AEG D.I & DR.I

The AEG D.I, a biplane fighter utilized during World War I, underwent a series of developments and modifications.

Initially, three prototypes were commissioned for production.

However, unfortunate circumstances befell the project as the first two prototypes encountered severe crashes.

Tragically, one of these accidents resulted in the loss of the esteemed flying ace, Walter Höhndorf, on September 5, 1917.

Consequently, the development of the AEG D.I was abruptly terminated.

Nevertheless, a triplane variant known as the Dr.I was subsequently constructed.

Notably, the second and third prototypes displayed minimal deviations from the initial model, primarily differing in minor details.

The AEG D.I, a biplane fighter aircraft, played a significant role in World War I.

To enhance its capabilities, three prototypes were initially commissioned for production.

However, the project encountered setbacks when the first two prototypes experienced severe crashes.

Tragically, one of these accidents resulted in the untimely demise of Walter Höhndorf, a renowned flying ace, on September 5, 1917.

Consequently, the development of the AEG D.I was abruptly halted.

Despite this setback, the engineers proceeded to construct a triplane version of the aircraft, known as the Dr.I.

Notably, the second and third prototypes closely resembled the original model, with only minor variations in specific details.

During the course of its development, the AEG D.I, a biplane fighter utilized in World War I, underwent several modifications.

Initially, three prototypes were ordered for production.

However, the project faced significant challenges as the first two prototypes encountered serious crashes.

Tragically, one of these accidents resulted in the loss of Walter Höhndorf, a highly skilled flying ace, on September 5, 1917.

Consequently, the development of the AEG D.I was abruptly terminated.

Despite this setback, the engineers proceeded to construct a triplane variant, which was designated as the Dr.I.

Notably, the second and third prototypes exhibited minimal differences from the original model, primarily in terms of specific details.

Variants

A.E.G. D.I

1917 prototype single seat biplane fighter.

A.E.G. Dr.I

1917 prototype single seat triplane fighter.

Specifications

Crew

1

Length

6.1 m (20 ft 0 in)

Wingspan

8.5 m (27 ft 11 in)

Height

2.65 m (8 ft 8 in)

Wing area

16.14 m2 (173.7 sq ft)

Empty weight

685 kg (1,510 lb)

Gross weight

940 kg (2,072 lb)

Powerplant

1 × Daimler D.IIIa, 6 cylinder, liquid-cooled, inline piston engine,

120 kW (160 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed

205 km/h (127 mph, 111 kn)

Range

465 km (289 mi, 251 nmi)

Service ceiling

5,000 m (16,000 ft)

Rate of climb

6.67 m/s (1,313 ft/min)

Time to altitude

1,000 m (3,300 ft) in 2.2 minutes

5,000 m (16,000 ft) in 25 minutes

Wing loading

58 kg/m2 (12 lb/sq ft)

Power/mass

0.13 kW/kg (0.08 hp/lb)

Armament

Guns

2 x 7.92 mm (0.312 in) LMG 08/15 machine guns.