Albatros D.I–D.II (Air Vanguard, 5) - Softcover

Miller, James F.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1780965990 ISBN 13: 9781780965994

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2013

Synopsis

In 1916 German aerial domination had been lost to the French and British fighters. German fighter pilots requested an aircraft that was more powerful and more heavily armed, and the Albatros design bureau set to work on what was to become an iconic aircraft design. By April 1916, they had developed the Albatros D.I, that featured the usual Albatros semi-monocoque wooden construction with a 160hp Mercedes engine and two forward-firing machine guns. Alongside the development of the D.I, Albatros had also designed and built a second machine that was similar to the D.I – the Albatros D.II. Although there were several external differences between the two aircraft, it is important to note that these machines evolved simultaneously and that the D.II was not the result of post-combat feedback from D.I pilots. With the inclusion of these aircraft into their reorganized air force, Germany was able to regain control of the skies by autumn 1916. Along with the later designs they inspired, the Albatros D.I and D.II were instrumental in allowing the Germans to prosecute their domination through 'Bloody April' and well into the summer months that followed.

About this title

About the Authors

James F. Miller is a married father of two who lives in Naples, Florida. A commercial pilot and lifelong student of all aspects of aviation, his current research focuses on the middle years of World War I.

Simon Smith was born in 1960 in Aldershot, England. After graduating with a First in Fine Art and Illustration at Farnham and Reigate Art schools, he became a prolific military and aviation illustrator, and has won the Guild of Aviation Artists' Nockolds Trophy several times.

Henry Morshead is the Chief Designer for the Hill HX50 helicopter. He also works in the automotive and bespoke sectors, with clients including BAC Mono and Arrival, and is a STEM Ambassador with the Bloodhound supersonic car project. A former officer in the Royal Engineers and illustrator for Jane's, he maintains a keen interest in the design and use of military land and air vehicles.

Peter Bull graduated from art college in 1979 and has worked as a freelance illustrator for over 25 years. He has created both traditional and digital art for publishers worldwide, and also runs the Peter Bull Art Studio, based in Kent, UK, which he founded in 1975.

Edition details

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1780965990
• ISBN 13: 9781780965994
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Miller James F., Smith Simon, Morshead Henry, Bull Peter
• Number of pages: 64