Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms Space By Flag By Year By Tag

LFG Roland D.II (Shark)

1917 WORLD WAR 1

History

Germany's LFG Roland built a healthy, deeply stabilized fighter for the Reich during World War I (1914-1918), which included fixed-wing aircraft and airships. The 1916 development became the D.II - later known as the "Shark" - a single-seat, single-engine biplane that entered service in early 1917 with 300 produced by LFG Roland and its competitor Pfalz. The D.II was developed from the earlier D.I biplane, itself an evolution of the two-seat C.II reconnaissance aircraft.

The D.II was used by the German Empire and the Bulgarian Air Service.

Because it originated in C. II/D. The I, D.II, inherit similar physical characteristics, including a streamlined shape and a fairly deep hull. A large spinner covers the propeller hub. The wing layout of the biplane features a single cabin with parallel struts and proper wiring. The pilot sits aft and below the wing upper assembly - although the wing itself is positioned low above the forward fuselage, limiting most of the pilot's forward, downward and side visibility.

Wheeled rear tow landing gear can be used, or a single vertical tail can be used.

Internally, the D.II is finished with a plywood monocoque hull structure. The hull is essentially two halves joined (with glue) at the centerline, and the entire structure is covered in fabric for added strength.

Not only did this give the aircraft the desired clean and aerodynamically refined look, but it also created a fairly light overall structure.

Weapons were conventional in that period -?? 2 LMG08/15 (Spandau) series machine guns were mounted on the nose and fired through the rotating propeller blades synchronised by an "interrupter" transmission.

When complete, the D.II design can stay in the air for up to two hours and reach ceilings in excess of 16,000 feet. Top speed is listed as 112 miles per hour.

The original field variants were simply referred to as "D. II" and these forms were powered by a 160 hp Mercedes D. III piston engine. It was followed by "D. IIa" which went to Argus As.

The III engine had 180 horsepower, but despite the extra power output, the aircraft suffered losses at altitudes above 10,000 feet - forcing the type to operate at low altitudes. The C.V exists as a "one-off" two-seater prototype, still using the original Mercedes D.III engine (160 hp). The D.II and D.IIa models manufactured in the Palatinate were named D.II (Pfal) and D.IIa (Pfal), respectively, to distinguish their factory origin.

Pfalz Flugzeugwerke made 100 of each shape.

In action, the aircraft was not as impressive as its appearance might suggest. Controls are rated below average, requiring a steady hand from the pilot and some useful combat experience, and visibility outside the cockpit is poor due to the placement of the upper wing assembly.

The highlight of the D.II is the straight-line performance of its Mercedes engine and sleek hull - it can match or surpass contemporary fighter jets. It's also well-equipped and has a solid interior.