Albatros (Oeffag) D.II / D.III

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Kalgoorlie - biplane - 1915 - Австралия Asboth - Helicopter - 1918 - Австро-Венгрия

Страна: Австро-Венгрия

Год: 1917

Истребитель

Варианты

Albatros - D.I/D.II - 1916 - Германия
Albatros - W.4 - 1916 - Германия
Albatros (Oeffag) - D.II / D.III - 1917 - Австро-Венгрия
Albatros - D.IV - 1917 - Германия

В.Кондратьев Самолеты первой мировой войны

Осенью 1916 года австрийская фирма "Остеррейхиш Флюгцойгфабрик АГ" (сокращенно - Оэффаг) приобрела лицензию на производство немецкого истребителя "Альбатрос" D.II. Инженеры фирмы слегка переработали немецкий проект под австрийский двигатель и вооружение, и в январе 1917 года первый прототип новой машины с заводским индексом 53.01 вышел на летные испытания. Он был оснащен рядным шестицилиндровым мотором водяного охлаждения "Австро-Даймлер" Dm-185 мощностью 185 л.с. и вооружен одним синхронным пулеметом "Шварцлозе", установленным справа от двигателя. В конце мая самолет начал поступать на фронт.
   Благодаря более мощному мотору летные данные лицензионного истребителя получились выше, чем у немецкого оригинала. Фирма получила заказ на 50 экземпляров (заводское обозначение - Bauart 53 - "серия 53", сокращенно -Ва.53), из которых успели построить только 15, после чего схему бипланной коробки изменили по типу "Альбатроса" D.III, уменьшив размеры нижнего крыла и установив V-образные межкрыльевые стойки.
   Самолет сразу пошел в производство под обозначением "серия 53.2", построено 45 экземпляров. Машины выходили с завода с полностью закапотированным двигателем, но в частях обычно снимали верхний обтекатель, закрывавший головки цилиндров, чтобы улучшить охлаждение. Вооружение - два синхронных пулемета "Шварцлозе", установленных, в отличие от немецкого "Альбатроса", не сверху на капоте, а внутри, под обшивкой, по бокам блока цилиндров.
   В июне 1917г. на самолет установили новую модификацию двигателя "Австро-Даймлер" мощностью 200л.с. С этим мотором было выпущено 280 машин под индексом "серия 153" (Ва.153). Последние из них имели винт без кока (от кока отказались, поскольку его иногда срывало в полете) и полусферический носовой обтекатель фюзеляжа.
   Девять машин были выпущены в разведывательном варианте с аэрофотоаппаратами за кабиной пилота. "Оэффаг" широко применялся с лета 1917 года и до конца войны на итальянском фронте.
   В начале 1918 года появилась очередная версия "Австро-Даймлера", мощность которой удалось повысить до 225 л.с. Модификация "Альбатроса" с этим мотором получила обозначение "серия 253" (Ва.253). Силовой набор крыла был усилен фанерными накладками. Вооружение аналогично предыдущей версии, винт без кока по типу поздних Ва.153.
   Самолет обладал выдающимися летными характеристиками, намного превышавшими данные немецкого "Альбатроса" D.III и даже - более поздней его модификации - D.V. Самолеты серии 253 считаются лучшими истребителями Австро-Венгерской империи.
   Фирме "Оэффаг" заказали 230 экземпляров новой машины, затем заказ был увеличен еще на 100 штук. Первые серийные Ва.253 попали на фронт в мае 1918-го. До выхода Австро-Венгрии из войны успели построить 201 самолет. Выпуск продолжался еще некоторое время после подписания перемирия, пока не был прекращен по требованию держав-победительниц, запретивших странам, проигравшим мировую войну, развивать военную авиацию.
   "Оэффаги" были весьма популярны среди пилотов, особенно это относилось к самолетам 253-й серии. В 1919 году 38 таких машин приобрела Польша, которая использовала их в войне с Советской Россией. Еще четыре экземпляра купила Чехословакия.
   Некоторое число самолетов этого типа после распада Австро-Венгерской империи досталось Венгрии и Югославии. Югославы применяли их в пограничном конфликте с Италией, а венгры - в войне с Румынией.



