Fokker D.VII

Manfred von Richthofen flew the V 11 and found it tricky, unpleasant and directionally unstable in a dive.

Platz lengthened the rear fuselage by one structural bay and added a triangular fin in front of the rudder.

Aircraft markings included the type designation and factory suffix, immediately before the individual serial number.

All D.VIIs were produced with either the five-color Fünffarbiger or less often, the four-color Vierfarbiger lozenge camouflage covering, except for early Fokker-produced D.VIIs, which had a streaked green fuselage.

[5] Production quickly switched to the intended standard engine, the higher-compression 134 kW (180–200 hp) Mercedes D.IIIaü.

Because the BMW IIIa was overcompressed, using full throttle at altitudes below 2,000 m (6,600 ft) risked premature detonation in the cylinders and damage to the engine.

Production of the BMW IIIa was limited and the D.VII continued to be produced with the 134 kW (180 hp) Mercedes D.IIIaü until the end of the war.

When the Fokker D.VII entered squadron service with Jasta 10 in early May 1918, Allied pilots at first underestimated the new fighter because of its squarish, ungainly appearance.

The D.VII was also noted for its high manoeuvrability and ability to climb, its remarkably docile stall and reluctance to spin.

It could "hang on its prop" without stalling for brief periods of time, spraying enemy aircraft from below with machine gun fire.

These handling characteristics contrasted with contemporary scouts such as the Camel and SPAD, which stalled sharply and spun vigorously.

Aircraft built by the Fokker factory at Schwerin were noted for their lower standard of workmanship and materials.

Other pilots, including Erich Löwenhardt and Hermann Göring, quickly racked up victories and generally lauded the design.

[6] Several of these aircraft were re-engined with American-built Liberty L-6 motors, very similar in appearance to the D.VII's original German power plants.

The aircraft proved so popular that Anthony Fokker completed and sold a large number of D.VII airframes that he had smuggled into the Netherlands by rail after the Armistice.

A few flying reproductions, such as the one at New York State's Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, are equipped with original Mercedes D.IIIa engines.

Fokker D.VII (OAW) 8909/18
Fokker's V.11 prototype, direct precursor to the production D.VII.
Fokker D.VII (F)
Fokker D.VII looping
Hermann Göring, commander of Jagdgeschwader 1 , beside his Fokker D.VII 5125/18. He holds a walking stick previously owned by Manfred von Richthofen
Ernst Udet beside his D.VII, nicknamed "Lo"
Fokker D.VII of Jasta 66
Captured D.VII with an American Liberty L-6 engine installed for testing
V.22
The post-war Fokker V.34 prototype with BMW IIIa engine.
V.36
Interned Fokker D.VII in Swiss markings
Fokker D.VII "U.10" of Jasta 65 on display at the National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
Fokker D.VII preserved at the Deutsches Museum in Oberschleißheim
Fokker D.VII displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum
Airworthy Fokker D.VII reproduction incorporating an original engine and parts
Preserved D.VII on display at the Militaire Luchtvaart Museum in Soesterberg , Netherlands