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Fokker D.VIII
Click on the picture to hear the wav sound.
NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Fokker D.VIII aircraft were the last production fighters of the company to be produced prior to the end of World War I. Small numbers were deployed beginning in August of 1918. The War officially ended on Nov. 18, 1918.
The D.VIII had a thick, highly undercambered wing meant to produce excellent lift at slow speeds. The aircraft was among the most maneuverable of the time. Although its engine only produced 110 h.p., the D.VIII had less drag than biplanes and was reasonably fast.
Pilots found its flight characteristics forgiving and enjoyed excellent visibility from its cockpit.
The D.VIII was designed to be uncomplicated and quick to assemble. It was supposed to be the fastest building German aircraft of the entire war. However, the rush to produce the aircraft has been named the major cause of weakness in the wings that caused at
least two pilots to lose their lives when wings failed during flight.
It was found that moisture penetrated the wooden parts of the wings, eventually rotting them. Wing spars were also found to be poorly assembled. Stronger rear main spars were added to the wings and assembly techniques modified to correct the problems.
Replacing defective wings resulted in delays, limiting the amount of aircraft that were produced before the war ended. Many aircraft were grounded awaiting new wings.
We are told of only a single encounter of the Fokker D.VIII where it downed an enemy aircraft. It was on August 17, 1918 and is said to be the last such encounter of World War I. Ironically the same victorious aircraft crashed, killing its pilot, two days later when its wings failed.
By some accounts the Fokker D.VIII is said to be the best dogfighter of World War I. However, there were not enough of the aircraft in service for any reliable record to be established.
A total of 289 Fokker D.VIII aircraft were built. After the war a few were exported to countries around the world to be exhibited. Seven of the aircraft were used by Poland. The remainder were disassembled and their parts sold per the German surrender agreement.
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Specifications
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Primary Function:
Crew:
Engine:
Power:
Weight Empty:
Full Weight:
Machine Guns:
Length:
Wingspan:
Max. Speed:
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Year Deployed: |
fighter
one
Oberursel UR.II
110 h.p.
850 lbs.
1,240 lbs.
2 - 7.92 mm
19' 4"
27' 0"
128 mph
1,498 fpm
20,500 feet
175 miles
5/14/18
1918 |
Radio Control Airplane
A rc Fokker D.VIII from a Balsa USA kit.
Radio Control Airplanes:
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The picture right above is of a rc 1/4 scale Fokker D.VIII built from a Balsa USA kit for sale. Its wingspan is 81" and length is 59 1/2". Power
can come from .90 to 1.20 four cycle engines. Weight is around 13 lbs.
Dare Hobbies has a Fokker D-8 kit for sale. It is designed by Pat Tritle. Wingspan is 45" and length is 33". It takes a geared Speed
400 motor to power the approximately 20 oz. model.
The picture right below is of a old timer Folker D.VIII rc airplane built by Nick Keley. It was built from Earl Stahl plans that are for sale by Bob Holman.
Wingspan is 57". From .20 to .30 engines are recommended for power.
Pictured second is a ARF Fokker D.VIII park flyer rc airplane from Kavan. It has a 34" wingspan, a 24" length and weighs around 13 1/2 oz.
A geared Speed 280 motor is included with the model.
The next picture below is a Fokker D.VIII built from a Aerodrome RC kit. The kit is of wood construction. Its builder is Edi Werner. Wingspan is 55", and all up it weighs about 3 lbs. AXI 2220 or 2826 motors can power it.
Laser Works has a rc Fokker D.VIII short kit for sale made from RCM plans. Its wingspan is 55". Engines can be from .35 to .46 2C or
from .45 to .50 4C.
Kit Cutters has a rc Fokker D8 kit for sale made from Uncle Willies Plans. The scale model rc airplane is in the bottom picture on this page.
Its wingspan is 69" and length is .60". A .60 engine is the recommended power.
Kit Cutters has rc Fokker D.VIII kits made from Cleveland plans with wing spans of 40", 53", and a giant scale 80".
Precision Cut Kits has a giant scale 111" wingspan rc Fokker D.VIII kit for sale from Ron Weiss Plans.
Arizona Model Aircrafters has rc Fokker D.VIII plans that build to wingspans of 28", 55", giant scale 83", and 111".
Email us.
Radio Control Airplane
Nick Kesey's rc Fokker D.VIII.
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Fokker D.VIII
