• Detail on wing of De Havilland DH-4 aircraft with red circle in center of white star in blue circle
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    The United States possessed no combat-worthy aircraft upon entry into World War I in 1917. Several European aircraft were considered. The British DH-4 was selected because of its comparatively simple construction and its apparent adaptability to mass production. It was also well-suited to the new American 400-horsepower Liberty V-12 engine. American-built DH-4s were dubbed the "Liberty Plane." Highlighted in this image is a wing of the De Havilland DH-4.

Created by

Mark Avino

Date Created

09/15/2017

Source

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Keywords

Aircraft; Aviation; Military; World War I

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