Skill Level: Intermediate

More than 290 parts

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Albatros D series of fighters dominated the German front. The progression of the type from the DI through the DVa spanned 1916 though the end of the war. In spite of what is often said, the albatros was a very capable fighter. The Albatros was the most prevalent German fighter in that time. In fact, as of April 30, 1918, 58 percent of the German fighters were either DIII, DV, or DVa's The DVa differed from the DV primarily in that the top wing structure was basically the same as the DIII and it had reinforced IP struts. The DV suffered from wing failure which spurred Albatros to introduce the DVa. Every German Ace scored the majority of his victories in an Albatros, including Manfred von Richtofen. The major difference of the DVa from the DIII was that the DVa fuselage was oval in cross section. The DIII had flat sides but both were thin plywood covered. The ply was 2 to 2.5 mm thick.