Pfalz D.III

The Pfalz D.III, like the Roland D.I and D.II made at the same factory, had a molded plywood body with no internal struts, which made it a light, but strong and aerodynamic aircraft. With the upper wing set close to the fuselage and the narrow lower wing, the pilot had excellent visibility in all directions.

The Pfalz was criticized for its lack of power and slow climbing characteristics compared to its contemporaries, but favored for its strong wing structure, which allowed it to easily pull out of fast dives.

This plane carries the markings of Imperial German Jagdstaffel (Fighter Squadron) 10.

Specifications
Country of Manufacture Germany
First Year of Service 1917
Wing Span 30 ft 10 in | 9.4 m
Length 22 ft 10 in | 6.95 m
Height 8 ft 9 in | 2.67 m
Weight 2056 lbs | 933 kg
Engine Mercedes D III 6 cylinder liquid cooled inline engine, 160hp
Top Speed 102.5 mph | 165 km/h
Range 217 miles | 350 km
Armament 2 Spandau 7.92 mm machine guns
Crew 1

 


Notes:
Technical Notes:
Made with Autodesk 3D Studio Max - Airplane not including background, 34626 vertices, 38462 faces - All aircraft insignia are modeled as part of the mesh.
Historical Notes:
The instruments in the cockpit are conjecture. Markings are based on a verbal description of a plane captured by the British in 1917.
References:
http://www.theaerodrome.com/aircraft/germany/pfalz_diii.php
http://aviastar.org/air/germany/pfalz_d-3.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pfalz_D.III