Fokker D.VII

The Fokker D.VII was a German World War I fighter aircraft renowned for its impressive combat performance and innovative design. Introduced in 1918, it quickly gained a reputation as one of the best fighters of the era, thanks to its advanced structural design, powerful engine, and exceptional handling characteristics. Jasta 10 was the first unit to receive the type, while Jasta 11 received theirs only a few short weeks after Manfred von Richthofen had been killed in his Fokker Dr.1 in April.

Fokker D.VII in the colour scheme of 4524/18, flown by Lt. Johann Janzen of Jasta 6.  Photo: © Historical Aviation Film Unit

 Year: 1918  Built: approix 1,700  Serial: 2372  Registration: ZK-FOD  Top Speed: 186 km/h Wingspan: 8.09m  Height: 2.75m  Length: 6.95m Engine: 180hp Mercedes D.III water cooled inline Climb:4m/s Ceiling: 5,7900m  Armament: 2 x 7.92mm Spandau machine guns   This Aircraft:Replica with a 6-cylinder 200hp Gipsy Queen, built by Rosseau Aviation (France).

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    • This aircraft is painted in the colours of Lt Johann Janzen, a cavalry officer who transferred to the German Army Air Service (Luftstreitkräfte) in May 1916.

    By March 1918 Janzen had scored four victories and was given command of Jasta 4 Following the death of von Richthofen in April, the CO of Jasta 6 (Reinhard) was promoted to command of Jagdgeschwader 1, and Janzen returned to Jasta 6 to take command. The unit received their D.VIIs in mid-May, and on the 20th Janzen shot down his first aircraft from a D.VII (a Sopwith Dolphin of 23 Sqn).

    A 360º video onboard a Fokker D.VII fighter. Note: This video may not display correctly on some mobile phones - try it on a computer web browser instead.

    Janzen remained the Commanding Officer of the unit, shooting down another nine aircraft (for a total of 13) until he was taken prisoner on 9th June. He was forced to land behind British lines when an interrupter malfunction caused him to shoot off his own propeller.

    This particular aircraft is one of three replica Fokker D.VII's built for the movie 'The Blue Max' in the late 1960s.  Photo: © Historical Aviation Film Unit

    Janzen’s personal aircraft markings consisted of a ‘white snake’ line on a black band, edged in white around the rear fuselage. He also used this emblem on the Fokker Dr.1 he flew up until Jasta 6 was re-equipped with the Fokker D.VII. The black and white stripes on the nose and tail of this aircraft were common to all Jasta 6 aircraft.

    More Videos:

    • A Famous Movie Fokker D.VII

    • Fokker D.VII At Classic Flyers

    • Fokker D.VII Dogfight Vs A Bristol Fighter


    More Photos:

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