Designed by Julius von Berg for the Aviatik company, the D.I was the first fighter completely built in Austria. The Berg was light and maneuverable, and after structural problems in the early models were overcome, it became a good combat plane.
Although nimble, reasonably fast, and able to reach higher altitudes than many of the planes it fought, the Aviatik D.I was prone to overheating. Many pilots flew with the engine cover panels removed.
Early versions of the plane had the two Schwarzlose machine guns mounted low on each side of the engine. Later versions put the guns higher and within reach of the pilot to make it easier to clear jammed guns.
This plane carries the markings of Fliegerkompagnie 56J.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | Austria-Hungary |
| First Year of Service | 1917 |
| Wing Span | 26.3 ft | 8 m |
| Length | 22.8 ft | 6.9 m |
| Height | 8.2 ft | 2.5 m |
| Weight | 1878 lbs | 852 kg |
| Engine | Austro-Daimler, 6 cylinder inline, liquid cooled engine, 200hp |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 185 km/h |
| Range | 280 miles | 460 km |
| Armament | 2 Schwarzlose 8mm machine guns |
| Crew | 1 |