Albatros Dr.I

The Albatros Dr.I was one of a large number of triplane fighters designed in Germany during 1917, but didn't enter production.

In the spring of 1917 the RNAS introduced the Sopwith Triplane, a manoeuvrable fighter that had a short but spectacular career on the Western Front. Its appearance triggered something of a mania for triplanes in Germany, and during 1917 eleven companies produced a triplane design (most famous of which was the Fokker Dr I).

Albatros took a simple approach and simply gave their D.V fighter a new triplane wing. The new wings were of equal span and equal chord, with ailerons on each wing. The centre wing was attached to the centre of the fuselage while the upper and lower wings were mounted with a gap between the wing and the fuselage.

The Albatros Dr.I was no better than the D.V, and didn't enter production. Albatros produced a second triplane in 1918, the Dr.II, but with no more success.

Engine: Mercedes D.III
Power: 160hp
Span: 28ft 6 5/8in
Length: 23ft 11 1/2in
Height: 7ft 11 1/4in
Armament: Two Spandau machine guns

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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (pending), Albatros Dr.I , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_albatros_Dr_I.html

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