Halberstadt CL.II

The generator was directly driven by a pulley on the engine and mounted on the left side with a teardrop shaped fairing covering it.

[4] The CL.II entered service in August 1917 and proved highly successful; its excellent manoeuvrability, rate of climb and promising field of fire for its armament allowed it to match opposing single-seat fighters.

[4] It also proved well suited to close support, which became the primary role of the CL-type aircraft, the units operating them being re-designated Schlachtstaffeln (Battle flights).

[6] The success of the German tactics at Cambrai, including the use of close air support, resulted in the Germans assembling large numbers of CL-types in support of the Spring Offensive in March 1918, with 38 Schlachtstaffeln (equipped with the CL.II, CL.IV and the Hannover CL.III) available, of which 27 were deployed against the British forces during the initial attack Operation Michael[7] The CL.II continued in service until the end of the War.

This unique plane served as the personal aircraft of the Commander of Luftstreitkräfte general Ernst von Hoeppner.

Loading up with Wurfgranaten 15 bombs (note ten stick grenades)
The captured German Halberstadt CL.II (serial 15342/17) flown by Gefreiter Kuesler and Vizefeldwebel Mullenbach on 9 June 1918 when they were forced to land at the aerodrome of 3 Squadron Australian Flying Corps at Flesselles, Somme (France). The AFC aircrew were Lieutenant R.J. Armstrong and Lieutenant F.J. Mart flying in Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 (serial D4689).
Frank Luke with a shot down Halberstadt of Flieger Abteilung 36 on 18 September 1918
CL.II 15459-17 of General von Hoeppner