German Fighter Aircraft in World War I

Design, Construction and Innovation

by Mark C Wilkins

Series:

Series: Casemate Illustrated Special

Imprint: Casemate

192 Pages, 8 x 10 in, 140 color and black and white photos and illustrations, 10 color profiles

Hardcover
9781612006192
November 2019
In Stock

$37.95

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9781612006208
November 2019

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Description
Contents
Authors
Praise

Fully illustrated overview of the development and different types of German Fighter aircraft during World War I.

Fighter aircraft were developed during World War I at an unprecedented rate, as nascent air forces sought to achieve and maintain air supremacy. German manufacturers innovated at top speed, while constantly scrutinizing the development of new enemy aircraft. The Germans also utilized the concept of systematic production or modular engineering during the war—Fokker capitalized on this aspect with all his aircraft built in a similar fashion—wooden wings with welded steel fuselages. This meant that they could be disassembled or reassembled quickly in the field—unlike many Allied aircraft. Pfalz and Albatros were the first to realize the importance of a streamlined fuselage—the precursor to all that would follow. Both of these companies built semi-monocoque fuselages using plywood to develop semi-stressed skin—the Allies had nothing like this. The Germans also perfected powerful inline engines, as exemplified by the Albatros fighters. These engines did not have the gyroscopic effect of the rotary engines and as such were easier and more stable to fly. Fokker was slow to give up his rotary engines but once he did, the result was the iconic Fokker D VII—years ahead of its time and the only aircraft specifically mentioned in the Treaty of Versailles that Germany could not build after the war.

German Fighter Aircraft in World War I explores how German fighter aircraft were developed during the war, the innovations and trials that made the Fokker D VII possible, and the different makes and types of aircraft. Using unpublished images including photographs of surviving aircraft, archive images, and models and replicas, it shows details of aircraft that were kept top secret during the war. Extensively illustrated with 140 photos and ten color profiles, this is will be essential reading for all WWI aviation enthusiasts and modelers.

"This volume is especially recommended to technical enthusiasts and modelers, who will find new material driven by the creative personalities, politics and wartime exigencies of the period." ~Over the Front

"Thanks to its lavish and copious illustrations, the book covers a broad range of topics quickly and lays a foundation of information that the curious reader can use to seek additional information from other sources." ~Air Power History

"I can easily recommend this volume to aviation enthusiasts, World War I history lovers, and especially model makers." ~A Wargamers Needful Things

"...if you're really into WWI aviation, this book is so different from the usual fare that it deserves a second and third look." ~Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

"Author Wilkins successfully walks a fine line between abundant technical details and interesting storytelling." ~IPMS/USA

"...a wonderful read with an array of photographs rarely equaled in the Great War genre." ~Indy Squadron Dispatch

"Copiously illustrated with both contemporary photographs and drawings and those showing preserved examples and modern reproductions in great detail, this is an invaluable book for modellers tackling these early airframes. There are even some colour profiles by Ronny Bar to inspire future projects." ~Scale Aviation Modeller International

"Topping out at roughly 192 pages of iconic WWI German fighter aircraft facts, anecdotes and history, it is highly recommended" ~Large Scale Planes

“This profusely illustrated volume provides an absorbing description of the development of German aircraft through the First World War. … In each instance many diagrams and illustrations accompany the informative text including numerous colour images of surviving examples and reproductions.” ~The Aviation Historian