As with most aircraft developed during World War 1, the Eindecker series enjoyed a relatively short period of time at the front lines. Aviation technology was ever changing to the point that aircraft designs could be made obsolete as soon as they were produced, leaving a slim window of opportunity for a single design to prove itself. This evolving face of the First World War directly influenced both aircraft design and outcomes of several campaigns fought in the skies. The Eindecker deserves particular mention as it was one of the first aircraft to bring about a taste of things to come in air warfare.
The Fokker E "Eindecker" ("Eindecker" meaning monoplane) was of a most basic monoplane design, incorporating known successful elements from previous aircraft design attempts such as a static a landing gear system, aerodynamic details and a enclosed engine. The Eindecker series had the distinction of being the first aircraft to be fitted with the deadly synchronized machine gun/ propeller system which allowed for operation of the machine gun through the spinning propeller, quite an accomplishment that led pilots to engage enemy aircraft in relative safety without the fear of stripping off the propeller blades. This single invention would lead to the period of German air dominance known simply as the "Fokker Scourge".
This new German technology was highly-touted and highly-prized when compared to that of what the Allies had to work with. The synchronized firing mechanism was so guarded by the Central Powers early in the war in fact that aircraft armed as such restricted to fighting only above or near German-held territories for fear that the technology would fall into enemy hands. In contrast, Allied pilots operated their machine guns - usually placed on the upper wing assembly from their cockpit seats (to clear the spinning propeller blades) - often at uncomfortable distances when it came to clearing jams or rearming. In some cases, these weapon systems would have to operated by way of an extension arm with one hand while the pilot was still required to maneuver the aircraft into firing position with the other. The synchronized machine gun was an advantage that played all too well into Eindecker pilot hands and was very symbolic of the technological progression being made by both sides throughout the war.
The initial design of the Eindecker series stemmed from a pre-war design designated as the M.5. Though not a spectacular aircraft in most regards (the basic design was somewhat outdated and outclassed from the outset), the Eindecker enjoyed a good mission-to-kill ratio due to the single fact of the synchronized machine gun. The seemingly simple technological feat provided the German air force with the capability to take back the teeter-tottering skies from Allied planes. In terms of handling, however, recent wind tunnel testing revealed several challenges facing the pilot in just taking off and maintaining lift with the aircraft - a testament to the mettle that these pioneers faced from their own machines.
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.
Austria-Hungary; German Empire; Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Air-to-Air Combat, Fighter
General ability to actively engage other aircraft of similar form and function, typically through guns, missiles, and/or aerial rockets.
Length
23.6 ft (7.20 m)
Width/Span
31.2 ft (9.52 m)
Height
7.9 ft (2.40 m)
Empty Wgt
882 lb (400 kg)
MTOW
1,345 lb (610 kg)
Wgt Diff
+463 lb (+210 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the Fokker E.III (Eindecker) production variant)
Installed:
1 x Oberursel U.1 9-cylinder, air-cooled rotary piston engine developing 100 horsepower driving a two-bladed wooden propeller at the nose.
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the Fokker E.III (Eindecker) production variant. Performance specifications showcased above are subject to environmental factors as well as aircraft configuration. Estimates are made when Real Data not available. Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database or View aircraft by powerplant type)
1 x 7.92mm Maschinengewehr MG08 OR Parabellum MG14 OR Spandau LMG 08 machine guns over forward fuselage, synchronized to fire through the spinning propeller blades.
Supported Types
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
Hardpoint Mountings: 0
M.5 - Initial unarmed model by Fokker.
M.5K ("Kleine") - Shortened wingspan.
M.5L ("Lange") - Lengthened wingspan.
M.5K/MG ("Maschinengewehr") - Pre-production models; armed; 5 examples.
A.II - German military designation for unarmed M.5L models; fitted with Oberursel U.0 engine of 80 horsepower; single example.
A.III - German military designation for unarmed M.5K; fitted with Oberursel U.0 engine of 80 horsepower.
E.I - Initial production scout aircraft; fitted with Oberursel U.0 engine of 80 horsepower; 68 examples produced.
E.II - Improved version; Oberursel U.1 rotary piston engine of 100 horsepower; 49 examples produced.
E.III - Definitive production model; 2 x machine guns as optional; reinforced structure; revised mission equipment; fitted with Oberursel U.1 rotary piston engine of 100 horsepower; 249 examples produced.
E.IV - Final production form; dimensionally larger; fitted with Oberursel U.III 14-cylinder series engine; 2 x 7.92mm synchronized machine guns over the nose as standard; 49 examples produced.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
Images Gallery
1 / 8
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
2 / 8
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
3 / 8
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
4 / 8
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
5 / 8
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
6 / 8
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
7 / 8
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
8 / 8
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.
Austria-Hungary; German Empire; Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
