MadTommy
09-08-09, 17:49
You get 4 planes with the English version.. these are:
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AlbatrosDV - Scout plane
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/9273/albatrosdv.png
Very good in tight turning dogfights with good visibility. Poor rate of climb & low speed
Engineers at the Albatros Werke faced the task of building a fast and maneuverable fighter plane capable of besting anything the Allies had in their arsenal. The previous design, the Albatros D. III, had a lower wing defect that led to wing failure in steep dive. Albatros engineers were unable to discover out the reason real behind these failures. One possible solution was to move the aileron control wires from the lower wing to top.
In Spring 1917 test flights of the D.V were carried out. Although outward appearances of the Albatros D.V and D. III were similar, there were important design differences. The D.V had a larger tail fin and the top wing was lowered and brought closer to fuselage, which improved the pilot's visibility. The radiator was set to starboard of the centerline and the fuselage cross-section became more round.
Fighter squadrons received the Albatros D.V in May 1917. Several months of combat testing showed that lower wing problem was not solved. Engineers decided to move the aileron control wire back to the lower wing and strengthen the attach point of the V-shaped strut that connected the lower spar to the fuselage. For insurance they also added an additional strut to the lower wing spar. A more powerful Mercedes D. IIIa engine was installed. With these changes the plane received the classification of Albatros D. Va.
The plane was manufactured at Albatros Werke and Ostdeutsche Albatros Werke factories.
Albatros airframes were used in combat against all types of enemy planes. Pilots loved its great visibility, handling, sufficient speed and climb rate. The new engine improved high altitude flight characteristics as well. However, there was still no confidence in low wing attachment and pilots refused to perform steep dives in combat. Despite this drawback, veteran pilots continued to increase their combat score. Sorties featuring large numbers of Albatros fighters over the Front became more frequent.
wiki link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albatros_DV)
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SPAD XIII - Fighter Plane
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6029/spadxiii.png
Powerful, fast but not very maneuverable with very poor visibility
The SPAD XIII was designed as an improved version of SPAD VII. While looking externally similar to its predecessor it was a whole new plane. A second machine-gun and a more powerful engine were fitted. Also, an auxiliary fuel tank was placed in the central section of the top wing whle the main fuel tank was located in the lower fuselage section. Left and behind the cockpit was a place for a photo reconnaissance camera or a small bomb load. Its first flight was made on April 4th, 1917. The SPAD XIII plane was manufactured by: Bleriot, Levasseur, Bernard, Kellner, Safca, Borel and Nieuport. 8,472 airframes were built in total.
It first appeared over the frontline in late Summer or early Fall 1917. The plane was first supplied to French squadrons. It was mainly used for engaging enemy planes, escorting bombers, aerial mapping and recon. Although capable, it was rarely used for the bombing of ground targets around the frontline.
French pilots were eager to receive this plane. The second machine-gun increased firepower and the new engine made it fly and climb faster. Controls remained effective even at high altitudes. The only drawbacks were a lack of sensitivity in the controls at low speeds and the thin wing profile decreased maneuverability at low speeds, which often resulted in a stall. In a dive and level flight, the SPAD XIII was one of the fastest of the war. Pilots liked to say, "it dives faster than the wind!" The SPAD XIII participated in battles on all fronts during WWI. The French, British, American and Italian armies were all equipped with it.
wiki link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPAD_XIII)
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Nieuport 28 - Scout plane
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/3900/nieuport28.png
Good in tight turning dogfights & good visibility. Poor rate of climb & low speed & poor gun sights
The Nieuport 28 was the next evolutionary step in the long line rotary powered fighters made by Nieuport S.A.d E.(Societe Anonyme des Etablissements) Company. Nieuport designers realized that their previous designs had become obsolete and had reached their maximum performance potential. Therefore it was decided to use structural features of SPAD XIII in the design their new fighter. Such features include: larger surface area of lower wing (second spar was fitted to it so the plane became a real biplane); second machine-gun was placed left of the centerline behind the engine; ailerons were fitted to the lower wing instead of just the top wing. Its first test flight occurred on June 5th, 1917. Unfortunately the new fighter was unable to outperform the already established flight characteristics of the SPAD XIII, which was already in widespread service at the Front. For this reason, French pilots refused to fly it and so these machines were given to the U.S. Air Service which had just reached France. A total of 208 airframes were built. Once completed, the Nieuport S.A.d E. Company switched to manufacturing of SPAD XIII.
The Nieuport 28 entered service with American squadrons in February 1918. Due to an insufficient supply of Vickers machine-guns, combat use of the fighter did not begin until March 1918. It was mostly used for engaging enemy fighters and balloons, rarely for bomber escort or recon missions behind enemy lines. Pilots noted a good rate up climb, high maneuverability and speed due to its thin wing. N28 pilots also reported that the plane has sensitive controls. During its combat service it was found that the plane had a tendency to shed its top wing covering in long dives. Luckily, several early N28 pilots survived these harrowing incidents and were able to warn other pilots of the defect and to avoid prolonged dives at high speeds.
wiki link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuport_28)
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Fokker D.VII - Fighter Plane
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9467/fokkerdvii.png
Good visibility with good balance of speed and turn rate.
