Siemens-Schuckert D.I

The Siemens Schuckert D.I was an almost identical replica of a captured French Nieuport 11, which had only minor changes. Despite this copy, the aircraft was considered outdated at the time of its introduction in 1917 and was only used on the western front.

 

Development and construction:

At the beginning of 1916, the inferiority of Fokker's German monoplane over the Allied aircraft became increasingly apparent. When the Germans a modern French Nieuport 11 fell into the hands, this was given to the German aircraft manufacturers with the order to produce a better or at least equal aircraft.

The Siemens Schuckert Werke also got access to the French aircraft, but unlike the other manufacturers, they simply copied the technology. There were only some changes in the equipment with the engine, as in the German aircraft, the 110-hp Siemens-Halske Sh.I rotary engine was installed and thus the hood and the propeller cover had to be adjusted.

After the order for 150 aircraft was issued by the German Army Command, it came shortly after the start of production to supply difficulties with the engine. For this reason, only 95 of the originally planned 150 aircraft were built.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use in the First World War:

In early 1917, the first Siemens Schuckert D.I aircraft came to the Western Front. At that time, both the Allies had already new aircraft and the German Albatros aircraft Siemens-Schuckert D.I was inferior. Another shortcoming was the armament because the aircraft was equipped with only a machine gun and not like most of the others already with two.

So it happened that these aircraft were only briefly used at the front and then used to train pilots.

 

 

 

Technical specifications:

Designation:	Siemens-Schuckert D.I
Country:	German Empire
Typ:	Fighter plane
Length:	6 meters
Span:	8,18 meters
Height:	2,59 meters
Mass:	444kg empty
Crew:	Max. 1
Engine:	air-cooled circulating motor Siemens-Halske Sh.I 110 hp
Maximum speed:	172 km/h
Reach:	350 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)

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!

 

 

 

 

 

This post is also available in: Deutsch (German) Français (French) Italiano (Italian) 简体中文 (Chinese (Simplified)) Русский (Russian) Español (Spanish) العربية (Arabic)