Farman F.1-40bis Type 60 & F.1-40ter Type 61

Single-engine two-seat observation, night bomber and trainer -aircraft

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    In early 1917, an estimated 12 Farman F.1-40bis – Type Militaire 60 and F.1-40ter Type Militair 61, reconnaissance/observation aircraft were delivered to N° 2 Squadron, then based at de Moeren airfield. (Remark: as it is extremely difficult to recognize the difference between the Farman subtypes: F.40bis Type 56, F1-40bis Type 60 and F1-40ter Type 61, it cannot be excluded that the aforementioned delivery to the Belgian Air Service could have included some F.40bis Type 56, although up to now no photographic proof could be found).

    Only the type of engine indicates the Farman sub type which were the water cooled 160 HP V8 Renauld 8 Gd for the Type 60 and the 160 HP V8 Lorraine 8 Aby for the type 61. Other means of identification is the type number mentioned on the rudder in Roman numbers (ex. "LX "=-60 or "LXI" = 61)

N° 2 Squadron almost simultaneously receiving the more modern Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter in its inventory, two Farman F1.40’s were very soon transformed to the newly created N° 8 Squadron based at Quadypres (Coudekerque) (F.) to form the nucleus of a night-bomber unit commanded by Lt. Louis de Burlet. For this nocturnal task the aircraft received a double bomb rack system beneath the nacelle and the lower wing. In August 1918 N° 8 Squadron was composed of 10 Farman aircraft, all being transferred from N° 2 Squadron. The Farmans of the Types 60 and 61 are very often recognizable because of the cowlings completely covering the engine. (D. Brackx)