This famous plane was designed in Anthony Fokker's design department. The head designer was given a task to create a fast fighter capable of beating the French Spad-XIII and British S.E.5a. The result was one of the best fighters of the war. Notable design features include: a metal airframe structure, thick-sectioned wing and lack of bracing wires.
From January 21st to February 12th 1918, at Adlershof airfield, a fighter competition took place to determine the winner of the next big fighter contract. Whichever plane proved to be the fastest, most durable and having highest climb rate would be declared the winner. Manfred von Richthofen, a close friend of Anthony Fokker, took the prototype on a test flight and noted some of its minor flaws. Of particular concern was some instability during a long dive. This issue was later fixed by Fokker's team. The success of the aircraft's design led to it being produced on a wide-scale in a number of factories: Fokker Flugzeug-Werke, Albatros Werke, Ostdeutsche Albatros Werke all built the new aircraft. The Fokker D.VII as it was officially known, became one of the best, if not the very best fighter by the end of the war. There were 2,029 airframes produced and sent to front by the end of 1918.
In April 1918 it reached the frontline airfields of the Bavarian squadrons. The Fokker D.VII was used to escort bombers, engaging enemy fighters and bust balloons. They were rarely used for strafing enemy supply columns near the front or for recon. During service it became clear that the liquid water radiator did not cool the engine sufficiently. A simple modification was made, the radiator was turned to face the engine cowling, which increased airflow through the radiator grill, thus eliminating the problem.
Pilots like its good climb rate and speed and when combined with excellent cockpit visibility, stability in maneuvers and good handling at low speeds - the Fokker D.VII was a deadly and dangerous foe at any altitude. Early D.VII pilots shouted with excitement, "The plane can hang on its propeller!" The Fokker D.VII was a welcome addition to German fighter squadrons and it helped carry out countless offensive and defensive operations. The Fokker D.VII was in service until the very end of war. German squadrons equipped with this type were the main opponents of allied aviation during the final months of the war.
wiki link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fokker_D.VII)
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If anyone who can edit my posts wants to add comments.. please do! :)
__________________________________________________ _________________________
AlbatrosDV - Scout plane
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/9273/albatrosdv.png
Very good in tight turning dogfights with good visibility. Poor rate of climb & low speed
Engineers at the Albatros Werke faced the task of building a fast and maneuverable fighter plane capable of besting anything the Allies had in their arsenal. The previous design, the Albatros D. III, had a lower wing defect that led to wing failure in steep dive. Albatros engineers were unable to discover out the reason real behind these failures. One possible solution was to move the aileron control wires from the lower wing to top.
In Spring 1917 test flights of the D.V were carried out. Although outward appearances of the Albatros D.V and D. III were similar, there were important design differences. The D.V had a larger tail fin and the top wing was lowered and brought closer to fuselage, which improved the pilot's visibility. The radiator was set to starboard of the centerline and the fuselage cross-section became more round.
Fighter squadrons received the Albatros D.V in May 1917. Several months of combat testing showed that lower wing problem was not solved. Engineers decided to move the aileron control wire back to the lower wing and strengthen the attach point of the V-shaped strut that connected the lower spar to the fuselage. For insurance they also added an additional strut to the lower wing spar. A more powerful Mercedes D. IIIa engine was installed. With these changes the plane received the classification of Albatros D. Va.
The plane was manufactured at Albatros Werke and Ostdeutsche Albatros Werke factories.
Albatros airframes were used in combat against all types of enemy planes. Pilots loved its great visibility, handling, sufficient speed and climb rate. The new engine improved high altitude flight characteristics as well. However, there was still no confidence in low wing attachment and pilots refused to perform steep dives in combat. Despite this drawback, veteran pilots continued to increase their combat score. Sorties featuring large numbers of Albatros fighters over the Front became more frequent.
wiki link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albatros_DV)
__________________________________________________ ______________
SPAD XIII - Fighter Plane
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6029/spadxiii.png
Powerful, fast but not very maneuverable with very poor visibility
The SPAD XIII was designed as an improved version of SPAD VII. While looking externally similar to its predecessor it was a whole new plane. A second machine-gun and a more powerful engine were fitted. Also, an auxiliary fuel tank was placed in the central section of the top wing whle the main fuel tank was located in the lower fuselage section. Left and behind the cockpit was a place for a photo reconnaissance camera or a small bomb load. Its first flight was made on April 4th, 1917. The SPAD XIII plane was manufactured by: Bleriot, Levasseur, Bernard, Kellner, Safca, Borel and Nieuport. 8,472 airframes were built in total.
