Single engine, two seat observation aircraft, later trainer

 

 

     As of August 1914, France authorised the delivery to Belgium of a number of Farman HF 20’s (some powered by a 80 HP Rhône engine) to compensate for the loss of several aircraft during the opening weeks of the First World War. Essentially, the aircraft of French origin can be recognised by the lack of oblique masts linking the lower wing with the upper wing extension and the inclined triangular shaped support on top of the wings (already featured on the JERO-Farman F.23 bis). At least a single HF 21, which has its wingspan increased from 13.25m (HF 20) to 16 meters was included in these French deliveries, the exact number of which is still not confirmed,  but several sources give 22 aircraft. After their operational career the remaining HF 20 and HF 21 's were used from 1916 onwards at the Belgian flying training school at Etampes (F.) and later in 1918 at Juvisy-sur-Orge (F.). When at Etampes these machines were gradualy renumbered "50" to "59" from "20 to 29" and while used at Juvisy the surviving planes were re-registered as "90" to "95". The original fuselage of one of these Belgian Air Service HF 20 or HF 21's is preserved at the Royal Army Museum in Brussels.  (Ph. Doppagne & D. Brackx)

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