Germany's best fighter, the Fokker D. VII had a frame of welded steel tubing that was lightweight and strong. Its sturdy wings were internally braced; so unlike other biplanes, it didn't need wire rigging, which frequently had to be "turned." This airplane was captured two days before the Armistice, when its pilot mistakenly landed at an American airfield.

Photographer:

Carolyn Russo

ID#:

SI 92-530

Source:

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

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Smithsonian Institution

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