DFW Floh

Deutsche Flugzeug-Werke · Germany · first flew 1915 · fighter

The DFW Floh ('Flea') was an experimental German single-seat fighter of 1915, remarkable for its extremely small dimensions — among the smallest fighter aircraft ever built. Its tiny size was intended to minimise target area and maximise manoeuvrability.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Tiny WWI German experimental monoplane — name means 'flea'
• Extremely small and compact single-seat fighter concept
• Rotary engine in an unusually diminutive airframe

Extraordinarily small even by WWI standards — barely larger than some large model aircraft — with its diminutive fuselage, tiny biplane wings, and rotary engine making it instantly distinguishable from contemporary fighters.

Specifications

• The DFW Floh has a length of 4.5 m (15 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 6.25 m (21 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 180 km/h (112 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

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

History

Built by Deutsche Flugzeug-Werke as an experimental concept, the Floh demonstrated the feasibility of very small single-seat fighters but the design was not adopted for service. Its performance could not justify the handling difficulties associated with such small dimensions.

Variants

A single prototype only.

Where you'll see it

Never entered service; remained an experimental curiosity of WWI-era fighter development.

Related aircraft

• DFW B.I
• DFW D.I
• Airco DH.2
• Albatros W.1
• Bristol Scout C
• Fokker E.I

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