Designed in response to the Sopwith Triplane, the Fokker Dr.I (right) became a favorite among German pilots. When the Sopwith entered service in April 1917, it quickly proved itself superior to the German Albatros and Halberstadt fighters. Turning to the aircraft industry, the German government requested designs for a triplane fighter of their own. The winner of the subsequent design competition was the Fokker V.4. Redesignated the F.I, the two prototypes of the new aircraft were sent to the front for trials. Tested by the famed Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, the fighter received rave reviews for its agility. Again renamed, this time Dr.I, the new aircraft went into production with the first units reaching the front in October 1917. At the end of the month, the Dr.I was grounded after several broke up in flight. In response, Fokker improved their quality control procedures to prevent shoddy craftsmanship. Despite this, problems with wing failures plagued the aircraft for the rest of the war. A total of 320 Dr.Is were built.

Photograph Courtesy of the US Air Force