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  • (Windsock) Datafile - 005 - Fokker Triplane (Cleaned and Resized)

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    [Windsock] Datafile - 005 - Fokker Triplane (cleaned and resized)

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    138 views25 pages

    (Windsock) Datafile - 005 - Fokker Triplane (Cleaned and Resized)

    Uploaded by

    Gustavo Fernetti

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    Wind-Sock Datafiles DATA Published by Albatros Productions, Lid, 410 Long View, Chiltern Park Estate, Berk: hamsted, Herts HP4 1BY, Great Britain. © 1967 Albatros Productions. Lid. ‘The contents of this publication ae strictly in whole or in part, without the prior, written consent of Albatros Productions, Ud, IBSN 0 948414 03.0 Designed, edited and produced by RL Rimelt Colour profiles by RL Rimelt. ‘Scale drawings by lan R Stal Colour origination by Columbia Oftset (UK), Lid. ‘Mono origination, printing and binding in Great Britain by THE ENFIELD PRINTING COMPANY LTD, Enfield, Middx. COVER Fokker Drl of Jasta 6 with dark-painted rudder and blackiwhite striped tailplane. ‘The machine, although unidentified, is believed to be from the 400-599/17 batch ‘as later series Dris had leading edge ‘stacking pads equidistant from all wing tips. The streaky uppersurtace camou- flage and solid light turquoise under- ‘surfaces are clearly evident. (Albatros/PL Gray Archive) The colour profile depicts Leutnant August Raben's Fokker Dri of Jasta18. Upper surfaces of wings and forward fuselage are red, rear fuselage and tail ‘surfaces, white (well worn). Undersides of wings and, possibly, fuselage, retained the factory light turquoise. Upper wing crosses were of narrow proportions with thin white borders to their arms. ‘Sources: Warplane Special: Page 32 of AE Ferkos Fllegertruppe 1914-1918, Ne2 INTRODUCTION DUE in no small measure to the almost legendary fame accorded to one parti- ‘cular German air ace the evocative image ‘of a blood-red Fokker Triplane is immedi- ately conjured up in the minds of most people whenever the subject of World War ‘One aerial combat is broached. It is an image that has become something of an aeronautical cliché among many students ‘of the subject and most previous histories ‘of the Fokker Drl have possibly been more hindered than helped by this aeropiane’s Virtually compulsory association with one Mantred von Richthoten. In recent years we have seen reappraisal of the Fokker Dr! which help place it into its proper perspective. Such ‘eminent aero historians as Peter M Grosz and AE (Ed) Ferko have made careful studies of recently-discovered Fokker company archives, and trom their combined researches there has finally ‘emerged a true picture of the Dri, and one that is at distinct odds which much that has been recorded hitherto. For this DATAFILE, the first of several to be devoted to Fokker’s fighters, the publishers have striven to draw upon fresh archive material where possible and itis believed that several of the photographs which appear the following pages are being published for the first time. Not unnaturally long-term students ‘of WW1 aeroplanes will find several old favourites here but since the raison d'etre (of the DATAFILE series is to aid modellers, ‘many of whom may not have access to 4 large and comprehensive number of tefrancee, reproduction of any good, detailed photograph whether published previously or not is felt to be more than justified RL Rime, ‘Acknowledgements For the provision of colour research data ‘and certain photographs the author and publishers would like to thank D Abbott, AE (Ed) Forko and M Schmeetke while extreme gratitude is expressed to PM Grosz whose continual and friendly assistance has been invaluable during the compilation of this book. Albatros DIII WINDSOCK DATAFILES Sopwith Pup No. 1, ALBATROS Dill Albatros DV Bristol aa ‘THE EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF WW1 AEROPLANE PROFILES INCLUDES: No. 2, SOPWITH PUP No. 6, SOPWITH 2F1 CAMEL No 3, ALBATROS DV No. 