Fokker D.II

The Fokker D.II was a German‑built fighter introduced in early 1916 during World War I. Designed by Anthony Fokker’s Dutch‑German company, it was the second production version of the famous Fokker E‑series monoplanes and the first of the new D‑type biplanes that would dominate later war years. Powered by a 110 hp Oberursel rotary engine, the D.II featured a single‑bay biplane wing layout, a wooden fuselage covered with fabric, and a streamlined cowling that reduced drag. Its armament consisted of a single synchronized LMG 08/15 machine gun firing through the propeller arc, providing pilots with a reliable forward‑firing weapon. Although its climb rate and maneuverability were only marginally better than the earlier E‑IV, the aircraft proved sturdy and easy to handle, allowing new pilots to transition from monoplanes to biplanes with minimal training. The D.II saw service with several German squadrons on the Western Front, most notably Jagdstaffel 2 under the command of Manfred von Richthofen, who scored his first confirmed victories in the type. Its brief operational life paved the way for the highly successful Fokker D.VII, making the D.II an important stepping stone in the evolution of fighter design and a symbol of the technological progress of early aviation.

Fokker

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification