henryfarman1909biplane

This is not an MF. 11 or 11bis... but rather an F.40 series which was more powerful and stronger and replaced the MF.11 and 11 bis types in service.

This one is very difficult to classify. I have never seen a F.40 model with a typical MF.11 rear end before..... Stig

There were several subvariants. The MF-11 was an 80 hp Renault-powered machine w/ simple slab-sided nacelle. The MF-11bis had a 130 hp Renault engine and an additional "visor" looking addition to the front nacelle w/ two circular windows on each side of the nose. The next design type revised the nacelle w/ a smoother, rounder monocoque streamlined nacelle. This photo reflects that. The Farman brothers each had their own "line" of aircraft being produced, the HF or Henri Farman Series and the Maurice Farman MF series. Later, they got rid of HF or MF and just went to F for Farman. So the designation of F.40 and various subvariants like F.41, F.41bis, F.42. Look in James Davilla's book on French Aircraft of WWI by Flying Machines Press for a lot more detail into the variants and their miniscule specs and details.

So I did Aviatik The problem is that there is no photograph in Davilla/Soltan's book of any F.40 with the old tail shown here. They all have a single fin. If, as you say, this is a F.40 model/variety, I have never seen one as this before combining old and new features. So it is up to you if you are convinced since I stick to not being certain.... :-) Reason the Farman brothers had their own designation system was that they were two different companies. When they went together they decided to use just one letter. Stig

It is Farman HF-IV - the early trening airplane.

This is not an MF.11, but rather a Farman F.40 series aircraft, of which there were many subtypes. Note that the MF designator is not used at this time, but only the F of the last name was now used (late 1915 thru the end of the war). The MF.11 (80 h.p.) version and the MF.11bis (130 h.p. Renault) or "Happe" type as it was also known, due to Capt. Maurice Happe's recommended improvements being implemented into production. He was the energetic leader of the bombing squadron, Escadrille MF 29 and later the Groupe de Bombardement that MF 29 was a part of. The F.40 was designed and built to replace the earlier MF.11 and MF.11bis types in service. It was built as a bomber and also used for reconnaissance. There was also a version with floats for the Aviation Maritime.