4, BRISTOL FIGHTER ONLY £3.50 EACH ALBATROS PRODUCTIONS LTD 10 LONG VIEW, CHILTERN PARK ESTATE, BERKHAMSTED, HERTFORDSHIRE, HP4 1BY £3.50 NET Fokker Triplane BY RAYMOND LAURENCE RIMELL made a strong impression on German airmen opposing them. Luminaries such ‘as Lt Kurt Wolff and the great Rittmeister Prototype. The original DVI (Werk Nr 1661) was test flown by Lt Werner Voss, and idflieg officials who visited Fokker at Schwerin were to be fully convinced of the new aeroplane’s fine qualities. Meanwhile yet another triptane was being built, this with increased wing area and fitted with inter. plane struts. Its highly probable that its ‘redesigned wing cellule also appeared on the Dr! prototype proper, the aforemen- tioned DVI (Werk Nr 1697). ‘On July 11, Fokker instructed his experi- ‘mental department to build a further pair which included the four ‘The small numbers involved reflected latlieg policy of delaying 58 Squadron's B Flight which spelt the ‘Aces and Aeroplanes No. 1). sing under load. This was mainly due to ‘weak structure and condensation build- ‘up inside the wing which softened the give joints. Insufficient vamishing was found to be unadequate protection plane, which persuaded idflieg to restrict production to modest levels. Pilots found the Dil to be highly manoeuvrable in combat with excellent aerobatic qualities matched only, V Dris of Jasta 12 sport an interesting variety of personal markings. The fore- ground machine, Drl 758/17, is midway between a repaint. The standard ‘straight-sided form following the March 20 1918 directive — see Fabric. The triplane’s upper wing markings hed already been altered when this Photograph was taken. ‘4. Drt 139/17 (Werk Nr. 1850) left the of the fuselage. Note the distinctive was flown by Offizierstelivertreter Joset Fokker factory on December 12 1917. streaky camouflage on the latter's Mal. By then some changes to the The ith which the machine sides and how the undersurface markings had been made, the discs served initially Is not known but, as colour was retumed over the white being overpainted and bands and may be seen here, its original markings cross field. stripes ‘and a pale (possibly blue) disc applied —¥ In May 1918, Dri 139/17 was on the _and also refer to the rear cover where to the turtledeck as well as both sides strength of Jasta 5 at Cappy where it this machine is depicted in colour. > Drl 146/17 (Werk Nr. 1858) in factory 4¥ Dri in the 144-202/17 series at Jasta 27's airfield, Solssons Ferme, circa June 1918. The machine bears a dark panel behind its Converted fuselage cross and, in the ower photo atleast, three five-pointed stars (colours unknown) can be seen (on the fuselage sides forward of the national insignia. Of interest are the oll ‘streaks from the aileron hinge points; manufacturer's plate on starboard cowling; position of wing stacking Pads and sharp colour demarcation ‘along wing and lifting axle leading edges. ‘A Dri 148/17 (Werk Nr. 1860); in the metal panelling and other details. ‘cockpit, Leutnant Rudolt Stark of Jasta 34b. The photograph was taken at Unidentified Dri with its equally Foucucourt in May 1918. This view unidentified occupant. This photo- clearly illustrates the cockpit and gun graph invites comparison with the one padding; small area windshield, above for slight variations of detail are ammunition feed chutes; mid-section evident. Of interest is the form of gun ‘A. Dr 148/17 (Werk Nr. 1860). Leutnant Stark's triplane bears a dark-painted rear fuselage and tailplane with a contrasting band forward of modified cross, possibly of lilac. This particular ‘machine was first delivered to Jasta 11 on December 12 1817 but details of Its subsequent transfer to Jasta 346 have yet to be discovered. V Drl 157/17 (Werk Nr. 1869). This machine, seen here on Jasta Boclcke's airfield at Marcke in March 1918, was ‘one of only 13 Dris known to be fitted with the Oberurse! Urii(Ah) engine. This triplane's rear fuselage and tailplane were divided equally in white (port and black — note also the narrow black border around the rudder. It is thought