Siemens-Schuckert D.III
Siemens-Schuckert · Germany · first flew 1917 · fighter
The Siemens-Schuckert D.III was a German single-seat biplane fighter of World War One powered by the unique Siemens-Halske Sh.III counter-rotating rotary engine, which gave it an exceptional rate of climb superior to most Allied fighters of its time.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German single-seat biplane fighter with a rotary engine
- Counter-rotating crankshaft and propeller to reduce torque
- Compact round cowling with a very small cross-section
Small, compact sesquiplane biplane with a very rotund cowling enclosing the counter-rotating rotary engine, equal-chord wings, and a relatively high thrust line giving the nose a slightly raised appearance on the ground.
Specifications
- The Siemens-Schuckert D.III has a length of 5.7 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.43 m (28 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 177 km/h (110 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entering service in late 1917, the D.III quickly earned a reputation for its outstanding climb rate and high-altitude performance. Engine reliability was a persistent problem, limiting its operational impact, but it remained a potent adversary when serviceable.
Variants
The D.IV was an improved version with a more powerful engine; both types served concurrently during 1918.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the German Luftstreitkräfte on the Western Front in 1917–18.
Related aircraft
- Siemens-Schuckert Dr.I
- Siemens-Schuckert R.VII
- Siemens-Schuckert D.I
- Siemens-Schuckert D.IV
- AEG C.VIII
- AEG D.I
- Albatros C.X
- Albatros C.XII
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