|
Every source I have seen on this matter agrees with what Michael has stated. It would seem unwise to dispute as this information comes directly from Bodenschatz. In the spring of 1918, there is no question that JG1 was the elite of the IGAF and that they would be first to receive the new plane.
On another note, I find it interesting that, as early as September 1917, with the structural deficiencies experienced with the Dr1, von Richthofen was already discussing Fokker's new "stationary engine biplane" with his friends at Kogenluft. This is eight months before the plane arrived at the front. I think that the major reasons why this plane was not available earlier than May 1918 were: (1) The new triplane was already in the production mode and to hurry along the DVII, still being developed and not yet ready for production, would disrupt the delivery of any plane. This of course is unacceptable to a country at war. (2) Due to the early problems and deaths with the triplane, Fokker was sensitive to criticism about his designs. His staff had apparently prototyped several alternative designs for the new stationary engined plane. Even at the time of Aldershof competition he had not yet decided which design was best. Too bad for MvR that he never got to fight with the DVII.
|