The Albatros D.IX, a German single-seat fighter prototype constructed in early 1918, showcased a unique design compared to its predecessors.
It featured a simplified fuselage with a flat bottom and slab sides, while maintaining wings and tail similar to the Albatros D.VII.
Equipped with a 130 kW (170 hp) Mercedes D.IIIa engine, the D.IX was armed with twin synchronised 7.92 mm (0.312 in) LMG 08/15 machine guns.
Despite the promising initial concept, the Albatros D.IX prototype failed to deliver the expected performance during testing.
As a result, the project was ultimately terminated, and further development of the aircraft was halted.
The disappointing results of the trials led to the decision to discontinue the production of the D.IX, marking the end of its brief existence as a potential fighter aircraft for the German forces.
The Albatros D.IX’s short-lived presence in the aviation industry serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties faced during the development of new aircraft models.
While the prototype may not have met the performance standards required for active service, its design and features contributed valuable insights for future advancements in fighter plane technology.
Despite its discontinuation, the legacy of the Albatros D.IX lives on through the lessons learned from its development and the impact it had on subsequent aircraft designs.
Specifications
Crew
1 Length
6.65 m (21 ft 10 in) Wingspan
10.4 m (34 ft 1 in) Empty weight
677 kg (1,492 lb) Gross weight
897 kg (1,977 lb) Powerplant
1 × Mercedes D.IIIa,
130 kW (180 hp) Performance
Maximum speed
154 km/h (96 mph, 83 kn) Endurance
1.5 hours Time to altitude
1,000 m (3,300 ft) in 4 minutes Armament 2x 7.92 mm (0.312 in) LMG 08/15 machine guns synchronised to fire through the propeller.
Sources German & Austro-Hungarian aircraft manufacturers 1908–1918-T C Treadwell. German Aircraft of the First World War-Peter Gray & Owen Thetford. Flugzeug Publications, Die Deutsche Luftwaffe 1914 – Heute.
