Turkish aircraft shot down by Russian pilot, Caucasian front

[photowar]

Please help to ID this Turkish airplane that was shot down at Erzincan on September 25th 1917 by Russian pilot Mikhail Sergeevich Machavariani. The plane burned out after landing, may be engine will help to ID what model was this.

Thanks in advance and best regards,
Alexander

[Ransom E. Olds]

It looks to be a German two-seater, powered by an earlyish Mercedes D.III engine and armed with a Maxim synchronized MG08 machine gun. Several C class planes carried the MG08 like this forward on the left side of the engine, but which one I know not. Ramsom

[rsanz]

Originally Posted by photowar

Please help to ID this Turkish airplane that was shot down at Erzincan on September 25th 1917 by Russian pilot Mikhail Sergeevich Machavariani. The plane burned out after landing, may be engine will help to ID what model was this.

Thanks in advance and best regards,
Alexander

Nice photo.

160hp Mercedes engine, lMG 08 mounted to starboard of the engine, Windhoff style radiator and fuel tank shape tend to indicate an Albatros C.III.

[photowar]

Many thanks! I appreciate your help with my photo.

Best regards,
Alexander

[charles]

Possibly Albatros, not sure of what type yet, will try and look into.

[John McKenzie]

Originally Posted by photowar

I can confirm that this is Albatros CIII machine .

The Baldachin is typical of this machine with the large curved "gussets " at the joints between the inverted V legs & the horizontal connection tube .
Also the (front) spar socket joint ( which screw-on /attched to a ball) is clearly seen .

The Radiator is exactly as CIII , although the core is smashed & not clear.

The petrol tank is correct for CIII ,...(see Drgs)

The Shape & design of the Exhaust is typical to the CIII ...particularly the rolled outlet may be noticed .

The Rod operated syncro- contol LMG 08 position may also be noticed .

Some of the Fittings seen in other photos show the typical Albatros method of tubes fitting into "Sockets " as typical the top ends of Landing gear legs ....where the streamline tube fits into a streamline socket ( with many Light'g holes )....This ( top of L/Gear leg) ,...may be seen in the photo , at position just below the apex of the inverted V leg where is found the wing spar socket .
Typical also of CIII ,...this Front , LH. ...L/Gear leg includes one visible "Foot Step plates" , this upper one , position about 1/3 way along its length .

JM

.

[John McKenzie]

Some contemporary drawings from L'Aerophile .

Probably many other fotos & information is available from Windsock Datafile about this Albatros CIII machine , if you like to look .

JM