|
|
Fokker DVII
Designed by Reinhold Platz, the Fokker DVII made it's debut early in 1918. This advanced new German aircraft was built with a choice of two different engines. Some examples used the powerful BMW inline engine which developed some 185hp, while others used the less powerful 160hp Mercedes six cylinder inline engine. Approximate speed for these two versions was 124mph and 117mph respectively.
|
The D7 was for it's time probably the finest operational fighter aircraft of any nation. The machine was fast and possessed a good rate of climb especially in BMW powered form. The D7 was also a fairly easy plane to fly compared to many of it's contemporaries, due in part to the lower rotating mass of it's inline engine compared to the common place rotary units, and the excellent visibility for the pilot.
Fokker DVII biplanes reached the front in April 1918, first examples being delivered to Von Richtofen's old unit. The plane replaced the older Fokker DR1 Triplane aircraft in service together with many other ageing single seat types.
By the time the Armistice had been signed around 760 Fokker DVII fighter aircraft had been supplied to the Jastas.
|
|
The Fokker DVII was mentioned in the Armistice specifically. All the machines were ordered to be handed over to the allied forces. This is sure proof of the high regard with which the aircraft was held. Anthony Fokker however managed to get many aircraft components and engines into Holland where new production was set up after ww1. These Dutch built D7 aircraft served into the late 1920s in Dutch colours.
|
|
| Fokker D.VII (Fokker D7) |
|---|
| Engine | Mercedes D.III 6 cyl. inline
160hp |
Top Speed | over 117mph |
|---|
| Weight | 960 kilo |
Wingspan | 8.9 metres |
|---|
| Length | nearly 7 metres |
Weps. | 2x 7.9mm Spandau mgs. |
|---|
| Country | Germany |
Crew | 1 |
|---|
|
|
