Pfalz D.III

Pfalz-Flugzeugwerke · Germany · first flew 1917 · fighter

The Pfalz D.III was a German single-seat biplane fighter that served on the Western Front from late 1917 onwards. While not as celebrated as the Albatros or Fokker Dr.I, it was a sturdy and effective aircraft that contributed significantly to German fighter strength.

Recognition (WEFT)

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

Spot it by:

• German World War I biplane fighter with semi-monocoque fuselage
• Rounded monocoque fuselage with an oval cross-section, tidier than fabric-covered rivals
• Inline Mercedes D.IIIa engine with distinctive exhaust stacks along the fuselage side

Distinguished from Albatros fighters by its rounded, oval-section monocoque fuselage rather than flat-sided construction; the smooth fuselage skin and parallel-chord wings are key identifiers.

Specifications

• The Pfalz D.III has a length of 6.95 m (23 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 9.4 m (31 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

Designed by Pfalz-Flugzeugwerke and entering service in mid-1917, the D.III featured a semi-monocoque plywood fuselage that was stronger than many contemporary designs. It served alongside Albatros fighters and was used by several Jagdstaffeln through 1918.

Variants

The D.IIIa was a refined version with a more powerful engine and cut-down lower wing for improved visibility; the D.XII was a later, more advanced development.

Where you'll see it

Served with German Jagdstaffeln on the Western Front from autumn 1917 into 1918; gradually superseded by the Fokker D.VII but remained in service until the Armistice.

Related aircraft

• Pfalz Dr.I
• Pfalz D.VIII
• Pfalz D.XII
• Pfalz E V
• AEG C.VIII
• AEG D.I
• Albatros C.X
• Albatros C.XII

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