Dewoitine D.1

Dewoitine · France · first flew 1922 · fighter

The Dewoitine D.1 was a French single-seat parasol monoplane fighter of the early 1920s, marking the beginning of Emile Dewoitine's long association with monoplane fighter design. It pioneered all-metal construction in French military aviation.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsMid-mounted, straight
E — Engines1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage7.5 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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Spot it by:

A high-mounted (parasol) monoplane wing with strut bracing to the fuselage, Hispano-Suiza inline engine, and clean all-metal fuselage; the high wing position and clean construction distinguish it from biplane contemporaries.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1922, the D.1 attracted export orders from Switzerland, Yugoslavia and Italy as well as limited French orders. Dewoitine's emphasis on all-metal structure and clean monoplane aerodynamics was progressive for its time and established a design philosophy that would culminate in the legendary D.520 of World War II.

Variants

The D.1 was followed by progressive developments through the D.9, D.12, D.21 and beyond; the D.1 itself was sold in modest numbers to several air forces.

Where you'll see it

Operated by France, Switzerland, Yugoslavia and Italy in the 1920s; no UK service.

Related aircraft

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