DESCRIPTION

Albatros D.II

Albatros D.I was not built in great numbers; at most, 50 saw service at the front, but the aircraft had reasonable fighting qualities and performance. Some minor shortcomings, like the unsatisfactory view from the cockpit were soon improved. Albatros Gesellschaft GmbH soon developed a new version of the D.I, later designated the Albatros D.II.

The new aircraft had splayed N-type center struts; at the same time the upper wing was lowered to reduce the gap, so that the pilot could look over as well as under the wing. The D.II version established a reputation as one of the best fighters of its time and production orders were increased up to 200 aircraft; moreover, the LVG company received a license for an additional 75 aircraft, designated D.II LVG. In mid-1916 the first batches of the D.II arrived in the army's "Flugpark". Many aircraft still had Windhoff side radiators, but later all D.IIs were equipped with Teeves & Braun wing-mounted radiators.

Many famous aces, like Oswald Boelcke, Manfred von Richthofen and Karl Schaefer flew this type with great success. In spite of the appearance of the more modern Albatros D.III at the end of 1916, many D.IIs were still on service in combat units.