„Fokker“ Dr.I – the German fighter

The German pilots, who served on the West Front, quickly experienced the good qualities of the English triplane fighter Sopwith “Triplane”: high climbing speed and excellent maneuverability. When reports of the capabilities of this fighter were passed on to Germany, German designers very quickly built an experimental plane of a similar scheme. Martin Kroicer, the main aircraft designer of the “Fokker” company, was killed on June 27, 1916, while the D. I. plane was replaced by Reinhold Platz. His first test aircraft had three small free-floating wings without stands between them and attached to the fuselage of a typical “Fokker” fighter, a three-point cruise with a crutch at the rear and a fully rotatable vertical tail. Brand new was the sleekness of the main chassis axle and a large stabilizer with front-edge boom. The upgraded version of the V. 4 with lightweight interlinings had a few more aerodynamic improvements. Upon successful completion of the test program, this fighter began mass production in early summer 1917 and received the designation F. I, which was soon converted to Fokker Dr. I “Dreidecker”. Dr. I very quickly gained an excellent reputation not only for its good flight and combat qualities, but also because they were flown by many of Germany’s most famous asses at the time, including the legendary Red Baron Manfred von Richthofen. When series production was ended in May 1918, about 300 fighters of this brand were produced.

The publication can be used to make one of the fighters, used by the Red Baron Manfred won Richthofen. The model is not complicated, but perfectly designed, maximally detailed and with excellent instructions. But for beginners and inexperienced modelers, we recommend working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague. Antiquarian publication.