Pfalz Typ A.I und A.II

The aircraft Pfalz A.I and A.II were German reconnaissance aircraft, which were built before the war under license of the French aircraft Morane-Saulnier L in the German Reich. Especially in the Bavarian field flier departments these machines were used.

 

 

Development and construction:

The Morane-Saulnier L aircraft were developed and built in 1913 by the French company Société Anonyme des Aéroplanes Morane-Saulnier. Predecessor models were the Morane-Saulnier types G and H on the basis of which version L was built.

In Germany, a license agreement was set up with the company Pfalz Flugzeugwerke in Speyer, who were subsequently able to use the design and were able to build and sell an aircraft under the name Pfalz A.I.

Especially in the Bavarian field flier departments this model was used. The pilots appreciated the aircraft, among other things, the fast assembly, the small footprint and the rapid climb and speed, stability and maneuverability.

From 1915, some of the aircraft of the type A.I were equipped with machine guns and no longer used as a reconnaissance aircraft but as a fighter plane. In addition, the Oberursel U.0, 80 PS engine was replaced by the stronger Oberursel U.I, 100 PS and classified the armed aircraft as Pfalz A.II.

 

 

 

Use in the First World War:

With the outbreak of the First World War, the Pfalz aircraft were used exclusively as reconnaissance aircraft. Although from 1915 on some aircraft machine guns were mounted, but since this no longer met the requirements, they were gradually removed from the front and served only as aircraft for training.

 

 

 

Technical specifications:

Designation:	Pfalz A.I
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Reconnaissance plane
Length:	6,90 meters
Span:	11,2 meters
Height:	3,4 meters
Mass:	385 kg empty
Crew:	Max. 2
Engine:	Oberursel U.0 with 80 PS
Maximum speed:	135 km/h
Reach:	unknown
Armament:	none

 

 

 

Designation:	Pfalz A.II
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Reconnaissance plane
Length:	6,85 meters
Span:	11,2 meters
Height:	3,4 meters
Mass:	445 kg empty
Crew:	Max. 2
Engine:	Oberursel U.I, 100 PS
Maximum speed:	145 km/h
Reach:	unknown
Armament:	1 machine gun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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