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Old Planes, Classic Fighters 2017

The Omaka shows generally have extensive displays of older, especially World War I era, aircraft. There are no originals of this aircraft left in the world but there were 8 replicas being shown at the show this year. The main reason for its fame is that it was flown by the infamous Manfred von Richthofen (2 May 1892 – 21 April 1918, AKA the Red Baron) who flew an all red example. He was officially credited with 80 air combat victories.

The Fokker Dr. I was produced to counter the Sopwith Triplane which was superior to the German fighters available up until then. The three wings gave it excellent lift and manoeuvrability but there were issues with wing strength and maximum speed.

The Sopwith Camel was the most successful Allied aircraft of World War I, although the 1294 victories it gained had to be balanced with the 385 non-combat related deaths of its pilots due to some of its more awkward handling characteristics!

The Nieuport 11 was a French fighter aircraft from World War I. Technically it is a sesquiplane, not a biplane, because one wing (the lower in this case) hass less than half the area of the other. Because of the design of the Lewis machine gun it was not possible to synchronise its firing through the propellor. That is why it is mounted above the wing which made re-loading and clearing jams difficult.

Sources: Wikipedia: Manfred von Richthofen, Wikipedia: Nieuport 11, Classic Fighters Omaka 2017 Programme.