Few aircraft symbolize the mythical image of World War I aviation more than the Fokker Dr.I. With its unique triple set of wings and its indelible association with Manfred von Richthofen — the “Red Baron” — the Dr.I is one of the most recognizable aircraft in history.

The Fokker Dr.I first appeared over the Western Front in August 1917, and its maneuverability made an immediate impression on pilots from both sides. Its three wings produced tremendous lift, which—combined with its small size and weight—allowed the Dr.I to out-climb and out-turn almost any opponent. In the hands of a skilled pilot, the aircraft was a deadly foe, producing some of Germany’s most celebrated aces of the war.

The aircraft initially was plagued with structural problems, especially the tendency to shed its toe wing. After several crashes, the Dr.I was withdrawn from service in 1917. By the time the problems had been fixed and re-entered service in December, the Dr.I was rendered obsolete by newer and faster French and British designs.

320 Fokker Dr.Is were built, and no originals remain in existence today.

About the Museum’s Aircraft
This flightworthy reproduction of the Fokker Dr.I was built by Californian Jim Appleby, one of the world’s leading authorities on antique aircraft. A master craftsman, Appleby was assisted by Dan-San Abbott, an expert on German aircraft of World War I. The aircraft is fitted with a French Le Rhône rotary engine, a nearly identical contemporary of the Oberursels fitted to the original Fokker Dr.I, and the cockpit features original German WWI aircraft instruments. Built to virtually exact original Dr.I design specifications, modern materials were used in the internal structures to allow it to be flown today.

Specifications
Manufacturer:  Fokker Flugzeugwerke GmbH, Schwerin
Type:  Single-seat fighter
Engine: Oberursel UR II 110 hp rotary, or Le Rhône 110 hp rotary
Wingspan:  23 feet 7 inches (7.19 m)
Length:  18 feet 11 inches (5.77 m)
Height:  9 feet 8 inches (2.03 m)
Gross Weight:  891 pounds (404.1 kg)
Maximum Speed:  103 mph (165.8 kph)
Range:  185 miles (297.7 km)
Ceiling:  19,685 feet (6,000 m)
Armament:  Two 7.92 mm Spandau LMG 08/15 machine guns
Crew:  One