Fokker D.VII
- : Germany
- : 1918
- : Mercedes D.III
- 200
- 29 ' 2"
- 117 mph (188 km/hr)
- 1984 lbs (900 kg)
- : Static Exhibit (Under Restoration)
- : Reproduction
The Fokker D.VII is among the best-known aircraft of the War and is considered by many to be the best fighter of its time. It had the unique ability to hang on its prop while the nose was pitched upward–an advantage when attacking from below. It also had exceptional slow flight characteristics and was quite maneuverable. Designed by Reinhold Platz it features cantilever wings which require no bracing wires and a steel tube fuselage. It was in such high demand that Fokker could not meet the demand and licensed other German aircraft manufacturers to build them. In defiance of the terms of the Armistice which required all D.VIIs to be surrendered, Fokker managed to smuggle a significant number out of Germany.
Our D.VII has an original 200 HP Mercedes in-line, six-cylinder, water-cooled engine. The construction is identical to the original, using the same materials and techniques. It is a weekly star performer in our air shows. Built by Cole Palen and Ken Cassens, it is the last aircraft Cole built that he saw fly before he passed away in 1993.
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