The Navy needed to replace the obsolete Farmans and purchased 1916 five seaplanes from AETA of the manufacturers design Thulin G. The aircraft was in reality a modified Albatros B.II, a type that was common in the Army aviation. The Benz engines, water-cooled, 160 hp, were bought from Germany.

The aircraft was a two-seater and of course provided with floats. The first Thulin G made its trials in July 1917 and the other four were delivered during the fall the same year. They were given the Navy numbers 11-15.

During the trials some problems occurred. The manoeuvrability on the water was bad and the floats had to be modified. The stability and flying characteristics was not the best. Also in this case were modifications executed. The type was taken out of service in 1921 and the two remaining aircraft was scrapped in 1922. 

In 1917 the Navy had succeeded to buy two 200 hp Curtiss engines from USA. Two Thulin GA (numbers 16 and 17), a modification of the Thulin G  were ordered for delivery in 1918. Both Curtiss and Benz engines were tested. The first aircraft crashed  during the trials, but could be repaired. But engine problems, crashes and a fire at the Navy yard in Stockholm led to that the aircraft were out of written off already in 1921.  

Photo at top: Thulin G with Navy number 13 at Karlskrona. Below: The same individual in snowy weather at Galärvarvet in Stockholm 1917.

Thulin G - Length: 9,40 m. Span: 17,20 m. Height: 4,00 m, Maximum take-off weight: 1.538 kg. Max. speed: 118 km/h.

© Lars Henriksson