Fokker D.IV
Fokker · Germany · first flew 1916 · fighter
The Fokker D.IV was a single-seat German biplane fighter of 1916, representing an incremental improvement in the Fokker D-series lineage. It featured a reduced-chord lower wing giving it a near-sesquiplane appearance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-seat WWI German biplane fighter with sesquiplane lower wing
- Mercedes D.II inline engine in a plain, uncowled installation
- Smaller lower wing giving semi-sesquiplane appearance
A conventional WWI biplane with a noticeably smaller lower wing, uncowled upright inline engine, and the typical Fokker balanced-rudder tail shape.
Specifications
- The Fokker D.IV has a length of 6.3 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.7 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 160 km/h (99 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Built in modest numbers for the German Air Service in 1916, the D.IV was powered by the Mercedes D.II engine but proved only marginally better than its predecessors. It was quickly superseded by the more capable Albatros D-series fighters and saw limited front-line use before being relegated to training duties.
Variants
No significant production variants; the D.IV was a transitional design leading to the more successful D.V and D.VII.
Where you'll see it
Served briefly with German Jagdstaffeln on the Western Front in 1916–1917 before being replaced.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.