Pfalz DIII
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Pfalz DIII aircraft were known for their strength and reliability. They could dive and turn with other aircraft of the time. However, they were slower in level flight than most other aircraft, and their rate of climb was marginal.
Initially the Pfalz DIII was only supplied to Bavarian units of the German Air Force as a result of their factory being run by the Bavarian government.
Pfalz DIII biplanes saw front line service from November of 1917 through July of 1918, at which time they were replaced by more competent aircraft. However they soldiered on in a training role through the war.
A total of about 600 Pfalz DIII aircraft were produced.
The photo immediately above is of the Pfalz DIII for sale from Airdrome. They will sell you plans or a kit. The scale model rc airplane has a wing span of 63". Recommended power is an Astro 40 motor. Upon completion, it will weigh around 7 3/4 lbs.
Cleveland Model Supply has plans for the Pfalz DIII. It comes in wing spans of 15, 23, 30, 46, 61 and 92 inches.
Aerodrome RC has two sizes of short kits or plans for sale of the Pfalz DIII. The smaller has a wing span of 24 1/2". The best motor, according to Aerodrome RC, is a geared Feigao brushless swinging a 8 x 6 propeller. The rc airplane only weighs 8 ounces.
Aerodrome has a 41" wingspan Pfalz DIII plan or short kit. It is in the first picture below. Materials used are balsa and plywood. Aerodrome recommends a AXI 2808 motor turning a 11 x 7 propeller to get the best performance. Ready to fly weight is 28 oz.
The good looking Pfalz DIII in the second picture below is a modified ARF. It has a 59" wing span and is 51" long. Roy Legg, who purchased it, tells us that he found it didn't fly well as supplied. He added ailerons and a AXI 4130/16 motor and now he says it flys like a dream. All up weight is 7 lbs. 14 oz.
The third picture down is of Seth Hunter and his 1/4 scale scratch built Pfalz DIII. It is powered by a DA 50 engine. It took Seth three years to build it.
We saw a foamy Pfalz DIII made by Simprop for sale recently at RC Universe. It has a 35.5" wingspan and can be powered by Speed 400 type motors. Although this scale rc model is no longer produced, you can occasionally find it for sale on eBay and other rc airplane sites.
Do you have a favorite Pfalz DIII? If so, please email us.
Pfalz D.III
