In response to the loss of air superiority in late 1917, the Germans organized a competition for new fighter designs held in January 1918. The in-line engine winner was the Fokker D.VII. Fokker received an order for 400 aircraft. To meet the demand for the new fighter, Albatros, Fokker's chief competitor, also built the D.VII under license. Ironically, Albatros built more D.VIIs than the primary contractor and the Albatros product was of higher quality. The Fokker D.VII in the NASM collection was built by Albatros.

When the Fokker D.VII appeared on the Western Front in April 1918, Allied pilots at first underestimated the new fighter because of its squarish, ungainly appearance, but quickly revised their view. The D.VII's unique ability to seemingly "hang on its propeller," and fire into the unprotected underside of enemy aircraft made it a highly feared combat opponent. The Armistice agreement requirement specifically demanding that all Fokker D.VIIs be immediately surrendered attested to the general high regard for the airplane.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Panoramas

Object Details

Key Accomplishment(s)

World War I Fighter Aircraft

Brief Description

The German Fokker D.VII is frequently cited as one of the best fighter aircraft of the First World War. The high regard for the aircraft was demonstrated in the Armistice agreement ending the war which required that all Fokker D.VII aircraft immediately be surrendered.

Date

1918

Country of Origin

Germany

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft

Manufacturer

Ostdeutsche Albatros Werke GmbH

Physical Description

Single-engine, single-seat, German World War I biplane fighter; 160-horsepower Mercedes D.IIIa water-cooled engine. Lozenge camouflage on wings. Fuselage gray and olive drab.

Dimensions

Wingspan: 8.9 m (29 ft 4 in)
Length: 7.0 m (23 ft)
Height: 2.8 m (9 ft 3 in)
Weight: Empty, 700 kg (1,540 lb)
Gross, 878 kg (1,936 lb)
Propeller:
Overall diameter approximately 110 in.
Chord approximately 9 in.
Hub diameter approximately 9 in.
8 bolt holes

Materials

Airframe: Wood
Covering: Fabric
Engine: Metal

Alternate Name

Fokker D.VII

Inventory Number

A19200004000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. War Department

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.

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