The 'Hannoveranner' came into operational
use towards the end of 1917 and was
unique in having a biplane tail. Such
a feature had previously been seen
only on multi-engined aircraft. The
purpose being to reduce the tailpane
span, thereby affording the observer
a wider field of fire. For a two-seater
the CL.II was a smallish and compact
aircraft and was often attacked by
allied scouts in mistake for a single-seater,
an illusion shattered rudely by the
chatter of the observer's Parabellum.
The ply-skinned rather deep fuselage
offered excellent downwards view and
proved immensely strong.
Designed to be used as an escort
for the C class machines, with the
change
of the designation to Schlachtstaffeln
(Battle Flights) the Hannover was
used to co-operate with the ground
troops
in low-level straffing and harassing
of the opposing infantry lines
and rear areas. In this role the
aircraft
was particularly effective, aided
by its excellent manoeuverability
and
good lateral control. |
