The LeO H-13 was constructed by Lioré et Olivier in Levallois-Perret factory, for an order of the French Aeronavaleairlines. The prototype was flown in July 1922. From 1923 23 passenger aircraft were built LeO H-13A. Next, military variants were developed: reconnaissance-bomber LeO H-13B-3 and trainer LeO H-13E. They differed in fuselage configuration, because the H-13B-3 had an open cockpit for a pilot only behind a lower wing, while the H-13E had an open cockpit for a trainee and instructor seating side-by-side, in front of wings. Both had open machine gun positions in the nose and behind the wings. The H-13E could be also used as a reconnaissance aircraft. From late 1923 20 H-13B-3 were built and 10 H-13E.
Variants
Data from: - Lioré et Olivier ;LéO H-13 ;LeO H-13bis: ;LéO H-13A ;LéO H-13B-3 ;LéO H-13E ;LeO H-132:2 built,powered by 2x Hispano-Suiza 8Aa engines. ;LeO H-133:4 built, powered by 2x Renault 12F engines. ;LeO H-134:2 built, powered by 1x Lorraine 12Eb engines. ;LeO H-135:7 built, powered by 2x Hispano-Suiza 8Ab engines. ;LeO H-136:12 built for Aeronavale ;Leo H-14:Design studies for a 5-seat version of the H-13, not completed due to lack of interest from airlines.
Service
Passenger H-13A were used over the Mediterranean Sea. In the French Navy, H-13 were quickly withdrawn for training purpose, because of weak structure and low manufacturing quality. In 1924-1925 two H-13B3 and two H-13E were sold to Poland and used in Naval Aviation Unit in Puck from mid-1925. One of H-13E was used for a short time in a River Flotilla in Pińsk. The first H-13B-3 no. 1-1 was withdrawn in 1929, next two in 1931, while the last H-13E, no. 1-4, crashed on 29 July 1931 over the land near Puck.
Description
Two-engine biplane flying boat of wooden construction. Wooden framed fuselage, plywood covered, rectangular in cross-section, with a flat bottom with a single step. Two-spar rectangular wings, covered with plywood and canvas. A lower wing attached to the fuselage, an upper wing above it, mounted on struts, with two engines between wings, driving tractor propellers. Two floats under a lower wing. Conventional braced empennage. Two 150 hp radial engines Hispano-Suiza 8E. Armament: two twin 7.7 mmLewismachine guns and 4 bombs up to 25 kg below a lower wing.
