FokD2

Fokker D-II

Designed as a replacement for the Eindecker, the Fokker D-II, and its sister the D-III were only marginally better.

The Fokker D-II:

ATTENTION: all flight notes are based on certain parameters used in CFS when flying the plane, such as active sunglare, g-effects, and especially limited ammunition rules. Also, the tactical notes apply to modified flight models (the AIR files) and Damage Profiles of other WW I planes worked on by myself to model the real thing. It also assumes that hard-core flight simmers will fly the plane in its proper time period, pitting it against its more common opponents. The flight model was tested in medium and hard settings, and extensively "field tested" against human opponents, with repeated cross checks to historical descriptions of its handling.

Historical Notes:

The Fokker D-II (and its sister, the D-III) was designed as a replacement for the Eindecker, which had little future design potential. The wings were a typical fabric-covered type, but the fuselage retained the welded framed structure developed by Rheinhold Platz. The engine was a 100 hp Oberursel rotary, which protruded partially from the bottom of the open aluminum cowling. The D-III would mount a 160 hp rotary. Both the D-II and III still used the "wing warping" technique of lateral control, in place of ailerons. This method was already considered obsolete, and would be replaced by the aileron system in the Fokker D-I and IV (the former actually being built after the D-II).

Both types were built in small numbers, and their performance never met expectations. Only about 290 of these machines were built, and were quickly outclassed by the superior Albatros. Although it could out climb both the Albatros and Halberstadt D-IIs, the Fokker D-II/IIIs were too stable to make good fighters. They were initially issued to the field reconnaissance units for escort duty, and a few found their way to the early fighter units. A D-III used by Oswald Boelcke (serial number 352/16) was preserved after the war and displayed in the Zeughaus in Berlin, but was destroyed by an Allied air raid in 1943. Other aces such as Ernst Udet flew the D-III, and on one occasion fitted a dummy's head behind his cockpit in an effort to fool enemy pilots that he had a rear gunner. As Albatros scouts became more plentiful, the Fokker D-II and III was withdrawn from active service and sent to training schools.

Although a mediocre aircraft overall, its one redeeming factor was a decent rate of climb.

Basic performance statistics: Fokker D-II / III

Engine: D-II: 100hp Oberursel UI 9 cylinder rotary engine

D-III: 160hp Oberursel UIII 14 cylinder rotary engine

Weight: empty 845 lbs; loaded 1,267 lbs

empty 994 lbs; loaded 1,562 lbs

Maximum speed: 93 mph (D-II); 100 mph (D-III)

Climb rate: to 3,280 feet.... 4 min (D-II), 3 min (D-III); to 13,120 feet.... 24 min, 20 min

Service ceiling: 13,120 feet

Flight endurance: 1.5 hours

Basic Specifications (for Fokker D-II only... the D-III was slightly larger):

Manufacturer: Fokker Flugzug Werke

Dimensions: Span 28 ft, 8.5 in; Length 21 ft; Height: 7 ft, 4.5 in

Areas: Wings 194 sq ft

Fuel: na in sources, however probably about 16-18 gallons as in Eindecker.

Armament: Single Maxim machinegun synchronized to fire through the airscrew.

Typical ammo load: 400-450 rounds typical load

Primary sources: "Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War I, 1919 (1990 reprint); "British Aeroplanes, 1914-1918," J.M. Bruce; "German Aircraft of the First World War," Gray and Thetford; "Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War" Lamberton et al; "Aircraft Camouflage and Markings 1907-1954," Robertson et al; "Military Small Arms of the 20th Century," Hogg and Weeks.

Fighting and winning in the Fokker D-II:

Unfortunately, by the time the Fokker D-II arrived on the front (1916) it was already an obsolete plane. Had it appeared in 1915 it would have had a better reputation. Nevertheless, the D-II has a few strengths, which if used properly, can provide you the edge you need. First, it can absorb a little more damage than most of the era because of the steel tubed fuselage. Second, it has a good climb rate, although it is outclassed in this category by the Sopwith Pup. It can climb a little faster than the Albatros D-II or Halberstadt D-II. In this regard, the Fokker D-II can be used as a top cover aircraft. Climb to altitude and then dive down on an opponent. In no way can the Fokker turn circles with the DH-2, Bristol Scout, and especially with the Pup or Nieuport 11 / 17 series. It can out turn the Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter, but barely! After diving on the enemy, zoom away in a slight dive. If faced with the DH-2 you can return for another attack. However, later aircraft can easily catch and out maneuver the Fokker D-II. Used in pairs or trios can be effective if fire is concentrated on one enemy aircraft during the diving attack.

The Fokker D-II makes a challenging aircraft to fly on the Zone against other opponents. If you can come out of engagements with about a 1 to 1 kill-loss ratio, then you certainly have the true touch of a fighter pilot!

A quick note about climb rates and speed. The CFS system frustrated my attempts to make accurate climb rates for the planes. Most (but not all) CFS type planes climb faster than they should. Climb rates for this machine (and other WW 1 types) are adjusted on a ratio where the rate is 12 to 15% faster than historically accurate. Although the planes climb faster, the adjustments made them climb accurately in comparison to each other. This was crucial, since climbing (and diving) were principle tactics in aerial combat, placing a pilot either in control, or at the mercy of his foes. Regarding speed, it has been noted that planes tend to fly faster on the internet (WW I machines going 15-18 mph faster). Thus, the AIR file was adjusted to slow the plane down. You will see this if you fly the plane against the computer in Quick Combat.




