Albatros D.Va

The Albatros D.Va the development and refinement of a long series of successful Albatros scouts. Many noted pilots flew the type in service, and it generally received favorable reviews. Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron) scored many of his victories in Albatros types. Unfortunately, he was also shot down in one but lived to fly another day.

Our Albatros was originally finished in the colors of the aircraft of Hauptman Eduard Ritter von Schleich, Commanding Officer of Jasta 21. Following the death of his close friend Leutnant Limpert, he painted his entire aircraft black and became known as the “Black Knight”. Von Schleich survived the war having destroyed 35 enemy aircraft, and received numerous awards for his efforts including Germany’s highest honor, the Pour le Merite ( “The Blue Max”). 

This reproduction aircraft, built by Cole Palen, Gordon Bainbridge, and Neil Boehme, made its first flight in October 1975 with an original 120 HP Mercedes engine. Shortly thereafter the Mercedes crankshaft broke and with much reluctance the Albatros was fitted with a more “modern” Ranger engine. This engine replacement has allowed thousands of Aerodrome visitors to witness and enjoy the beauty of the Albatros in flight.

In 2013 the Albatros was restored and the decision was made to change the livery to the brilliant Bavarian colors of the D.V / D.Va flown by Lt. Hans Böhning of Jagdstaffel 36 / Jagdstaffel 76. It returned to the air in May 2014.

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