HalbD2

Halberstadt D-II and III

Fielded in small numbers, the Halberstadt D-II was a basic but solid machine, and proved a worthy opponent in the early days of the aerial war.

The Halberstadt D-II and D-III:

Historical Notes:

Developed alongside the Fokker Eindecker during late 1915 was the Halberstadt single seat scout, known as the Halberstadt D-II and III. The earlier D-I had been developed essentially as a prototype, powered by a 100hp Mercedes engine. Afterwards the airframe was joined to a 120hp Mercedes DII, and became known as the Halberstadt D-II. The aircraft was quite ordinary, being a slab-sided wire-braced wooden frame. The layout of the rear part of the fuselage actually disrupted airflow over the tail surface, which degrade performance. The wings were of common construction as well, with two "I" beam spars joined in a two-bay arrangement. All major struts were of steel tubing. The tail unit was unique, in that all of the surfaces moved, both horizontal stabilizers and the fin-rudder. The rudder's bracing was only marginal at best, and it was obvious that any damage in this area could have immediate and even catastrophic consequences.

The Halberstadt D-III was very similar to the D-II, with only minor changes in detail. These involved the balancing of the ailerons and the addition of a 120hp Argus engine, with a different exhaust manifold design. Standard armament for the D-I and II was a single maxim machine gun, synchronized to fire through the propellor arc. A few Halberstadts were later fitted with a 150hp Benz engine, and equipped with twin machine guns. Just over 100 Halberstadt "Ds" of all types were actually produced, and yet their influence greatly outweighed their actual numbers. Arriving on the scene as a supplement to the Fokker Eindeckers, the Halberstadt D-II and III had a better rate of climb than even the later Albatros D-II, and for this reason some pilots flew these machines as late as early 1917. A number of German aces cut their teeth on this machine, and even Manfred von Richthofen went back to flying a D-II in the spring of 1917 when his Albatros D-III suffered a cracked wing spar.

These aircraft performed important air superiority and escort duties before the Albatros planes predominated. Although underpowered, the Halberstadts had a good snap turn rate, slightly superior to the DH-2. However, its steady turn rate was abysmal, explaining why five DH-2s of No. 24 Squadron were able to fight off close to twenty Halberstadts on Oct. 26, 1916. The Halberstadts were unable to match the DH-2's steady turn, and when they went into a snap turn they would lose considerable altitude, allowing the DH-2s to hold their own.

Basic performance statistics: Halberstadt D.II

Engine: 120hp Mercedes DII 6 cylinder in-line water cooled (D-IIIs had a 120hp Argus)

Weight: empty 1,234 lbs; loaded 1,696 lbs

Maximum speed: 90 mph

Climb rate: to 3,280 feet.... 4 min; to 9,840 feet.... 15 min.

Service ceiling: 19,600 feet

Flight endurance: about 1.5 hours

Basic Specifications:

Manufacturer: Halberstadter Flugzug-Werke

Dimensions: Span 28 ft, 10.5 in; Length 23 ft, 11.5 in; Height: 8 ft, 9 in

Areas: Wings 274 sq ft

Fuel: 18.5 (D-II); 22 (D-III) gallons

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

Typical ammo load: 500 rounds

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 Halberstadt D.II-III:

Much like most early aircraft of WW I, the Halberstadt is a good aircraft... for its time. Against more powerful and heavily armed opponents of the later years, the Halberstadt is easy to kill. This machine cannot so much out maneuver planes like the DH-2, nor has a better armament. The one area where the Halberstadt D-II has an advantage is climb rate. The better climb of this machine allows a pilot to gain the initiative to engage at will.

In one respect the Halberstadt can be a good compliment for the Albatros D-II. While the latter cannot climb as well, the former can fly top cover while the Albatroses engage enemy reconnaissance planes. The Halberstadt, having the altitude advantage, can then dive into a formation of enemy fighters to break them up and keep them busy. However, to twist and turn with planes like the DH-2 can be risky, and against machines like the Bristol Scout or early Nieuports can be out right dangerous. The best tactic is to dive and zoom, taking snap shots at enemy machines in an effort to tie them down and degrade their performance.

The Halberstadt does have decent structural integrity, and can take some punishment. However, the Albatros D-II is better in this regards, so you would want to avoid taking excess hits early in an engagement. It is certainly not a "lone wolf" machine, and to use it as such is to court trouble. Just like other early German aircraft, teamwork is very important to success and survival with the Halberstadt D-II and III.



