K.u.K. Luftflotte

(The Imperial and Royal Airfleet)

Above: S.M.L. Gitshcin lifting from her hanger near Prague in April 1872

The Austro-Hungarian Airfleet currently (Spring 1873) has six airships:-

S.M.L. Konigsseig (July 1870)

Crew: 2 Officers, 6 men. Armament: 2 x Gatling machineguns, 3 x 100lb bombs

Cruising speed: 16 mph Top Speed: 23 mph

S.M.L. Lissa (Konigsseig-class - January 1871)

Crew: 2 Officers, 6 men. Armament: 2 x Gatling machineguns, 2x 200lb bombs

Cruising speed: 17 mph Top Speed: 25 mph

S.M.L. Custozza (Konigsseig-class - July 1871)

Crew: 2 Officers, 6 men. Armament: 2 x Gatling machineguns, 2x 200lb bombs

Cruising speed: 17 mph Top Speed: 25 mph

S.M.L. Gitschin (December 1871)

Crew: 3 Officers, 9 men. Armament: 1 x 4 inch gun, 2 x Gatling machineguns, 3x 200lb bombs. Cruising speed: 22mph Top Speed: 32 mph

S.M.L. Leipzig (Gitschin-class - May 1872)

Crew: 3 Officers, 9 men. Armament: 1 x 4 inch gun, 2 x Gatling machineguns, 3x 200lb bombs. Cruising speed: 22mph Top Speed: 32 mph

The S.M.L. Leipzig was destroyed in action at the 'Battle of the Inner Sea' on 13th November 1872. The picture below shows a Bavarian Patrol ship picking up survivors.

S.M.L. Mohacs (Gitschin-class - October 1872)

Crew: 3 Officers, 9 men. Armament: 1 x 4 inch gun, 2 x Gatling machineguns, 3x 200lb bombs. Cruising speed: 22mph Top Speed: 32 mph

S.M.L. Zenta (March 1873)

Crew: 4 Officers, 18 men. Armament: 2x 4 inch gun, 2 x Gatling machineguns, 5x 150lb bombs. Cruising speed: 25mph Top Speed: 36 mph

Uniform:

Although the Airfleet has many transferred naval personnel, its origins lie with the Technical Branches of the Army, the Pioneers, Engineers and Artillery. For this reason, the uniform adopted by the Airfleet is based upon both Army and Naval styles.

Officers wear a dark blue jacket with sky blue facings and gold buttons. Along with light blue trousers with a single wide dark blue ribbon down the outer seam and either shoes, ankle boots (with or without gaiters) or calf length boots, in black. The Hat is a dark blue Kepi with a black peak. Rank ribbons are displayed on the hat and cuffs of the jacket.

Other Ranks wear a dark blue jacket with sky blue facings and silver buttons. Along with dark blue trousers with a single narrow sky blue ribbon down the outer seam and black ankle boots (with or without gaiters).

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