If 6 were 9

[Kaiser Bill]

This morning on the Military channel, there was a comparison of a Sopwith Camel to (what else???) a Fokker Dr1. The owner/pilot of the Dr1 said that in reality his plane was NOT a triplane, but a quadraplane because of the spreader bar being an airfoil and adding to the planes lift capabilities. I can see his point. With this in mind, does this make a Fokker DVII (in reality) a triplane and NOT a biplane?? Does it also mean that a Fokker DVIII (EV) is a biplane and NOT a monoplane?? Opinions.......experten???

[retread]

For the completely inexpert opinion- I believe I have read that the small airfoil between the wheels added as much drag as lift so pretty much canceled itself out aerodynamically. You may find the book "Three Wings for the Red Baron" by Leon Bennett interesting, helpful or both if you haven't already read it.