X

UPDATE: •Air Shows Every Sat & Sun Thru Oct 16. •Biplane Rides and Museum open daily. •Aero-Log for the latest news.

  • Skip to content
  • Skip to footer
  • About Us
  • The Collection
  • Contact Us
  • Work At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Old Rhinebeck Aerorome Logo

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

We’re Living History and Family Fun

  • Air Shows
  • Museum
  • Biplane Rides
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Donate
  • Air Show & Museum Tickets

Fokker Dr.1

Back to 1914-1918 - World War I

a photo of a Dr. 1 triplane in flight

Fokker Dr.1

  • : Germany
  • : 1917
  • : Le Rhone or Oberursel
  • 110
  • 23 ' 7"
  • 102 mph (164 km/hr)
  • 1290 lbs (585 kg)

  • : Static Exhibit
  • : Reproduction

The Fokker Dr.I combined excellent maneuverability with a high rate of climb. It was favored by Manfred von Richthofen, and Werner Voss, two of Germany’s legendary fighter pilots. Both lost their lives in this type of aircraft in two of the most talked about air battles of the war.

The Dr.I was developed from the lesser known Fokker D.VI biplane, both featured cantilever wings (which did not require external bracing). This wing design was a tremendous breakthrough in aircraft development. However, many Triplanes suffered wing failures in flight, resulting in fatal crashes. The design was slightly modified, but evidence indicates the failures were caused by poor workmanship in the form of insufficient varnish which resulted in moisture absorption and deterioration of the wooden wings.

There are no known original Fokker triplanes in existence. In 1967, Cole Palen constructed this reproduction, complete with a 110 hp Le Rhone rotary engine, using drawings from several sources including those made by the British from a captured aircraft.

It is fair to say that with this particular aircraft, Cole Palen became responsible for popularizing the idea of homebuilding full-scale World War I reproduction aircraft around the world. It also played a major role in the growth of the Aerodrome, dogfighting Dick King’s authentic Sopwith Pup reproduction for many years. After twenty years of continuous use, flying in nearly every Sunday show, the Dr.1 was retired.


Click for more information about the Fokker Dr.1


Subscribe to our mailing list

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Things to do

  • Air Shows
  • Museum
  • Biplane Rides
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Donate
  • Air Show & Museum Tickets

Get involved

  • Donate
  • Education
  • Work At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
  • Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Facebook Fans
  • Volunteer at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
  • Donating an Item
  • Our Generous Sponsors

About Us

  • Aero-Log
  • The Collection
  • About Cole and Rita Palen
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • About the Website

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Copyright © 2022
9 Norton Rd., Red Hook, NY 12571 (Driving Address)
PO Box 229, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 (Mailing Address)
Telephone: (845)752-3200
Fax: 845-758-6481
[email protected]