The Halberstadt D.I and their successor models were used in the First World War as fighters on the Western Front. Since the aircraft were already inferior to the Allies at the time of launch, these were mainly used to bridge to more powerful models could be delivered.
Development and construction:
At the end of 1915, the German side was looking for replacement aircraft for the obsolete Fokker monoplanes of the E series. At the Halberstadt aircraft factory Thomas Voigt developed on the basis of Halberstadt B.II the single-seat fighter pilot Halberstadt D.I.
In February 1916, the first prototype of this aircraft flew, which then had to be further modified. For safety reasons, the side cooler was removed and a surface cooler mounted on the upper wing. Also, a pendulum rudder was installed instead of a conventional elevator and the rudder. A total of only 25 aircraft were built by Halberstadt D.I, as it was already evident at the start of production that these aircraft would not meet the requirements.
In the Halberstadt D.II only a few technical changes were made, except for the installation of the stronger Mercedes DII engine with 120 hp. With 200 aircraft built this was the most successful Halberstadt D type.
In the subsequent Halberstadt D.III and D.IV aircraft larger and better balanced ailerons were installed and a semi-circular wing cut introduced above the cockpit. In the D.III of the 120 hp Opel Argus As II engine was installed, the D.IV, however, got the 150 hp Benz Bz III engine to even with the newer Allied aircraft to be able to keep up.
The Halberstadt D.V was in its introduction in direct competition with the new Albatros fighter aircraft. Once again, the 120 hp Opel Argus As II engine was installed, which was slightly less powerful than the Benz Bz III engine, but by the more aerodynamic hull this disadvantage could compensate again. Both the D.IV and the D.V had a holder for a second machine gun. Because of the additional weight of what the aircraft would have overwhelmed, was waived installation.
Halberstadt D.II
Halberstadt D aircraft construction
Use in the First World War:
Early 1916, the first Halberstadt D.I and D.II aircraft were brought to the Western Front and used there. Although these proved to be stable pilots with good maneuverability by an experienced pilot, they were inferior to the British Nieuport 11 and D.H.2 aircraft, so they were used predominantly as escort fighters.
With the introduction of the first Albatros D.I aircraft left the Halberstadt D types at the front, but were then withdrawn gradually.
Technical specifications:
| Designation: | Halberstadt D.I |
| Country: | German Empire |
| Typ: | Fighter plane |
| Length: | 7,3 meters |
| Span: | 8,8 meters |
| Height: | 2,66 meters |
| Mass: | ca. 520kg empty |
| Crew: | Max. 1 |
| Engine: | Water-cooled 6-cylinder in-line engine Mercedes D I 105 hp |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Reach: | 250 kilometers |
| Armament: | 1 x synchronized machine gun 7,92 mm LMG 08/15 |
| Designation: | Halberstadt D.II |
| Country: | German Empire |
| Typ: | Fighter plane |
| Length: | 7,3 meters |
| Span: | 8,8 meters |
| Height: | 2,66 meters |
| Mass: | 520kg empty |
| Crew: | Max. 1 |
| Engine: | Water-cooled 6-cylinder inline engine Mercedes D II 120 hp |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Reach: | 250 kilometers |
| Armament: | 1 x synchronized machine gun 7,92 mm LMG 08/15 |
Halberstadt D.II
Halberstadt D.II
Halberstadt D.II
| Designation: | Halberstadt D.III |
| Country: | German Empire |
| Typ: | Fighter plane |
| Length: | 7,3 meters |
| Span: | 8,8 meters |
| Height: | 2,66 meters |
| Mass: | 536kg empty |
| Crew: | Max. 1 |
| Engine: | Water-cooled 6-cylinder in-line engine Opel-Argus As II 120 hp |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Reach: | 250 kilometers |
| Armament: | 1 x synchronized machine gun 7,92 mm LMG 08/15 |
Halberstadt D.III
| Designation: | Halberstadt D.IV |
| Country: | German Empire |
| Typ: | Fighter plane |
| Length: | 7,3 meters |
| Span: | 8,8 meters |
| Height: | 2,66 meters |
| Mass: | 561kg empty |
| Crew: | Max. 1 |
| Engine: | Water-cooled 6-cylinder in-line engine Benz Bz III 150 hp |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Reach: | 250 kilometers |
| Armament: | 1 x synchronized machine gun 7,92 mm LMG 08/15 |
| Designation: | Halberstadt D.V |
| Country: | German Empire |
| Typ: | Fighter plane |
| Length: | 6,7 meters |
| Span: | 8,8 meters |
| Height: | 2,66 meters |
| Mass: | 525kg empty |
| Crew: | Max. 1 |
| Engine: | Water-cooled 6-cylinder in-line engine Opel-Argus As II 120 hp |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h |
| Reach: | 200 kilometers |
| Armament: | 1 x synchronized machine gun 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)
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 Richthofens 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, Germanys leading ace, the great Red Baron, had been killed at the controls of a Dr I.
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.
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.
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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