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Made famous as the red-painted mount of Baron Manfred von Richthofen and his Flying Circus at the time of his greatest success - and his death - the Fokker Dr.I (the 'Dr' denoting Dreidecker, or
triplane) was introduced into service in October 1917. Although the aircraft was extremely manoeuvrable, the Dr.I was already
outclassed by a new generation of fighter biplanes, and it was consequently never used in large numbers. Indeed, the fact that the
Dr.I achieved success in air combat was due more to the skill of the experienced pilots who flew it, rather than the design itself.
| ENGINE | 1 x 110hp Oberursel Ur11 9-cylinder rotary engine |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 586 kg | 1292 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 7.19 m | 24 ft 7 in |
| Length | 5.77 m | 19 ft 11 in |
| Height | 2.95 m | 10 ft 8 in |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 185 km/h | 115 mph |
| Ceiling | 6100 m | 20000 ft |
| ARMAMENT | 2 x 7.92mm machine guns |
| geoff, geoff.cosnett6(@)btinternet.com, 20.08.2008 The myth of the struts not being needed is just that. in testing Fokker found the upper wing prone to vibration (flutter). The struts were added to prevent this. At least two fatalities occured asa result of the upper wing breaking in flight, also the fabric on anumber of aircraft came adrift in flight. Fokker claimed this was the result of poor factory workmanship.In fact NACA investigations in the 1920's showed that most lift and stress on a triplane cellule was taken by the upper wing. An american (USA)replica aircraft has a tested stall speed of between 40-45mph, which would seem to be higher than the quoted 50km/h | | Dave Settle, Dse2270187(@)AOL.COM, 06.10.2007 I am looking for blueprints for WW1 airfraft. Any information on how I may obtain any would be appreciated. Dave Settle | | Tim, pbthhh(@)hotmail.com, 08.08.2007 Lt.Werner Voss could INDUCE a flat spin in his Dr. I to drop him
below and behind a pursuing fighter, pull up, and shoot the underside out of the enemy's craft. It is estimated this little gem had a stall speed of 50kph> ! When initially shown to German High Command, it was criticized for a lack of outer wing struts. Anthony
Fokker, knowing that the aircraft did not need these struts, simply
installed a pair cosmetically. The High Command bought the ruse, and Fokker received the contract. |
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