World War I: Fokker D.VII

The product of an evolving design, the Fokker D.VII (left) first flew in January 1918. Competing against other prototypes, the aircraft won the endorsement of the "Red Baron," Manfred von Richthofen, and was selected for production. An easy aircraft to fly, the new fighter also offered superior performance in the air. Entering service in May 1918, the Fokker D.VII quickly proved itself superior to many of the current Allied fighters. This dominance led to a second "Fokker Scourge," as German pilots were able to briefly dominate the skies over the Western Front. At the war's end, the Allies demonstrated their respect for the Fokker D.VII by requiring the Germans to surrender all remaining examples of the aircraft.

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Photograph Courtesy of the US Air Force