Fokker E (Eindecker)

History

Like most aircraft developed during the First World War, the monoplane series had a relatively short time on the front lines. Aviation technology is constantly changing to the point that aircraft designs can become obsolete even after production, leaving a narrow window for a single design to be put to the test.

This evolving face of World War I directly influenced the design of the aircraft and the results of several battles that took place in the skies. Of particular note is the monoplane, one of the first to herald the future of air combat.

The Fokker E "Eindecker" ("Eindecker" means Eindecker) has a basic monoplane design incorporating well-known and successful elements of previous aircraft design attempts, such as static landing gear systems, aerodynamic details and enclosed engines . The monoplane series is notable for being the first aircraft to feature a lethal synchronized machine gun/propeller system that allows the machine gun to be operated by rotating the propeller, an achievement that allows pilots to target enemy attack aircraft safely without fear of stripping the propeller blades. This single invention led to the era of German air supremacy, known simply as the "Fokker Scourge."

This new German technology was highly praised and valued compared to what the Allies had to use. The synchronized launch mechanism was closely guarded by the Allies in the early days of the war, so armed aircraft were only allowed to operate over or near German-controlled territory, lest the technology fall into enemy hands. In contrast, Allied pilots often operated their machine guns, often located in the cockpit seats of the upper wing assemblies (to remove the spinning propeller blades), at an uncomfortable distance when clearing jams or rigging.

In some cases, these weapon systems must be operated with one hand via an extension arm, while the pilot must still steer the aircraft into firing position with the other hand. The synchronised machine gun worked extremely well in the hands of monoplane pilots and was very symbolic of the technological advancements made by both sides during the war.

The original design of the monoplane series was derived from a pre-war design, which was designated M. 5 good mission kill ratio due to the sole fact of the twin machine guns. The seemingly simple technical feat gave the Luftwaffe the ability to retake the wobbly skies from Allied aircraft.

In terms of handling, however, recent wind tunnel testing revealed several challenges for pilots to take off and maintain lift - a testament to the bravery these pioneers faced with their machines.

Due to the exclusivity of the synchronized machine guns and the limited range of the monoplanes, the E-series would perform poorly as bomber escorts or as a defensive weapon system over German-held areas. Domestic production issues also inhibited the overall range of the monoplane family, and as the war progressed, the planes would never really reach the expected defined potential.

Legendary German ace Max Immelmann first took down a monoplane on August 1, 1915, and his skills culminated in an aerial combat platoon named after him. By the end of the war, the monoplane had reportedly destroyed as many as 1,000 Allied aircraft.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Performance

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