Fokker V.4
Fokker · Germany · first flew 1917 · fighter
The Fokker V.4 was a World War I prototype triplane fighter that directly preceded and informed the famous Fokker Dr.I, serving as an experimental proof-of-concept for the triplane configuration. Its wingspan and dimensions were refined from this prototype into the production Dr.I.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Short rotary-engined fuselage with rounded cowling |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German triplane prototype that led directly to the Dr.I
- Three equal-span wings with interplane struts and no external bracing wires
- Short rotary-engined fuselage with rounded cowling
Three equal-span wings of very short span stacked tightly, a rotary engine with circular cowling, and a compact fuselage — closely resembling the Dr.I but with slightly different proportions.
Specifications
- The Fokker V.4 has a length of 5.75 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.21 m (20 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 200 km/h (124 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Reinhold Platz at Fokker in response to the combat success of the Sopwith Triplane, the V.4 was tested in 1917 and its lessons incorporated into the V.5, which became the Dr.I. The triplane's exceptional climb rate was the primary tactical advantage sought.
Variants
The V.4 was a single prototype; the V.5 that followed it was the true forerunner of the Dr.I production fighter.
Where you'll see it
The V.4 did not enter service, remaining a factory test aircraft; its significance is entirely as the developmental step toward the iconic Dr.I.
Related aircraft
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