Fokker E.V

The Fokker D.VIII or E.V (as it was variously called) combined the strong, unbraced upper wing of the Fokker D.VII with a 110hp rotary engine to create a handy, maneuverable plane with great sight lines for the pilot. The first six E.V planes were rushed to the front for combat evaluation with Jasta 6. Shortages of castor oil and wing failures led to their temporary withdrawal on 21 August. Adjustments were made to the wing and the type was cleared for combat in late October, but by this time the renamed D.VIIIs had a few scant weeks to show their prowess.

It was, in fact, failures in workmanship in the Fokker wing factory at Perzina that resulted in these catastrophic problems with the E.V, and it took until late September 1918 that they could be rooted out and corrected. All of the rebuilt and newly-built planes with new wings were redesignated the D.VIII. It was not until 24 October that the D.VIII reappeared at the front, and as of 1 November 1918 there were only 85 at the front.

Despite the modest engine power, the D.VIII was found to be nimble, somewhat between the Dr.I and D.VII, and the visibility from the cockpit was outstanding. Experiments with improved engines were well under way and may have paid fruit had the war lasted longer.

Austria-Hungary contemplated the purchase and manufacture of E.V's, but shortages in lubricants forestalled any such plans. In 1919 the Polish 7th Aviation Squadron used D.VIIIs against Ukrainian forces.

Card Links

 * German
 * Jasta 6 - Wenzl
 * Jasta 6
 * Jasta 6
 * Jasta 36
 * Soviet WPAF
 * Polish AF


 * Aircraft Chart

1:144 Scale

 * Ares: WGF119A Lowenhardt; WGF119B Osterkamp; WGF119C Sharon
 * Shapeways: Decapod, Kampfflieger
 * Metal kit: ,

1:200 Scale

 * Shapeways: kampfflieger

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways: Decapod

1:300 Scale

 * Metal kit: Heroics & Ros GWA304

1:350 Scale

 * Shapeways: Decapod

1:600 Scale

 * Metal kit: Tumbling Dice