Germany - 1916 Fokker D.IV

Early Fokker Aircraft part 4

The attempts to create a effective fighter continued The next development returned to the basic structure of the Fokker D.I.fitted with a more powerful engine, an increase in the space between the upper wing and fuselage, and a new set of wing bracing. The D.IV ws the first Fokker aircraft to use an N shaped wing strut. The had a short service life due to more effective aircraft coming n line.

Fokker D.IV - 1916

The Fokker D.IV was a German fighter biplane of World War I, this was the last variant in the development of the D.I. In the quest for improved performance it was fitted with the more powerful Mercedes D.III inline six-cylinder water-cooled engine, generating 160 hp (120 kW). The aircraft was fitted with twin fixed, forward-firing synchronised 0.312 in (7.92 mm) LMG 08/15 "Spandau" machine guns. The upper wing was raised and the wing struts were strengthed by bracings configured in an N-pattern.

The aircraft was purchased in small numbers (40) by the German Army and the Swedes bought 4. The D.IV production life did not last long. It was soon superceded by newer and better designs. This type was soon overshadowed in 1917 by the higher performance D.VI and the iconic Fokker Dr.I triplane.

References

1. "Fokker D.IV," From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fokker_D.IV
2. Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). "Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation". London: Studio Editions. pp. 399.
3. "World Aircraft Information Files". London: Bright Star Publishing. pp. File 894 Sheet 40-41.
4. Green, William; Gordon Swanborough (1994). "The Complete Book of Fighters. London": Greenwich Editions. pp. 221.
5. Lamberton, W. M. (1960). "Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War". Letchworth,Herts: Harleyford Publications Limited. pp. 218.