Aviatik D.VI

History

Aviatik des Deutschen Reichs was founded in Mulhouse (formerly Automobil und Aviatik AG) in 1909, building a solid CV. Over time, the company became a well-known German aircraft manufacturer, whose designs helped stock German aviation services during World War I. Designs range from various types of reconnaissance and fighter jets to experimental and development-oriented models.

During the last year of the war (1918), the company worked on several prototype fighter projects, including the D. VI.

D.VI is equipped with Benz Bz. The IIIbm engine of the model series has 195 hp and is largely an evolutionary offshoot of the previous aviation fighter type. The plane took off for the first time in August 1918. Its overall structure is made of wood with fabric covering.

As usual, the engine is mounted in the front, and the open-air single-seat cockpit is located under the tail and upper wing. The wing elements are connected by parallel struts. The landing gear is fixed in flight and rolls only on the two main legs.

The proposed armament is in line with other fighter jets in the war - 2 x 7.92mm LMG 08/15 machine guns fire synchronised through rotating propeller blades.

In flight, the D. IV has an estimated top speed of 117 mph and can reach 16,405 feet in less than 18 minutes. The design is known to have very good flight characteristics.

However, all of this was moot, as the Mercedes-Benz engine caused difficulties for the development team, which in turn prevented the aircraft from participating in the second D-type fighter program in June 1918. The D. IV was replaced by the D. VII shortly after - although only a prototype of this biplane was built.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes