订阅以下载
BTO (1.0 RANK) (🇩🇪 German Empire) (Fighter) (RED Albatros D.III)

🛩️ Albatros D.III — Overview and History

The Albatros D.III was a German and Austro-Hungarian single-seat sesquiplane fighter aircraft developed and produced between 1916 and 1918. Known for its excellent maneuverability and climb rate, it became one of Germany’s premier fighters during the “Bloody April” of 1917 and was flown by many of the leading aces of the German Empire.

🛠️ Design and Development

The Albatros D.III was an evolution of the earlier D.I and D.II series, featuring the same characteristic semi-monocoque fuselage made of plywood. Its most distinctive innovation was the sesquiplane wing layout, with a smaller lower wing and V-shaped interplane struts (“V-strutter” design), which improved maneuverability and pilot visibility compared to earlier models.

However, early production versions suffered from structural failures of the lower wing, a serious design flaw that limited high-stress maneuvers until modifications were made. The Austrian ♥♥♥♥♥♥ (Österreichische Flugzeugfabrik AG) later produced improved variants under license with stronger wings and more powerful Austro-Daimler engines.

⚔️ Combat Use

The D.III entered service in late 1916 and quickly gained popularity among German pilots for its agility and climb performance. During “Bloody April” (April 1917), it was the dominant German fighter on the Western Front, achieving numerous victories against Allied aircraft.

Despite its success, the D.III’s wing weakness remained a limitation in combat, prompting careful handling by pilots. Later ♥♥♥♥♥♥-built versions corrected these flaws and remained in service even after newer German fighters like the Fokker D.VII appeared.

🔧 Notable Features

Sesquiplane layout with V-shaped interplane struts.

Semi-monocoque plywood fuselage — advanced construction for its time.

Armament: 2 × 7.92 mm synchronized LMG 08/15 “Spandau” machine guns.

Excellent climb rate and maneuverability for 1916–1917.

Early production models suffered from lower wing structural issues.





🧾 Albatros D.III Specifications




| **Parameter** | **Value** |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **Type** | Single-seat fighter (sesquiplane) |
| **Crew** | 1 (pilot) |
| **Manufacturer** | Albatros Flugzeugwerke (and ♥♥♥♥♥♥ under license) |
| **First flight** | August 1916 |
| **Production years** | 1916–1918 (including ♥♥♥♥♥♥ production) |
| **Number built** | ~1,866 (all variants) |
| **Length** | ~7.33 m |
| **Wingspan** | ~9.05 m (upper wing) |
| **Height** | ~2.95–2.98 m |
| **Wing area** | ~23–24 m² |
| **Empty weight** | ~695–880 kg (depending on variant) |
| **Loaded weight** | ~900–955 kg |
| **Engine** | Mercedes D.III inline 6-cylinder, 160–170 hp |
| **Max speed** | ~170–175 km/h (105–109 mph) |
| **Range** | ~300 km |
| **Service ceiling** | ~5,400–5,500 m |
| **Armament** | 2 × 7.92 mm LMG 08/15 machine guns |