ALBATROS D.III

Albatros D.III was a single-seater airplane, a biplane with a mixed structure, mostly wooden, with an open cockpit and a classic-fixed landing gear. Designed in 1916. and built at the German Albatros-Werke factory in Berlin. In the first half of 1916, Eng. Robert Thelen, using the experience of aviators using Albatros DI and D.II fighter planes, began developing a new fighter plane for the German aviation. According to the requirements, it was to be a plane with good maneuverability, the ability to quickly maneuver in a vertical position, high rate of climb and resistance to overloads. The prototype of the Albatros D.III aircraft was first flew in September 1916. It turned out to be easy to fly, maneuverable, durable and with good performance. After introducing minor corrections, serial production was launched in 1917. A total of 1,340 Albatros D.III aircraft were manufactured, mainly at the Ostdeutsche Albatros-Werke plant in Piła. From 1917, the planes were directed to the German air units to the front, mainly to the west. They had a faster rate of climb than the Allied planes, but were inferior to their maneuverability. The famous German airmen from World War I Manfred von Richthofen and Ernst Udet fought on the Albatros D.III plane. Technical data: Top speed: 175 km / h; climb speed 4.5 m / s, maximum ceiling 5500 m, armament: two 7.92 mm LMG08 / 15 machine guns.