Siemens-Schuckert D.IV
Siemens-Schuckert · Germany · first flew 1918 · fighter
The Siemens-Schuckert D.IV was arguably the best German single-seat fighter of World War I, combining exceptional climb rate with the innovative Siemens-Halske Sh.IIIa counter-rotating geared rotary engine. It entered service just before the armistice.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Small compact biplane with circular-section fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Outstanding late-war German biplane with counter-rotating Siemens rotary
- Exceptional rate of climb
- Small compact biplane with circular-section fuselage
A very compact biplane with equal-span wings, a circular-section fuselage, and the distinctive Siemens counter-rotating rotary engine behind a large-diameter cowling. The short, stubby proportions distinguish it from longer-nosed contemporaries.
Specifications
- The Siemens-Schuckert D.IV has a length of 5.7 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.35 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 190 km/h (118 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the earlier SSW D.III, the D.IV entered limited service in 1918 and proved superior to contemporary Allied fighters in climb performance, reaching 6,000 m in under 20 minutes. Production was curtailed by the armistice in November 1918 before sufficient numbers could affect the air war. It is considered among the most capable fighters of the conflict.
Variants
The D.IV was the refined production version following the D.III prototype series; no significant sub-variants were produced.
Where you'll see it
Entered operational service with select German Jagdstaffeln in the final weeks of World War I, too late and in too few numbers to influence the outcome.
Related aircraft
- Siemens-Schuckert D.III
- Siemens-Schuckert D.VI
- Siemens-Schuckert Dr.I
- Siemens-Schuckert R.VII
- AEG J.II
- Albatros D.X
- Albatros D.XI
- Albatros D.XII
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