It first appeared over the frontline in late Summer or early Fall 1917. The plane was first supplied to French squadrons. It was mainly used for engaging enemy planes, escorting bombers, aerial mapping and recon. Although capable, it was rarely used for the bombing of ground targets around the frontline.
French pilots were eager to receive this plane. The second machine-gun increased firepower and the new engine made it fly and climb faster. Controls remained effective even at high altitudes. The only drawbacks were a lack of sensitivity in the controls at low speeds and the thin wing profile decreased maneuverability at low speeds, which often resulted in a stall. In a dive and level flight, the SPAD XIII was one of the fastest of the war. Pilots liked to say, "it dives faster than the wind!" The SPAD XIII participated in battles on all fronts during WWI. The French, British, American and Italian armies were all equipped with it.
wiki link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPAD_XIII)
__________________________________________________ ______________
Nieuport 28 - Scout plane
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/3900/nieuport28.png
Good in tight turning dogfights & good visibility. Poor rate of climb & low speed & poor gun sights
The Nieuport 28 was the next evolutionary step in the long line rotary powered fighters made by Nieuport S.A.d E.(Societe Anonyme des Etablissements) Company. Nieuport designers realized that their previous designs had become obsolete and had reached their maximum performance potential. Therefore it was decided to use structural features of SPAD XIII in the design their new fighter. Such features include: larger surface area of lower wing (second spar was fitted to it so the plane became a real biplane); second machine-gun was placed left of the centerline behind the engine; ailerons were fitted to the lower wing instead of just the top wing. Its first test flight occurred on June 5th, 1917. Unfortunately the new fighter was unable to outperform the already established flight characteristics of the SPAD XIII, which was already in widespread service at the Front. For this reason, French pilots refused to fly it and so these machines were given to the U.S. Air Service which had just reached France. A total of 208 airframes were built. Once completed, the Nieuport S.A.d E. Company switched to manufacturing of SPAD XIII.
The Nieuport 28 entered service with American squadrons in February 1918. Due to an insufficient supply of Vickers machine-guns, combat use of the fighter did not begin until March 1918. It was mostly used for engaging enemy fighters and balloons, rarely for bomber escort or recon missions behind enemy lines. Pilots noted a good rate up climb, high maneuverability and speed due to its thin wing. N28 pilots also reported that the plane has sensitive controls. During its combat service it was found that the plane had a tendency to shed its top wing covering in long dives. Luckily, several early N28 pilots survived these harrowing incidents and were able to warn other pilots of the defect and to avoid prolonged dives at high speeds.
wiki link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nieuport_28)
__________________________________________________ ______________
Fokker D.VII - Fighter Plane
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9467/fokkerdvii.png
Good visibility with good balance of speed and turn rate.
This famous plane was designed in Anthony Fokker's design department. The head designer was given a task to create a fast fighter capable of beating the French Spad-XIII and British S.E.5a. The result was one of the best fighters of the war. Notable design features include: a metal airframe structure, thick-sectioned wing and lack of bracing wires.
From January 21st to February 12th 1918, at Adlershof airfield, a fighter competition took place to determine the winner of the next big fighter contract. Whichever plane proved to be the fastest, most durable and having highest climb rate would be declared the winner. Manfred von Richthofen, a close friend of Anthony Fokker, took the prototype on a test flight and noted some of its minor flaws. Of particular concern was some instability during a long dive. This issue was later fixed by Fokker's team. The success of the aircraft's design led to it being produced on a wide-scale in a number of factories: Fokker Flugzeug-Werke, Albatros Werke, Ostdeutsche Albatros Werke all built the new aircraft. The Fokker D.VII as it was officially known, became one of the best, if not the very best fighter by the end of the war. There were 2,029 airframes produced and sent to front by the end of 1918.
In April 1918 it reached the frontline airfields of the Bavarian squadrons. The Fokker D.VII was used to escort bombers, engaging enemy fighters and bust balloons. They were rarely used for strafing enemy supply columns near the front or for recon. During service it became clear that the liquid water radiator did not cool the engine sufficiently. A simple modification was made, the radiator was turned to face the engine cowling, which increased airflow through the radiator grill, thus eliminating the problem.
Pilots like its good climb rate and speed and when combined with excellent cockpit visibility, stability in maneuvers and good handling at low speeds - the Fokker D.VII was a deadly and dangerous foe at any altitude. Early D.VII pilots shouted with excitement, "The plane can hang on its propeller!" The Fokker D.VII was a welcome addition to German fighter squadrons and it helped carry out countless offensive and defensive operations. The Fokker D.VII was in service until the very end of war. German squadrons equipped with this type were the main opponents of allied aviation during the final months of the war.
wiki link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fokker_D.VII)
__________________________________________________ ______________
If anyone who can edit my posts wants to add comments.. please do! :)