The Albatros D.XII, a German single-seat fighter biplane, took its maiden flight in March 1918.
This aircraft was the final addition to the Albatros fighters that were completed and flown before the conclusion of World War I.
Notably, it shared the distinctive slab-sided fuselage that was a characteristic feature of the Albatros D.X model.
During the design and development phase, the initial D.XII model was equipped with a 134 kW (180 hp) Mercedes D.IIIa engine and featured balanced, parallel-chord ailerons.
Subsequently, a second version was constructed in April 1918, showcasing unbalanced, inversely tapered ailerons and a Bohme undercarriage with pneumatic shock absorbers.
Although the aircraft was originally powered by a Mercedes engine, it was later upgraded to a BMW IIIa engine generating 138 kW (185 hp).
The modified D.XII, with the BMW IIIa engine, participated in the third Adlershof D-Type Contest in October 1918.
Despite its promising performance, no additional units of this aircraft were manufactured.
The Albatros D.XII stands as a testament to the innovative design and engineering efforts undertaken during the tumultuous period of World War I.
Specifications
D.XII
Crew
1 Length
5.785 m (19 ft 0 in) Wingspan
8.2 m (26 ft 11 in) Height
2.8 m (9 ft 2 in) Wing area
19.84 m2 (213.6 sq ft) Empty weight
580 kg (1,279 lb) Gross weight
760 kg (1,676 lb) Powerplant
First Prototype
1 × Mercedes D.III 6-cyl.
Water-cooled inline piston engine,
120 kW (160 hp)
Second Prototype
1x BMW IIIa 6-cyl.
Water-cooled inline piston engine,
138 kW (185hp) Performance
Maximum speed
180 km/h (110 mph, 97 kn) Endurance
1 hour Rate of climb
2.47 m/s (486 ft/min) Time to altitude
8,000 m (26,247 ft) in 54 minutes Armament Guns
2x 7.92 mm (0.312 in) LMG 08/15 machine guns
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.