	Fokker D-II


		Designed as a replacement for the Eindecker, the Fokker D-II, and its sister the D-III were only marginally better.

The Fokker D-II: ATTENTION: all flight notes are based on certain parameters used in CFS when flying the plane, such as active sunglare, g-effects, and especially limited ammunition rules. Also, the tactical notes apply to modified flight models (the AIR files) and Damage Profiles of other WW I planes worked on by myself to model the real thing. It also assumes that hard-core flight simmers will fly the plane in its proper time period, pitting it against its more common opponents. The flight model was tested in medium and hard settings, and extensively "field tested" against human opponents, with repeated cross checks to historical descriptions of its handling. Historical Notes: The Fokker D-II (and its sister, the D-III) was designed as a replacement for the Eindecker, which had little future design potential. The wings were a typical fabric-covered type, but the fuselage retained the welded framed structure developed by Rheinhold Platz. The engine was a 100 hp Oberursel rotary, which protruded partially from the bottom of the open aluminum cowling. The D-III would mount a 160 hp rotary. Both the D-II and III still used the "wing warping" technique of lateral control, in place of ailerons. This method was already considered obsolete, and would be replaced by the aileron system in the Fokker D-I and IV (the former actually being built after the D-II). Both types were built in small numbers, and their performance never met expectations. Only about 290 of these machines were built, and were quickly outclassed by the superior Albatros. Although it could out climb both the Albatros and Halberstadt D-IIs, the Fokker D-II/IIIs were too stable to make good fighters. They were initially issued to the field reconnaissance units for escort duty, and a few found their way to the early fighter units. A D-III used by Oswald Boelcke (serial number 352/16) was preserved after the war and displayed in the Zeughaus in Berlin, but was destroyed by an Allied air raid in 1943. Other aces such as Ernst Udet flew the D-III, and on one occasion fitted a dummy's head behind his cockpit in an effort to fool enemy pilots that he had a rear gunner. As Albatros scouts became more plentiful, the Fokker D-II and III was withdrawn from active service and sent to training schools. Although a mediocre aircraft overall, its one redeeming factor was a decent rate of climb. Basic performance statistics: Fokker D-II / III Engine: D-II: 100hp Oberursel UI 9 cylinder rotary engine D-III: 160hp Oberursel UIII 14 cylinder rotary engine Weight: empty 845 lbs; loaded 1,267 lbs empty 994 lbs; loaded 1,562 lbs Maximum speed: 93 mph (D-II); 100 mph (D-III) Climb rate: to 3,280 feet.... 4 min (D-II), 3 min (D-III); to 13,120 feet.... 24 min, 20 min Service ceiling: 13,120 feet Flight endurance: 1.5 hours Basic Specifications (for Fokker D-II only... the D-III was slightly larger): Manufacturer: Fokker Flugzug Werke Dimensions: Span 28 ft, 8.5 in; Length 21 ft; Height: 7 ft, 4.5 in Areas: Wings 194 sq ft Fuel: na in sources, however probably about 16-18 gallons as in Eindecker. Armament: Single Maxim machinegun synchronized to fire through the airscrew. Typical ammo load: 400-450 rounds typical load Primary sources: "Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War I, 1919 (1990 reprint); "British Aeroplanes, 1914-1918," J.M. Bruce; "German Aircraft of the First World War," Gray and Thetford; "Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War" Lamberton et al; "Aircraft Camouflage and Markings 1907-1954," Robertson et al; "Military Small Arms of the 20th Century," Hogg and Weeks. Fighting and winning in the Fokker D-II: Unfortunately, by the time the Fokker D-II arrived on the front (1916) it was already an obsolete plane. Had it appeared in 1915 it would have had a better reputation. Nevertheless, the D-II has a few strengths, which if used properly, can provide you the edge you need. First, it can absorb a little more damage than most of the era because of the steel tubed fuselage. Second, it has a good climb rate, although it is outclassed in this category by the Sopwith Pup. It can climb a little faster than the Albatros D-II or Halberstadt D-II. In this regard, the Fokker D-II can be used as a top cover aircraft. Climb to altitude and then dive down on an opponent. In no way can the Fokker turn circles with the DH-2, Bristol Scout, and especially with the Pup or Nieuport 11 / 17 series. It can out turn the Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter, but barely! After diving on the enemy, zoom away in a slight dive. If faced with the DH-2 you can return for another attack. However, later aircraft can easily catch and out maneuver the Fokker D-II. Used in pairs or trios can be effective if fire is concentrated on one enemy aircraft during the diving attack. The Fokker D-II makes a challenging aircraft to fly on the Zone against other opponents. If you can come out of engagements with about a 1 to 1 kill-loss ratio, then you certainly have the true touch of a fighter pilot! A quick note about climb rates and speed. The CFS system frustrated my attempts to make accurate climb rates for the planes. Most (but not all) CFS type planes climb faster than they should. Climb rates for this machine (and other WW 1 types) are adjusted on a ratio where the rate is 12 to 15% faster than historically accurate. Although the planes climb faster, the adjustments made them climb accurately in comparison to each other. This was crucial, since climbing (and diving) were principle tactics in aerial combat, placing a pilot either in control, or at the mercy of his foes. Regarding speed, it has been noted that planes tend to fly faster on the internet (WW I machines going 15-18 mph faster). Thus, the AIR file was adjusted to slow the plane down. You will see this if you fly the plane against the computer in Quick Combat.