federal Construction Works (Eidgenoessische Konstruktionswerkstaette, K + W) at Thun, Switzerland.

Development and design

The Häfeli DH-5 was a two-seat reconnaissance aircraft designed by August Häfeli. It was a single-bay biplane of wood and fabric construction. The aircraft was powered by a 180 hp (134 kW) LFW I engine produced by the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works. Test flying of the prototype commenced in March 1919 and 39 were ordered. Some aircraft were later modified with Handley Page slats. A second batch of 20 aircraft were powered by a 200 hp (149 kW) LFW II engine. A further batch of 20 aircraft designated the DH-5A used the LFW III engine.

Operational history

The DH-5 entered service in 1922 and was not withdrawn from service until 1940.

Variants

Operators

Specifications (DH-5A)