thet this triplane’s fuselage bbands were also black and white. ‘A. Dr 163/17 (Werk Nr. 1875) flown by Loutnant von Linsingen of Jasta 11. it Is interesting to observe that the olive- doped forward centre section struts bear the stencilled works number in a light, contrasting colour — possibly the ‘same light turquoise of the under- ‘surfaces. Also shown to advantage is the distinctive Axia-made alrecrew ‘which usually consisted of four lamin- ations of mahogany. Y Det 170/17 (Werk Nr. 1882). This machine bears the white/black horizontal fuselage striping of Jasta 14 triplanes and is seen here at Phalempin in May 1918. The proportions of the ‘national markings are of some interest ‘and the conversion of the lower wing crosses would appear to have been made in some haste as the original Cross Patee marking can still be seen; students of markings take heed! ‘a Dil 185/17 (Werk Nr. 1903). This is the machine of Leutnant Maller from Jasta 12 whose unit markings featured all-black tallplanes and white-doped cowlings, colours first adopted when the Jasta was equipped with Albatros fighters prior to arrival of the Dri. ‘Malier's personal markings appear to have been a white stripe running above the fuselage centre line. (M ‘Schmeetke). Y Dri 183/17 (Werk Nr. 1901). Just visible on the fuselage sides of this Jasta 14 Drl are the family coat of arms of its pilot, Leutnant Hasso von Wedel. Photographed at Phalempin in Febru- ary 1918 the machine also bears the Unit's white/black fuselage striping. For further details refer to Fabric and colour plate of von Wedel's machine on the rear cover. Tebeinicinintyiniate—T + eases Oaeane aa tt turd rw pans S086 : 5 a Width of plywood decking weer , In ected Ine Plan View @ngac ‘Orawn and traced by IAN R. STAIR © 1967 IAN A. STAIR and ALBATROS PRODUCTIONS LTD. Sen Soumeaieane > Clear photographs of genuine Fokker Dri cockpit areas are rare. This Unidentified triplane reveals a few details of the forward upper fuselage Including the somewhat basic wind- screen and what appears to be a captured British telescopic gun sight. (Albatros/PL Gray Archive) 12 4 In 1918 the Germans introduced the reflector gun sight on a restricted basis tand one is seen here on a Dri. Below the sight is a shock-mounted chrono- meter while other points of interest include flare pistol aperture and flare cartridge rack (at right); rear view ‘mirror and seat harness. This unusual View also shows the twin gun insta lation with its distinctive ammunition belt tracking to good advantage. Note ‘also generous cutouts in the metal panels for alleron control cables and > Fok Drl 185/17 (Werk Nr. 1903) pro- Vides a revealing backdrop for Jasta 12's Leutnant Moller and his ever- faithful canine companion (see also oge 8). The triplane's works number ts clearly visible on the wing and Ccentre-section struts. Flare pistol rack ‘and cartridges are fitted below the ‘cockpit. (M Schmeetke) 13 ‘A Dri 212/17 (Werk Nr. 1931). Ready to leave for the Front. This unusual photo- graph clearly reveals the distinctive shape of the Dri cowling, in particular the manner in which Its lower, straight, edge was sharply angled rearwards. ‘The outline of the plywood fairing ‘extending behind the engine firewall is also plainly visible under the fabric covering of the fuselage. Note large “4 cut-out for lower wing spar and the ‘sharp demarcation line of the light turquoise undersurface colour along the lower longerons. V Dil 213/17 (Werk Nr. 1932). This is ‘one of at least two similarly-marked flown by Leutnant Fritz Kempt of Jasta Boelcke. The centre wing legend kennscht mi noch Iiterally translates as “Stil remember me?” and the almost full chord rendering of the pilot's name across the upperwing would ensure easy recognition in the air. Kempf's Dri featured the supple- ‘mentary undercarriage bracing fitted to ‘most all of Jasta Boeicke triplanes, the ‘exact purpose of which Is unclear but doubtless steadied the wing axle to ‘some extent. ‘A. Det 403/17 (Werk Nr. 1987). The tri- plane flown by Leutnant Johann Janzen, Jastafuhrer of Jasta 6. Janzen ‘scored 13 victories before being shot down and taken prisoner on June 9 1918. Firm details of his machine's ‘markings are lacking but note the dark painted rudder with its light surround. Interestingly, similar fuselage markings ‘appeared on at least one other example of a Jasta 6 machine, in this instance 8 Fokker EV monoplane. (Albatros/PL. Gray Archive). YY Dri 404/17 (Werk Nr. 1988). This familiar photograph of Ritter Adolf von Tutscheck Is worth repeating for Its quality. The triplane bears typical Jasta 12 black and white decor over a stan- dard finish. The distinctive style of the serial number and strut stencilling can be seen to as can the verti- ‘cal streaking of the fuselage camou- flage. Note anonometer on upper port Interplane strut, distinctive stencilling and the manufacturer's plate on the cowling which has not been overpainted. (M Schmeeike) > Drl 450/17 (Werk Nr. 2075). Flown by Loutnant Joset Jacobs of Jasta 7 this black tripiane is one of very few known to have been doped overall in a single colour. The wing crosses have been repainted in white as has the fuselage insignia which has also been reposi- tioned further than the standard location immediately forward of the tall- pplane. Jacobs had a strong affection for the Drl and operated the type up to the ‘Armistice despite the arrival of the ‘superior Fokker DVIls. This photograph was taken at Ste. Marguerite airfield in June 1918. 16 5 E “4. Det 419/17 (Werk Nr. 2003). Siting on the rear decking of this triplane is Leutnant Walter Géttsch, commanding officer of Jasta 19. Note the machine's ‘additional centre-section bracing cables and light-coloured works ‘number stencilled on the forward starboard strut. YY Dri 436/17 (Werk Nr. 2061) at the forefront of a Jasta 12 photograph. In the centre is, probably, Miller's Dri 185/17 and beyond, the familiar Dri 404/17 of von Tutscheck — note this machine's lower wing streamers. ‘4. Dr (serial unconfirmed) of Leutnant Rudolf Klimke at Jasta 27's Solssons Ferme airfield, June 1918. Klimke's ‘machine bore yellow cowling, whee! covers, struts, rear fuselage and taliplane. A large black anchor was painted to the latter's uppersurface — Leutnant Vallendor of Jasta Boelcke. just visible here. (Albatros/PL “Gray Note the undercarriage bracing and Archive). telescopic gun sight. No details of its interesting markings are available, and Y Dri, (serial unconfirmed). This confirmation of colours would be machine Is thought to be that of welcome... ‘A Del (serial_uncontirmed). This triplane bears light coloured fuselage markings but thus far the Jasta to which it belonged has yet to be identi- fied. Note enlarged cowl slots for sum- ‘mer use and the rearward-firing flare ‘gun mounted to the starboard cockpit ‘side. The photograph have been taken at Avesn: 1918. (Albatros/PL Gray A Y Dr (serial unconfirmed). This is another triplane the identity of which ‘eludes the publishers. Its fuselage, at least, appears to have been doped in an overall solid colour while the fuselage cross bears evidence of a hasty conversion. Further details would be welcomed . . . (Albatros/PL Gray Archive). ‘4 Dil 513/17 (Werk Nr. 2181). Splendid study of a Jasta 19 triplane photo- graphed at Baldtre in April/May 1918. ‘The fuselage crosses and white panels has apparently been overpainted in olive prior to application of the white identification stripes. Note narrow white border to underwing insignia of this machine which can also be seen in the Jasta 19 line-up on page 1. YY Drl 558/17 (Werk Nr. 2228). Flown by Feldwebel Fritz Rumey, von Hippel’s machine (Jasta 5) comes to griet at Cappy, circa May 1918. Note how the ‘wing undersides have been bordered in ‘a dark, solid colour. Of interest is the large, rectangular inspection plate on the forward fuselage and the stained mid-wing undersurfaces. Fabr ic CAMOUFLAGE AND MARKINGS by acre PRODUCTION Dri Tiiplanes left the Fokker factory in a distinctive camouflage ‘scheme which merits detailed description. ‘The uppersurfaces wore painted with a

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