Albatros D.XI

[SE5a1]

Hi.Just Wanted To Know If Anybody Had Any Info On The Albatros D.XI.I Know It Was The Only Albatros Fighter With A Radial Engine And Only Afew Were Built.

[Kirk R. Lowry]

Bonjour SE5a1!

Yes, the D.XI was the only Albatros built with a rotary engine, that being, the Siemens Halske SH III. Only two were built, 2208/18 and 2209/18. 2208/18 was equipped with a four blade propellor and balanced ailerons while 2209/18 was equipped with a two blade propellor and ailerons which were not balanced. A unique combination of bracing struts and landing and takeoff as well as flying struts negated the need for wire bracing.

2209/18 was entered in the Second Fighter Competition, but, crashed upon landing after a test flight.

2208/18 was entered in the Third Fighter Competition and regarded as a type of some promise with certain limitations.

Albatros Experimentals, Forgotten Fighters 1 published by Albatros Productions, written by Peter Grosz includes a brief history of the aircraft as well as a colour painting and detailed plans of both examples. German Aircraft of the First World War by Peter Grey & Own Thetford offers a history of the type and a brace of photographs. German Combat Planes by Ray Wagner and Heinz Nowarra includes photographs and a brief description as well as specifications of the aircraft.

Salut!
Kirk

[SE5a1]

Thank You Sir.