History

Van Berkel was commissioned in 1919 to develop a long-range sea scout. The design was based on the Hansa-Brandenburg W.29, an example of which had been interned.
The chief engineer of Van Berkel, ir Von Baumhauer changed de design severely. Van Berkel WB was larger than the W.29 and the engine was more powerful.

 

Technical Information
Dimensions:
Length: 9,35 m Wingspan: 13,55m
Height: 3,55 m Wing area: 32,20m2
Weights:
Empty weight: 1050 kg Max. start weight: 1494 kg
Performances:
Max. speed: 175 km/hr Rate of climb:  
Cruising speed: 140 km/hr    
Range: 1500 km Service ceiling:  
Miscellaneous:
Engine type: One Rolls Royce Eagle VIII rated 360 hp
Crew: Two
Armament: Two machine guns
Exact dimensions are not known. It is stated that this aircraft was developed from the Hansa-Brandenburg W.29, one of which was interned during World War One.
Other sources state that it was merely a development from the larger Hansa-Brandenburg W.33

 


In service with RNlNAS.

The MLD ordered seven examples for this type and the first aircraft made its first flight in 1920.
The delivery of other aircraft took place much later, the last example was transferred to the RNlNAS in 1923.

De VanBerkel WB was mainly used in the Dutch East Indies. The performance of the aircraft was disappointing, so in 1933 these aircraft were withdrawn from use.

Verkenningsvliegtuig Van Berkel WB (1921-1933) op de Mok
Reconnaissance aircraft Van Berkel WB at de Mok
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Van Berkel WB-lange afstandverkenner  regnr E-5(1922-1933)
Van Berkel WB, E-5
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Van Berkel WB-lange afstandverkenner  regnr E-5(1922-1933)
Van Berkel WB, E-5
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Verkenningsvliegtuig Van Berkel WB (1921-1933) in formatie met v.Berkel WA,s
Van Berkel WB in formation with some VanBerkel WAs
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

 


Serial Contr.nr. Date in service Date out of service Notes
E-1   1921 1925 Written off.
E-2   1921 1925 Written off.
E-3   1921 1925 Written off.
E-4   1922 1925 Written off.
E-5   1922 1933 Written off.
E-6   1922 1933 Written off.

 


1/72nd Scale

It might be converted from a Hansa-Brandenburg W.29 though it was larger than this type or you may convert it from a W.33.

  • Broplan
    • Kit XX: A vacuformed kit of a Hansa-Brandenburg W.33 (Mercedes Engine).

Modelling add-on

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Decals

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1/48th Scale

Kits

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Modelling add-on

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Decals

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 .

Scheme Colour name FS number BS-number Humbrol XtraColor Vallejo Model Color Vallejo Model Air
Delivery scheme Undersides Light Grey     129 X317 70.986  
Upper side fuselage, wing, etc. Dark Grey     92   70.830  
Struts, floats etc Black ~7038   33   70.950  
 Colour scheme from 1925 and on
Standard #2 Overall Light Sea grey     129 X317 70.986  

Check www.paint4models.com for an extensive conversion table with lots of colour and paint systems.

 


Literature.

Nederlandse Marinevliegtuigen Thijs Postma & Nico Geldhof Pag. 13 1978 Uitgever Omniboek, 's Gravenhage
Zestig jaar Marineluchtvaartdienst in Beeld. Hugo Hooftman Pag. 19 - 20 1977 Uitgever Europese Bibliotheek, Zaltbommel
40 Jaar luchtvaart in Indië Gerard Casius & Thijs Postma Pag. 14 1986 Uitgeverij De Alk, Alkmaar
Camouflage en Kentekens J.Greuter e.a.   1997 Bonneville – Bergen (NH)
Air Enthusiast no.80, The Historical Aviation Journal: Unexpected Windfalls Bart van der Klaauw pag. 54 - 59 1999 Uitgever Key Publishing,Stamford

 

Websites.