Fighter aircraft were developed by 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 perfect 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 Using unpublished images including photographs of surviving aircraft, archive images, and models and replicas, it shows details of aircraft that were kept top secret during the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 modellers.

About the Author
Mark C. Wilkins is an historian, writer, lecturer, and museum professional. He has been director and curator of both the Cape Cod Maritime Museum and The Atwood House Museum and has worked for the Smithsonian Institution & Mystic Seaport. Mark is a published author of books and articles relating to maritime and aviation history. Mark has been a contributor to Smithsonian's Air & Space Magazine and Aviation History magazine. He has an A.L.M. in history from Harvard University and was the historical consultant and producer of aerial effects for the Lafayette Escadrille documentary film. He serves on the Board for the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.

Reviews
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. * Scale Aviation Modeller International *
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 Magazine 23/10/2022 *
Topping out at roughly 192 pages of iconic WWI German fighter aircraft facts, anecdotes and history, it is highly recommended * Large Scale Planes 02/11/2022 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781612006192
Author Mark C. Wilkins
Format Hardback
Page Count 160
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers