ALBATROS D.II

Albatros D.II was a development version of the Albatros DI aircraft.This model differed from the predecessor by 30 cm lower with the upper lobe and the replacement of the pyramids supporting the lamina from the shape of an inverted V-letter into the outwardly extended N-shaped supports. the front which was blocked by these pyramids. The plane was equipped with the same engine and externally did not differ much from its predecessor. The Albatros D.II planes used on a mass scale quickly regained air superiority for the German army. Oswald Boelcke died on this plane on October 28, 1916. He was hit in formation by one of his pilots. The machine was operational enough to land, but unfortunately Oswald fell into turbulence and crashed. The plane that nudged him managed to land. The Albatros DII was a single-seat fighter biplane with a half-shell fuselage structure with a working plywood sheathing. Rectangular panels of wooden structure, covered with linen. The plane was armed with two 7.92 mm Spandau rifles firing through the propeller circle with a Fokker synchroniser. Approximately 275 units of the Albatros DII were produced. The plane, however, was not as maneuverable as the French Nieuporty. In order to improve the situation in the next model, Albatros D.III, the "Nieuporta chamber" was used - the half-and-a-half system. Technical data: Top speed: 175 km / h; climb speed 3 m / s, maximum ceiling 5200 m.