Fokker D.VIII

The Fokker D.VIII was initially developed under the name Fokker E.V, but was classified as Fokker D.VIII after repairing design flaws. Built as a powerful aircraft, however, it seemed too late to be used effectively in the war.

 

Development and construction:

During the production of the Fokker D.VII the economic difficulties of the war became more and more noticeable. Thus, the required Mercedes D III series engine could not be produced in the required quantity, so that the German Army Command to the German aircraft manufacturers commissioned to develop an aircraft with a different engine.

The company Fokker aircraft factory then presented the Fokker D.VIII, which was equipped with a weaker 110 hp Oberursel Ur.II engine. Although this prototype could not quite keep up with the performance of the D.VII, it was enough to be equal to at least most Allied aircraft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use in the First World War:

At the end of July 1918, the first aircraft were brought to the Western Front and used there immediately. In these operations, however, there were some fractures of the wings which were due to deficiencies in production. After the deficiencies were corrected, the production was resumed and the aircraft was called D.VIII, previously it ran under E.V.

After all, these planes were finally able to prove their dangerousness, and shortly before the end of the war they received the designation Flying Razor from the Allied pilots.

 

 

 

Technical specifications:

Designation:	Fokker D.VIII
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Fighter plane
Length:	5,86 meters
Span:	8,4 meters
Height:	2,8 meters
Mass:	405kg empty
Crew:	Max. 1
Engine:	Oberursel Ur.II engine with 110 hp
Maximum speed:	204 km/h
Reach:	unknown
Armament:	2 x synchronized machine guns 7,92 mm LMG 08/15

 

 

 

 

 

You can find the right literature here:

 

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

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.

Click here!

 

 

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

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.

Click here!

 

 

German and Austro-Hungarian Aircraft Manufacturers 1908-1918

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.

Click here!

 

 

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

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.

Click here!

 

 

 

 

 

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