Phonix D (Series)

Biplane Fighter Aircraft [ 1917 ]

The Phonix D-series proved a dependable aircraft once her handling kinks were worked out.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 04/11/2016 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Front right side view of the Phonix D at rest

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The Phonix D.I was a single-seat fighter platform developed and produced by the Phonix Flugzeug-Werke firm in Germany. The aircraft was produced in over 200 (sources vary on the total) examples covering the D.I , D.II and the D.III variants. The prototype D.I first flew in 1917 and was unveiled shortly after Phonix had delivered its armed C.I reconnaissance fighter.

Phonix had already garnered some much-needed experience in the production of fighter aircraft for the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War 1, ultimately producing some 22 different aircraft types during the course of the war. Its early forays were in manufacturing aircraft for other companies (including Albatros and Hansa-Brandenburg) while, in its later ventures, the firm broke free and produced their own wartime designs. By the beginning of 1917, Phonix Flugzeug-Werke jumped at the chance to replace the outclassed Hansa-Brandenburg D.I. The result was the Phonix D.I, an aircraft not too dissimilar from the Hansa-Brandenburg product it looked to replace.

The D.I was of a conventional biplane wing configuration featuring single bays with parallel struts angled forward. The front of the fuselage was dominated by the engine and cooling system, consisting of a Hiero liquid-cooled, 6-cylinder inline engine developing 200 horsepower (D.I). The cockpit, with seating for one, was situated directly aft of the powerplant compartment. The fuselage featured slab facings with some curvature under the engine to help promote aerodynamic qualities. The fuselage ended rather abruptly into the empennage which itself sported a unique collection of angular tail fins. The undercarriage was made up of two main landing wheels braced to the underside of the fuselage while a simple tail skid was fitted under the empennage. In all, the D.I was a stout and small design and, like other Phonix designs - was not going to win any beauty contests. Armament revolved around two forward-firing fixed 8mm Schwarlose machine guns. The D.I showcased a wingspan was 29 feet, 6.5 inches with the aircrafts top speed listed at 112 miles per hour. Endurance was rated at about 2 hours of flight time while a ceiling of 19,685 feet was possible.

In practice, the early form version of the D.I proved something of a disappointment. Though well-armed, relatively fast and offering good vision, the aircraft exhibited poor climbing capabilities, was difficult to maneuver and had some structural weaknesses. These limitations allowed the D.I to be used somewhat effectively as a photo-reconnaissance platform early in her service life.

Maneuverability was addressed through the introduction of the improved D.II variant fitting balanced elevators and ailerons. The D.II was itself further improved in the D.III. The D.III featured balanced ailerons on both wing assemblies as well as a Hiero inline engine of 230 horsepower. The D.III initially appeared on March 15th, 1918 with the final product delivered on November 4th, 1918. Ultimately, the D.-series, as a whole, proved serviceable and ended up a reliable and resilient mount. Pilots were quick to make use of her above-average diving capabilities in a fight.

The Phonix D-series was utilized by the Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops (KuKLFT) of Austria-Hungary as well as their naval branch. The air force and naval versions both entered service at the same time. Sweden became the only other operator of the aircraft, this in a post-war role and of the D.III variety.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Phonix Flugzeug-Werke - Germany
Manufacturer(s)

Austria-Hungary; Sweden
Operators

National flag of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

1917
Service Year

Imperial Germany
National Origin

1
Crew

208
Units

AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT
General ability to actively engage other aircraft of similar form and function, typically through guns, missiles, and/or aerial rockets.

INTELLIGENCE-SURVEILLANCE-RECONNAISSANCE
Surveil ground targets / target areas to assess environmental threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

21.7 ft
(6.62 meters)
Length

31.2 ft
(9.50 meters)
Width/Span

9.2 ft
(2.79 meters)
Height

1,411 lb
(640 kilograms)
Empty Weight

1,775 lb
(805 kilograms)
Maximum Take-Off Weight

+364 lb
(+165 kg)
Weight Difference

1 x Hiero liquid-cooled 6-cylinder inline engine developing 200 horsepower.
Propulsion

112 mph
(180 kph | 97 knots)
Max Speed

19,685 ft
(6,000 m | 4 miles)
Ceiling

87 miles
(140 km | 76 nm)
Range

MACH Regime (Sonic)

Sub

Trans

Super

Hyper

HiHyper

ReEntry

♦

2 x 8mm Schwarzlose synchronized machine guns

0
Hardpoints

D.I - Base Production Series Designation; fitting Hiero inline engine of 200 horsepower; 2 x 8mm machine guns; 50 examples produced.

D.II - Balanced ailerons (upper wing) and elevators.

D.III (Type 9) - Balanced ailersons (both wings); fitting Hiero inline engine of 230 horsepower.

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Images

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Front right side view of the Phonix D at rest

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Front right side view of a Phonix D at rest

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Front left side view of a parked Phonix D

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