Albatros D.III

Author: James F. Miller
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472807928
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 66

Book Description
In 1916 German aerial domination, once held sway by rotary-engined Fokker and Pfalz E-type wing-warping monoplanes, had been lost to the more nimble French Nieuports and British DH 2s which not only out-flew the German fighters but were present in greater numbers. Born-from-experience calls from German fighter pilots requested that, rather than compete with the maneuverability of these adversaries, new single-engine machines should be equipped with higher horsepower engines and armed with two rather than the then-standard single machine gun. The Robert Thelen-led Albatros design bureau set to work on what became the Albatros D.I and D.II and by April 1916, they had developed a sleek yet rugged machine that featured the usual Albatros semi-monocoque wooden construction and employed a 160hp Mercedes D.III engine with power enough to equip the aeroplane with two forward-firing machine guns. In all, 500 D.IIIs and 840 D.III(OAW)s were produced and saw heavy service throughout 1917.

Sopwith Pup Aces of World War 1

Author: Norman Franks
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1782006656
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 145

Book Description
The Sopwith Pup was the forerunner of the hugely successful Sopwith Camel, which duly became the most successful fighter of World War 1. The first proper British fighting scout, the first Pups – the Royal Naval Air Service – arrived on the Western Front in 1916. Although regarded as a 'nice' aeroplane to fly, pilots who used it in combat gained much success during the first half of 1917. The Royal Flying Corps also used the Pup from January 1917 onwards, with the final combats with the machine occurring in December of that year. This book describes the combat careers of the successful Pup aces, how they flew and how they fought.

FE 2b/d vs Albatros Scouts

Author: James F. Miller
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1780963262
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 82

Book Description
In the spring of 1916 the deployment of the RFC's FE 2 – with its rotary engine 'pusher' configuration affording excellent visibility for its pilot and observer, and removing the need for synchronized machine guns – helped wrest aerial dominance from Imperial Germany's Fokker Eindecker monoplanes, and then contributed to retaining it throughout the Somme battles of that fateful summer. However, by autumn German reorganization saw the birth of the Jagdstaffeln (specialised fighter squadrons) and the arrival of the new Albatros D scout, a sleek inline-engined machine built for speed and twin-gun firepower. Thus, for the remainder of 1916 and well into the next year an epic struggle for aerial superiority raged above the horrors of the Somme and Passchendaele battlefields, pitting the FE 2 against the better-armed and faster Albatros scouts that were focused on attacking and destroying their two-seater opponents. In the end the Germans would regain air superiority, and hold it into the following summer with the employment of their new Jagdgeschwader (larger fighter groupings), but the FE 2 remained a tenacious foe that inflicted many casualties – some of whom were Germany's best aces (including 'The Red Baron').

Mannock

Author: Norman Franks
Publisher: Grub Street Publishers
ISBN: 1909166855
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 258

Book Description
The definitive biography of the WWI fighter pilot Edward “Mick” Mannock—and a revealing investigation into his mysterious fate. Although he was arguably the highest scoring RAF fighter pilot of the First World War, Edward “Mick” Mannock’s life, particularly his death, is still shrouded in mystery. Did he achieve as many victories as are sometimes ascribed to him? How did he die? Where did he die? And more pertinently, where do his remains now lie? Investigative historians Norman Franks and Andy Saunders have assessed all the evidence and cut through the speculation to build a complete picture of the man and his achievements as a fighter pilot. Having unearthed much new and enlightening information, they present a truly balanced overview of his life—and also reveal for the first time exactly where he fell in battle a century ago. Includes photographs

Military Aircraft, Origins to 1918

Author: Justin D. Murphy
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 1851094938
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 334

Book Description
An expert examination of the evolution of military aviation and its profound impact on warfare—from the employment of balloons during the French Revolutionary wars to the use of aircraft in World War I. Military Aircraft, Origins to 1918: An Illustrated History of Their Impact is a detailed, authoritative exploration of the role and development of military aviation, from its beginnings to the conclusion of World War I. Military history scholar Justin Murphy carefully illustrates the impact of aircraft on military warfare, examines the different types of aircraft, and includes a wealth of photographs and descriptions. Organized thematically, the work covers everything from the origins of military aviation and the impact of aircraft on World War I to the role of reconnaissance missions, auxiliary aircraft, fighters, and bombers. Each chapter highlights key individuals, advancements in aviation technology, industrial organization and aircraft production, and the influence of aircraft on military tactics and strategy. Murphy also demonstrates how aircraft contributed to the development of total war and blurred the lines that had traditionally separated combatants and noncombatants.

Aces of Jagdstaffel 17

Author: Greg VanWyngarden
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1780967209
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 96

Book Description
Initially formed to assist in the defence of the city of Metz against French bombing raids, Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 17 would go on to become one of the most distinguish German fighter units of World War 1. Its first victory was scored by the pilot whose story is inextricably interwoven with that of his unit – the 'Blue Max' recipient Julius Buckler. He was largely responsible for inspiring the unit's unique Esprit de Corps, expressed in its famous and unique 'battle-cry' of 'Malaula!' Indeed, in its final days the unit gained the nickname Zirkus Buckler, or the 'Buckler Circus'. Besides Buckler, Jasta 17 boasted such aces as Karl Strasser, Alfred Fleischer and Christian Donhauser. In addition, the roster included colourful characters like the successful Jewish airman Jakob Wolff, who at over 48 years of age was the oldest German fighter pilot of the war. The story of this illustrious unit is told with many first-hand accounts by Buckler, Fleischer and others, as well as dozens of rare archival photos of the unit's beautifully decorated fighter aircraft.

Albatros

Author: Ray Rimell
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780948414053
Category : Airplanes, Military
Languages : en
Pages : 20

Book Description

The Red Baron

Author: Terry C. Treadwell
Publisher: Air World
ISBN: 1526781336
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 265

Book Description
If one aircraft was to represent the First World War, it could be the distinctive red Fokker Triplane of Manfred von Richthofen. With an astonishing eighty aerial victories, the Red Baron became a legend in his own, short, lifetime. Regarded as one of the most widely known fighter pilots of all time, von Richthofen is also considered to be the First World War’s ‘ace-of-aces’. While much is known about this German aristocrat, what this book accomplishes is a pictorial portrait of von Richthofen as has never been seen before. Through a unique collection of photographs, the life of this famous airman is laid bare. From early family photographs through to the First World War, and his initial service as a cavalry reconnaissance officer on both the Eastern and Western fronts, his flying career, and the aircraft he flew, this extensive collection provides an unrivaled window into the life of history’s most celebrated fighter pilot. By 1918, von Richthofen was regarded as a national hero in Germany and respected by his enemies. However, his remarkable career came to an abrupt conclusion on 21 April 1918. Just as the German Spring Offensive was faltering, von Richthofen’s aerial armada took to the sky to engage the Sopwith Camels of 209 Squadron which had taken off to undertake an offensive patrol over the Somme. In the ensuing dogfight, von Richtofen pursued one of the Camels along the valley of the River Somme. As he crossed the Allied line he came under fire – both from the ground and from the air. Von Richtofen was fatally wounded by a single bullet which damaged his heart and lungs. Just which Allied pilot, or indeed soldier, fired the fatal shot remains in contention. Images of the stripped wreckage of his famous Fokker Triplane add a solemn, and all too graphic, coda to the life of the Red Baron.

Above the War Fronts

Author: Norman L. R. Franks
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 256

Book Description
Norman Franks and Russell Guest continue in their research to record the lives and scores of these "aces" of World War I. Gregory Alegi joins them in this volume, with his knowledge of Italian aces, to produce detailed biographies of Italians and Austro-Hungarians, Belgian and Russian aces.

The Colour Encyclopedia of Incredible Aeroplanes

Author: Philip Jarrett
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd
ISBN: 140533598X
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 362

Book Description
Hello chaps! You know, I've spent the best years of my life in dogfights flying some of the world's finest aeroplanes - now I find all my favourites are in this jolly old book. From my old chariot the Spitfire right through to the Aircanad BD-19 RGS, you'll find everything you ever wanted to know. Pick up technical bits and bobs from the specification of every plane, to country of origin, type, performance and climb rate (I know you'll be interested in that!) as well as nerve-tingling quotes from many of my old muckers. See the whites of pilots eyes in jolly aeroplane shots from every angle - watch them zooming through the sky and from every enticing angle. A proper, old-fashioned book with cloth binding and hundreds of handsome pictures, it's a damned attractive package. Chocs away!