Albatros D.IV
Albatros · Germany · first flew 1916 · fighter
The Albatros D.IV was a German World War I single-seat fighter prototype in the Albatros D-series, featuring the characteristic plywood monocoque fuselage and sesquiplane wing arrangement.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Inline Mercedes or Benz engine under a smooth plywood-skinned fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- World War I German single-seat sesquiplane fighter
- V-strut interplane arrangement connecting larger upper wing to smaller lower wing
- Inline Mercedes or Benz engine under a smooth plywood-skinned fuselage
Similar to the D.III and D.V with the same plywood monocoque oval-section fuselage, V-strut interplane bracing, and sesquiplane layout; distinguishing it from the D.III or D.V requires careful attention to strut and wing detail.
Specifications
- The Albatros D.IV has a length of 7.33 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.05 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 165 km/h (103 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The D.IV was a transitional development between the D.III and D.V, built in limited numbers in 1916–17. It retained the sesquiplane layout of the D.III but incorporated various aerodynamic refinements. The type did not enter large-scale production as the D.V was preferred.
Variants
A minor variant in the Albatros D-series; few examples were built before the programme moved to the D.V.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated by the German Air Service but not widely adopted; most frontline units received the D.III and later D.V instead.
Related aircraft
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