Fokker D.III

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D.III
Type Fighter
Manufacturer Fokker
Designed by Martin Kreutzer

The Fokker D.III (Fokker designation M.19) was a German fighter biplane of World War I, an improved version of the D.II. The primary improvements were a larger U.III twin row rotary engine and a stronger fuselage. Total production of D.2 and D.3 fighters was almost 300 aircraft. Though the Fokker D.II and D.III fighters are not well known today, some famous aces, including Boelcke, von Richtofen, and Udet flew the aircraft in combat.



[edit] Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: one pilot
  • Length: 6.30 m (20 ft 8 in)
  • Wingspan: 9.05 m (29 ft 8 in)
  • Height: 2.55 m (8 ft 4 in)
  • Wing area: 20.0 m² (215 ft²)
  • Empty weight: 430 kg (948 lb)
  • Gross weight: 710 kg (1,565 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Oberursel U.III rotary, 120 kW (160 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 160 km/h (100 mph)
  • Range: 220 km (137 miles)
  • Service ceiling: 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 4.8 m/s (940 ft/min)

Armament

  • 2 × fixed, forward-firing 7.92 mm LMG 08/15 machine guns

[edit] References

  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 399. 
  • World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing, File 894 Sheet 41. 


[edit] See also