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Halberstadt D.II

Description

The first Halberstadt D.I prototype equipped with 100hp Mercedes D.I engine had its maiden flight during the late autumn of 1915. Later it was fitted with 120hp Mercedes D.II engine and went into production designated as D.II to supplement the Fokker D type biplanes, which were then replacing the old Fokker monoplanes. The first machines arrived at the frontline in June 1916.

Most of the pilots where impressed by its better performance compared to the older Fokker monoplanes, especially its better climb and speed and very quick, easy and responsitive controls which gave it good maneverability in the hands of the experienced German pilots.

By the end of 1916 Halberstadt D.IIs became obsolete and were mostly withdrawn from the Western Front or moved to quieter sectors of the frontline. However, they were certainly respected by their Allied adversaries. Total of 96 Halberstadt D.IIs powered with Mercedes D.II engines were built.

Engine
6 cyl. inline Mercedes D.II 120 hp

Dimensions
Height: 2660 mm
Length: 7300 mm
Wing span: 8800 mm
Wing surface: 23.6 sq.m

Weight
Empty weight (kg): 519
Takeoff weight (kg): 728
Fuel capacity (l): 96
Oil capacity (l): 18

Maximum airspeed (IAS)
sea level — 145 km/h
1000 m — 138 km/h
2000 m — 131 km/h
3000 m — 124 km/h
4000 m — 115 km/h
5000 m — 105 km/h

Climb rate
1000 m: 4 min. 00 sec.
2000 m: 8 min. 50 sec.
3000 m: 15 min. 00 sec.
4000 m: 23 min. 25 sec.
5000 m: 37 min. 35 sec.

Service ceiling 5950 m

Endurance at 1000 m - 2 h. 34 min.

Armament
Forward firing: 1 х LMG 08/15 Spandau 7,92mm, 500 rounds.

References
1) Halberstadt Fightres, Windsock Datafile Special.

Modifications

Aldis (Trophy)
Aldis Refractor-type Collimator Sight
Additional mass: 2 kg

Anemometer
Wilhelm Morell Anemometer (45-250 km/h)
Additional mass: 1 kg

Thermometer
A.Schlegelmilch engine coolant temperature indicator (0-100 °C)
Additional mass: 1 kg

Cockpit light
Cockpit illumination lamp for night sorties
Additional mass: 1 kg