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Fokker D VII

The Fokker D VII was one of First World War’s best fighters. After the aircraft won the German fighter competition in January 1918, large construction contracts were awarded to Fokker, and its main competitor, Albatros, was required to manufacture D VIIs under licence. The Fokker D VII rapidly became the premier fighter of the German air force. Well-liked by its pilots and much feared by its opponents, the D VII’s famous reputation was built during a remarkably short life from January to November 1918.

The D VII was strong and very manoeuvrable, simple to fly for the novice aviator, and had excellent control characteristics at very slow speeds. It could hang on its propeller and shoot upwards while other aircraft would stall and spin away. Unlike many other contemporary aircraft, it remained agile in the thin air near its service ceiling . Singled out for destruction in the Armistice Agreement, D VIIs were smuggled out of Germany into Holland after the war. Anthony Fokker “arranged” that those trains carrying D VIIs would be too long for the sidings at the Dutch border. Inspections would therefore have to be quick in order to unblock the main line.

Museum Example

The aircraft was built by Fokker in 1918 and was one of 142 shipped to the United States for the US Air Service. Later sold for civilian use, it was used in several movies, including Hell’s Angels. It was purchased by the Canada Aviation Museum in 1971, and a propeller and engine were donated in 1972 and 1975 respectively.

Specifications

Wing Span:
8.9 m (29 ft 2 in)
Length:
7 m (23 ft)
Height:
2.75 m (9 ft)
Weight, Empty:
700 kg (1,544 lb)
Weight, Gross:
850 kg (1,874 lb)
Cruising Speed:
Unknown
Max Speed:
186 km/h (116 mph)
Rate of Climb:
1,000 m (3,280 ft) / 3.8 min
Service Ceiling:
6,980 m (22,900 ft)
Range:
Unknown
Power Plant:
one Daimler Mercedes D.IIIav, 160 hp, in-line engine

Additional Photographs

The Canada Aviation Museum’s Image Bank contains additional photographs of this aircraft. Images are provided for non-commercial study or research purposes only and may not be reproduced or published without the prior consent of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Find out more about our Image bank here.