OVERVIEW
Excessive vibrations, even after an engine change, doomed the Kondor Dreidecker triplane fighter attempt of World War 1.
Excessive vibrations, even after an engine change, doomed the Kondor Dreidecker triplane fighter attempt of World War 1.
YEAR: 1917
MANUFACTURER(S): Kondor Flugzeugwerke - German Empire
PRODUCTION: 1
OPERATORS: Imperial Germany (cancelled)
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Kondor Dreidecker model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Kondor Dreidecker model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 1
LENGTH: 18.04 feet (5.5 meters)
WIDTH: 22.97 feet (7 meters)
HEIGHT: 9.68 feet (2.95 meters)
WEIGHT (EMPTY): 882 pounds (400 kilograms)
WEIGHT (MTOW): 1,213 pounds (550 kilograms)
ENGINE: 1 x Mercedes D.III 6-cylinder liquid-cooled geared engine developing 160 horsepower and driving a two-bladed propeller at the nose.
SPEED (MAX): 96 miles-per-hour (155 kilometers-per-hour; 84 knots)
RANGE: 155 miles (250 kilometers; 135 nautical miles)
CEILING: 18,045 feet (5,500 meters; 3.42 miles)
RATE-OF-CLIMB: 800 feet-per-minute (244 meters-per-minute)
ARMAMENT
PROPOSED:
2 x 7.92mm machine guns over the nose synchronized to fire through the spinning propeller blades.
PROPOSED:
2 x 7.92mm machine guns over the nose synchronized to fire through the spinning propeller blades.
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• Kondor Dreidecker - Base Series Name; single flyable example completed in 1917.
Series Model Variants
• Kondor Dreidecker - Base Series Name; single flyable example completed in 1917.
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the Kondor Dreidecker Single-Seat, Single-Engine Triplane Fighter Prototype. Entry last updated on 8/8/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Kondor Dreidecker Single-Seat, Single-Engine Triplane Fighter Prototype. Entry last updated on 8/8/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Kondor Flugzeugwerke of Essen, Germany (then the German Empire) was committed to building Albatros B.II and B.IIa series biplane fighters during World War 1 until, in mid-1917, the company benefitted from the arrival of designers Walther Rethel and Paul G. Ehrhardt who, previously, had served with competing LVG (Luft-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft). The first original aircraft put forth by the company then became the Kondor "Dreidecker", a triplane-winged single-seat, single-engine fighter.
In prototype form, this aircraft recorded a first-flight during October 1917. However, the design underperformed with its original engine (unknown make and model) and was re-engined with a Mercedes D.III 6-cylinder liquid-cooled powerplant of 160 horsepower output (this still driving a two-bladed propeller at the nose). In this form, the triplane did no better for excessive vibrations, unable to be overcome, ultimately doomed the project to the single prototype.
The Kondor D.1, a more conventionally-arranged biplane fighter design, was being developed at the same time but even this model appears to have fared no better.
In prototype form, this aircraft recorded a first-flight during October 1917. However, the design underperformed with its original engine (unknown make and model) and was re-engined with a Mercedes D.III 6-cylinder liquid-cooled powerplant of 160 horsepower output (this still driving a two-bladed propeller at the nose). In this form, the triplane did no better for excessive vibrations, unable to be overcome, ultimately doomed the project to the single prototype.
The Kondor D.1, a more conventionally-arranged biplane fighter design, was being developed at the same time but even this model appears to have fared no better.
MEDIA
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 100mph
Lo: 50mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (96mph).
Graph average of 75 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
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TKY
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LAX
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NYC
Graph showcases the Kondor Dreidecker's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production (1)
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
1
1
Altitude Visualization
