Fokker V.4

The Fokker V.4 was a prototype German fighter triplane built for the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops () during World War I. It began development as a biplane, but this was changed to a triplane configuration after Anthony Fokker learned of the positive impression that a British triplane had made on German fighter pilots. It was shipped to Hungary for evaluation in 1917.

Development

Fokker had received an order for a fighter biplane that used a Oberursel UR.II rotary engine on 13 May 1917. He ordered Reinhold Platz to change the V.4 to a triplane after his return from a lengthy visit to the front lines on 13 June where he spoke to German fighter pilots, including Manfred von Richthofen, who had been greatly impressed by the Sopwith Triplane's maneuverability and high rate of climb, knowing that the Imperial German Air Service would likely respond to its pilots enthusiasm by ordering triplanes of its own. By this time the company had designed a second version of its cantilever wing with a much lighter hollow double box spar and plywood covering only the leading edge of the wings. The fuselage reverted to the slab-sided configuration used in his first fighters which improved lateral stability and the pilot's downward vision. Fokker was forced to use a captured French Le Rhône 9Jb engine because the UR.II was not yet available. The V.4 looked very much like the later Dr.I, but is easily recognized by the lack of interplane struts. The upper wing was the longest and the lower two wings had the same span. The rudder was balanced, but the ailerons and elevators lacked horn balances.

The V.4 made its first flight around 25 June, only 12 days after Fokker had ordered the modification. Flight testing was done without the armament installed and lasted until the aircraft was shipped to Hungary without an engine or machine guns in August. It arrived without a cowling on 3 September, but was extensively tested with license-built Austro-Hungarian rotary engines after it was discovered that Le Rhône engine supplied by the Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops did not fit the V.4's engine mount. Production was recommended using a engine built by Steyr on 25 October, but it was not accepted.Leaman, pp. 89–91

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{{Fokker aircraft

1910s German fighter aircraft
V.04
Single-engined tractor aircraft
Triplanes
Rotary-engined aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1917