Fokker D.VI in Profile

By Bob Pearson

Looking like a cross between the better knwn Fokker Dr.I and D.VII, the D.VI was an interim design intended to make use of the Oberurusel rotary engine (which Fokker owned). Although a good basic design, it was to be overshadowed by the superlative Fokker D.VII, with which it was roughly contemporary), and use was restricted to a few second line Jastas and home defences Kests. One of which was the Bavarian Jasta 80b - two aircraft from which are shown here. Click on either image for a full-size proflie.

Both of these aircraft are interesting. Both are in overall four-colour lozenge, except the D.VI flown by Spiedel has the lower port wing in five-colour. The D.VI flown by Seitz has a face painted on the cowl, and carries the name 'FRATZ' on the flank panels. The unit marking was a black tailplane with a white stripe on each side. That seen on the first aircraft may be prior to application of the black paint. Of interest is the white stripe between the wing crosses.

Both of these, and other WW1 aircraft can be found on my CD-Rom of over 1400 profiles.