Fully illustrated overview of the development and different types of
German Fighter aircraft during World War I.
Fighter aircraft were developed during World War I at an unprecedented
rate, as nascent air forces sought to achieve and maintain air
supremacy. German manufacturers innovated at top speed, while constantly
scrutinizing the development of new enemy aircraft. The Germans also
utilized the concept of systematic production or modular engineering
during the war--Fokker capitalized on this aspect with all his aircraft
built in a similar fashion--wooden wings with welded steel fuselages.
This meant that they could be disassembled or reassembled quickly in the
field--unlike many Allied aircraft. Pfalz and Albatros were the first to
realize the importance of a streamlined fuselage--the precursor to all
that would follow. Both of these companies built semi-monocoque
fuselages using plywood to develop semi-stressed skin--the Allies had
nothing like this. The Germans also perfected powerful inline engines,
as exemplified by the Albatros fighters. These engines did not have the
gyroscopic effect of the rotary engines and as such were easier and more
stable to fly. Fokker was slow to give up his rotary engines but once he
did, the result was the iconic Fokker D VII--years ahead of its time and
the only aircraft specifically mentioned in the Treaty of Versailles
that Germany could not build after the war.
German Fighter Aircraft in World War I explores how German fighter
aircraft were developed during the war, the innovations and trials that
made the Fokker D VII possible, and the different makes and types of
aircraft. Using unpublished images including photographs of surviving
aircraft, archive images, and models and replicas, it shows details of
aircraft that were kept top secret during the war. Extensively
illustrated with 140 photos and ten color profiles, this is will be
essential reading for all WWI aviation enthusiasts and modelers.
