Fokker D.VI

The Fokker D.VI was developed from the experience of the successful Fokker Dr.I Dreidecker, but remained in prototype status for a long time until it was built in small numbers only at the end of the war.

Development and construction:

In the middle of 1917 Fokker Flugzeugwerke developed the very successful three-decker Fokker Dr.I, which was clearly superior in maneuverability and stability to Allied aircraft. From this construction, the fuselage, the tail, the chassis and the engine were taken over and built a biplane.

First, two prototypes were built, which were equipped with a 145 hp Oberursel UR III and a 165 hp Siemens & Halske Sh.III. At the beginning of 1918 the prototypes of the German army command were presented and production orders were handed over a small number of pieces. However, these aircraft were equipped with the 110 hp Oberursel UR II engine, as this was more mature than the other engines.

Since the production of the Fokker D.VII was already running in parallel and this aircraft better met the requirements of the military, the production of the D.VI already expired in August 1918.

Fokker D.VI

Use in the First World War:

From April 1918, the first Fokker D.VI were brought to the Western Front and used there. Since the aircraft was also inferior to the Fokker D.VII used at the front, most aircraft served only as a trainer aircraft.

Technical specifications:

You can find the right literature here:

Fokker Dr I Aces of World War 1 (Aircraft of the Aces)

Fokker Dr I Aces of World War 1 (Aircraft of the Aces) Paperback – Bargain Price, August 25, 2001

Undoubtedly the most famous fighter type to see service on either side during World War 1, the Fokker Dr I was a revelation when it entered service on the western front in 1917. Manfred von Richthofen’s JG 1 ‘circus’ was the first Jasta to completely re-equip with the new fighter, and in the skilled hands of its numerous aces the Dr I proved a formidable opponent. The Dr I remained in service on the Western Front until replaced by the superior Fokker D VII in May 1918. Just weeks prior to that, however, Germany’s leading ace, the great ‘Red Baron’, had been killed at the controls of a Dr I.

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Friedrichshafen Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes (Great War Aviation) (Volume 21)

Friedrichshafen Aircraft of WWI: A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes (Great War Aviation) (Volume 21) Paperback – February 16, 2016

This book describes and illustrates the development of Friedrichshafen aircraft of WWI with text, 540 photos, 18 in color, 37 color profiles, production quantities and serial numbers of aircraft, and aircraft dimensions and performance specifications. In addition, there are 26 official SVK drawings and 11 aircraft are illustrated in scale drawings to 1/48 (4) or 1/72 (7) scales. The book has 312 pages and is of interest to aviation historians, enthusiasts, and modelers alike.

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German and Austro-Hungarian Aircraft Manufacturers 1908-1918

German and Austro-Hungarian Aircraft Manufacturers 1908-1918 Paperback – December 15, 2010

Much has been written about the British aircraft of the First World War, but little has surfaced about the aircraft of the Axis powers, Germany and Austria. Here, Terry C. Treadwell tells the story of the aircraft from companies such as Fokker, builder of the famous triplane, as fl own by Baron von Richthofen's Flying Circus, AEG, Albatros, Junkers and Hansa. From reconnaissance aircraft to state-of-the-art bombers that could reach London, this is the definitive guide to aircraft of the Axis powers during the First World War. The aircraft are explained in detail and a history of each company is provided, making this an excellent source book for aircraft enthusiasts, model makers and those interested in the air war over the trenches of France and Belgium, as well as further afield in the Italian campaign.

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The Zeppelin in Combat: A History of the German Naval Airship Division

The Zeppelin in Combat: A History of the German Naval Airship Division Hardcover – January 9, 1997

The standard reference now revised and expanded. Dr. Robinson has opened up his vast photo archives to enhance this new edition of his classic work. Much of the new photographic material is published here for the first time.

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