	Halberstadt D-II and III


		Fielded in small numbers, the Halberstadt D-II was a basic but solid machine, and proved a worthy opponent in the early days of the aerial war.

The Halberstadt D-II and D-III: Historical Notes: Developed alongside the Fokker Eindecker during late 1915 was the Halberstadt single seat scout, known as the Halberstadt D-II and III. The earlier D-I had been developed essentially as a prototype, powered by a 100hp Mercedes engine. Afterwards the airframe was joined to a 120hp Mercedes DII, and became known as the Halberstadt D-II. The aircraft was quite ordinary, being a slab-sided wire-braced wooden frame. The layout of the rear part of the fuselage actually disrupted airflow over the tail surface, which degrade performance. The wings were of common construction as well, with two "I" beam spars joined in a two-bay arrangement. All major struts were of steel tubing. The tail unit was unique, in that all of the surfaces moved, both horizontal stabilizers and the fin-rudder. The rudder's bracing was only marginal at best, and it was obvious that any damage in this area could have immediate and even catastrophic consequences. The Halberstadt D-III was very similar to the D-II, with only minor changes in detail. These involved the balancing of the ailerons and the addition of a 120hp Argus engine, with a different exhaust manifold design. Standard armament for the D-I and II was a single maxim machine gun, synchronized to fire through the propellor arc. A few Halberstadts were later fitted with a 150hp Benz engine, and equipped with twin machine guns. Just over 100 Halberstadt "Ds" of all types were actually produced, and yet their influence greatly outweighed their actual numbers. Arriving on the scene as a supplement to the Fokker Eindeckers, the Halberstadt D-II and III had a better rate of climb than even the later Albatros D-II, and for this reason some pilots flew these machines as late as early 1917. A number of German aces cut their teeth on this machine, and even Manfred von Richthofen went back to flying a D-II in the spring of 1917 when his Albatros D-III suffered a cracked wing spar. These aircraft performed important air superiority and escort duties before the Albatros planes predominated. Although underpowered, the Halberstadts had a good snap turn rate, slightly superior to the DH-2. However, its steady turn rate was abysmal, explaining why five DH-2s of No. 24 Squadron were able to fight off close to twenty Halberstadts on Oct. 26, 1916. The Halberstadts were unable to match the DH-2's steady turn, and when they went into a snap turn they would lose considerable altitude, allowing the DH-2s to hold their own. Basic performance statistics: Halberstadt D.II Engine: 120hp Mercedes DII 6 cylinder in-line water cooled (D-IIIs had a 120hp Argus) Weight: empty 1,234 lbs; loaded 1,696 lbs Maximum speed: 90 mph Climb rate: to 3,280 feet.... 4 min; to 9,840 feet.... 15 min. Service ceiling: 19,600 feet Flight endurance: about 1.5 hours Basic Specifications: Manufacturer: Halberstadter Flugzug-Werke Dimensions: Span 28 ft, 10.5 in; Length 23 ft, 11.5 in; Height: 8 ft, 9 in Areas: Wings 274 sq ft Fuel: 18.5 (D-II); 22 (D-III) gallons Armament: one Maxim machinegun synchronized to fire through the airscrew. Typical ammo load: 500 rounds 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 Halberstadt D.II-III: Much like most early aircraft of WW I, the Halberstadt is a good aircraft... for its time. Against more powerful and heavily armed opponents of the later years, the Halberstadt is easy to kill. This machine cannot so much out maneuver planes like the DH-2, nor has a better armament. The one area where the Halberstadt D-II has an advantage is climb rate. The better climb of this machine allows a pilot to gain the initiative to engage at will. In one respect the Halberstadt can be a good compliment for the Albatros D-II. While the latter cannot climb as well, the former can fly top cover while the Albatroses engage enemy reconnaissance planes. The Halberstadt, having the altitude advantage, can then dive into a formation of enemy fighters to break them up and keep them busy. However, to twist and turn with planes like the DH-2 can be risky, and against machines like the Bristol Scout or early Nieuports can be out right dangerous. The best tactic is to dive and zoom, taking snap shots at enemy machines in an effort to tie them down and degrade their performance. The Halberstadt does have decent structural integrity, and can take some punishment. However, the Albatros D-II is better in this regards, so you would want to avoid taking excess hits early in an engagement. It is certainly not a "lone wolf" machine, and to use it as such is to court trouble. Just like other early German aircraft, teamwork is very important to success and survival with the Halberstadt D-II and III.