In the spring of 1919, the Austrian aviators Edmund Sparmann and Max Perini of the Phönix Fleugzeugwerke in Wien demonstrated the single-seat fighter Phönix D.III. and the two-seat reconnaissance aircraft Phönix C.I at an impressive airshow in Stockholm. Both types were purchased by the Army Aviation Company and also copied and built in the Company’s own workshops, FVM. 

The original C.1 was measured and construction drawings were made out. Engines of Benz make, although not strong (220 hp) and also heavier than the original ( 240 hp Hiero) were bought.

Three batches of ten aircraft each were ordered from FMV at Malmen. (1920, 1921 and 1923). The ”Dront” was given the designation ”E 1 (E = Escort)”.  

In 1924, FVM bought about 30 engines of type Hispano-Suiza of 300 hp for the planned own design J 24. When the J 24 was cancelled, a test was made fitting one of these engines at a ”Dront”. It was a success. This new variation was usually called ”the Hispano-Dront” and was given the designation E 2. Ten new aircraft were ordered in 1925. FMV began the deliveries in July 1926.  

July 1926  was also the point of time when the Air Force was established as a separate service branch. The ”Hispano-Dronts” were now given the new Air Force designation A 1 (A = Attack), but they were never used as combat aircraft. Instead, they served as advanced trainers.  

Photos of aircraft # 324 of F 3 at Malmen, Linköping is marked according to the new regulations of the Swedish Air Force from 1927. Looks like some conscript mechanicals having fun in with a camera.

© Lars Henriksson