FokD4

Fokker D-IV

Despite its 160 hp Mercedes engine, the Fokker D-IV was only a marginal improvement over the previous Fokker aircraft.

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:

Like its predecessors, the Fokker D-II and III, the Fokker D-IV was designed to replace the Eindeckers. Both the D-I and D-IV looked similar at first glance, but the D-I still used the "wing warp" system of lateral control, and had a 120 hp Mercedes engine like the Halberstadt D- II. The D-IV was an attempt to increase the power of the design, and it was equipped with a 160 hp Mercedes D.III 6 cylinder in-line engine. In this configuration, the Fokker D-IV gained a significant climb advantage. However, this was the only major redeeming factor. The plane was still sluggish and stiff at the controls, although having somewhat better control than the D-IIs.

The wings were a typical fabric-covered type, but the fuselage had the welded framed structure developed by Rheinhold Platz. Unlike the D-I, the D-IV used standard ailerons in place of the obsolete wing warp system. Armament still consisted of a single machine gun, and in this layout the Fokker D-IV was to be outclassed by the new Albatros scouts with twin guns. Efforts were made to install two guns, but this was found to degrade performance significantly and was therefore discontinued. D-IVs, like the others in the Fokker D-1 through IV series, were issued in small numbers to various units to serve as escorts for the two-seaters. As more Albatros machines became available, the D-IVs were withdrawn from service and sent to training units.

Although a mediocre aircraft overall, its one redeeming factor was an excellent rate of climb, in which it could rival such aircraft as the Bristol Scout and Sopwith Pup. However, it was found that the 160 hp Mercedes engine would be of better use in the new Albatros machines.

Basic performance statistics: Fokker D-I and D-IV

Engine: D-I: 120hp Mercedes D.II 6 cylinder in-line engine

D-IV: 160hp Mercedes D.III 6 cylinder in-line engine

Weight: empty 1,019 lbs; loaded 1,476 lbs

empty 1,333 lbs; loaded 1,850 lbs

Maximum speed: 93 mph (D-I); 100 mph (D-IV)

Climb rate: to 3,280 feet.... 5 min (D-I), 3 min (D-IV)

Service ceiling: 16,400 feet

Flight endurance: 1.5 hours

Basic Specifications (for Fokker D-IV only):

Manufacturer: Fokker Flugzug Werke

Dimensions: Span 31 ft, 10 in; Length 20 ft, 8 in; Height: 8 ft, 0.5 in

Areas: Wings 227 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. A few were equipped with twin guns, but this was dropped due to performance degradation.

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-IV:

The Fokker D-IV is in a similar situation to its sister, the D-II. When the Fokker D-IV arrived on the front (1916) it was quickly rendered obsolete by the introduction of other aircraft. The D-IV does have 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 an excellent climb rate, nearly as good as the Sopwith Pup. It is this superior climb rate that makes the Fokker D-IV a good "top cover" aircraft during the 1916 period. Once at altitude, the best attack is the "dive and zoom" type. Don't try to out maneuver a Pup or Nieuport 17... you will only get flamed. 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-IV. Used in pairs or trios can be effective if fire is concentrated on one enemy aircraft during the diving attack.

The Fokker D-IV, like the 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-IV


		Despite its 160 hp Mercedes engine, the Fokker D-IV was only a marginal improvement over the previous Fokker aircraft.

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: Like its predecessors, the Fokker D-II and III, the Fokker D-IV was designed to replace the Eindeckers. Both the D-I and D-IV looked similar at first glance, but the D-I still used the "wing warp" system of lateral control, and had a 120 hp Mercedes engine like the Halberstadt D- II. The D-IV was an attempt to increase the power of the design, and it was equipped with a 160 hp Mercedes D.III 6 cylinder in-line engine. In this configuration, the Fokker D-IV gained a significant climb advantage. However, this was the only major redeeming factor. The plane was still sluggish and stiff at the controls, although having somewhat better control than the D-IIs. The wings were a typical fabric-covered type, but the fuselage had the welded framed structure developed by Rheinhold Platz. Unlike the D-I, the D-IV used standard ailerons in place of the obsolete wing warp system. Armament still consisted of a single machine gun, and in this layout the Fokker D-IV was to be outclassed by the new Albatros scouts with twin guns. Efforts were made to install two guns, but this was found to degrade performance significantly and was therefore discontinued. D-IVs, like the others in the Fokker D-1 through IV series, were issued in small numbers to various units to serve as escorts for the two-seaters. As more Albatros machines became available, the D-IVs were withdrawn from service and sent to training units. Although a mediocre aircraft overall, its one redeeming factor was an excellent rate of climb, in which it could rival such aircraft as the Bristol Scout and Sopwith Pup. However, it was found that the 160 hp Mercedes engine would be of better use in the new Albatros machines. Basic performance statistics: Fokker D-I and D-IV Engine: D-I: 120hp Mercedes D.II 6 cylinder in-line engine D-IV: 160hp Mercedes D.III 6 cylinder in-line engine Weight: empty 1,019 lbs; loaded 1,476 lbs empty 1,333 lbs; loaded 1,850 lbs Maximum speed: 93 mph (D-I); 100 mph (D-IV) Climb rate: to 3,280 feet.... 5 min (D-I), 3 min (D-IV) Service ceiling: 16,400 feet Flight endurance: 1.5 hours Basic Specifications (for Fokker D-IV only): Manufacturer: Fokker Flugzug Werke Dimensions: Span 31 ft, 10 in; Length 20 ft, 8 in; Height: 8 ft, 0.5 in Areas: Wings 227 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. A few were equipped with twin guns, but this was dropped due to performance degradation. 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-IV: The Fokker D-IV is in a similar situation to its sister, the D-II. When the Fokker D-IV arrived on the front (1916) it was quickly rendered obsolete by the introduction of other aircraft. The D-IV does have 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 an excellent climb rate, nearly as good as the Sopwith Pup. It is this superior climb rate that makes the Fokker D-IV a good "top cover" aircraft during the 1916 period. Once at altitude, the best attack is the "dive and zoom" type. Don't try to out maneuver a Pup or Nieuport 17... you will only get flamed. 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-IV. Used in pairs or trios can be effective if fire is concentrated on one enemy aircraft during the diving attack. The Fokker D-IV, like the 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.