МОДИФИКАЦИИ

   Серия 53; двигатель "Австро-Даймлер", 185 л.с. Построено 45 экземпляров.

   Серия 153; двигатель "Австро-Даймлер", 200 л.с. В серии с июня 1917 г. Построено 280 штук.

   Серия 253; двигатель той же фирмы, форсированный до 245 л.с. Винт без кока. Носовая часть фюзеляжа имела полукруглую законцовку. Выпускался с мая 1918 г. До конца войны построен 201 экземпляр.


ВООРУЖЕНИЕ: 2 синхр. "Шварцлозе", на всех модификациях.


ЛЕТНО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ

   Серия 153 Серия 253
   Размах, м 9,00 9,00
   Длина, м, 7,37 7,35
   Площадь крыла, кв.м 20,64 20,64
   Сухой вес, кг 690 716
   Взлетный вес, кг 964 1005
   Скорость максимальная, км/ч 188 202
   Время подъема на высоту
   2000 м, мин.сек 6,4 5,1
   Потолок, м 6000 6000

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J.Herris Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Vol.4: Fighters (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 27)

Oeffag-Built Albatros D.II & D.III

   In late 1916 the Luftfahrtruppen (Austro-Hungarian Air Service, or LFT) was bringing into service its first fighter to be produced in quantity, the Brandenburg KD, also known as the D.I. While strong and fast, the KD had poor handling qualities, and Austrian aviation authorities wanted an alternative. Indeed, they needed one; early KD combat evaluation in late 1916 and early 1917 was not favorable.
   Fortunately, the LFT had been watching what the German air service was doing, and saw the impressive combat effectiveness displayed by the new Albatros fighters over the Western Front. As a result, the LFT and Austrian industry moved very quickly to produce the Albatros under license. The first production contract was signed with the Oesterreichische Flugzeugfabrik A.G. (Oeffag) on December 4, 1916, only a few months after the Albatros entered combat. Serious discussions between the LFT and Oeffag had obviously been underway for some time, because Oeffag already had production of the first aircraft underway!
   First flight of the Albatros D.II(Oef) 53.01 production prototype was in January 1917. The common fuselages of the 50 aircraft ordered, originally planned as 20 D.II(Oef) and 30 D.III(Oef) fighters, were completed in February, but completion of the wing cellules was delayed pending structural load tests. Winter weather delayed flight trials and the required radiators and propellers had to be obtained. The D.II(Oef) was finally released for service use on 4 May 1917, and the 16 aircraft built were delivered to the front. Armament was specified as two guns but some aircraft only had one; the Bernatzik synchronizer was used.
   Production was shifted to the superior D.III(Oef) before the full 20 D.II(Oef) planned were built. Before starting D.III(Oef) production, Oeffag redesigned the D.III's sesquiplane wing for greater strength, with stronger spars, ribs, and fuselage connection. During the evaluation period reports of wing structural failures of German D.III fighters reached Oeffag and the static load tests on the revised wing were repeated before the D.III(Oef) was accepted for service. The Oeffag engineers, who strengthened the wing design on their own initiative, were vindicated by the exemplary service of the D.III(Oef), which was not subject to the structural failures of its German antecedent.
   Like the earlier D.II(Oef), the D.III(Oef) was initially powered by the 185 hp Daimler. Two batches totaling 45 of these fighters were built (serials 53.20-53.64) before the more powerful 200 hp Daimler became available. The improved fighter was known as the 153 series and four batches of these were built. From the beginning of the third 153 series production batch the spinner was deleted in favor of a rounded nose; this improved propeller efficiency and boosted top speed by about 14 km/h.
   The D.III(Oef) was fast, maneuverable, and had a good climb rate. As important, it was structurally robust and earned the trust of its pilots, who were able to engage their adversaries with a fighter that was equal or superior in performance to those they faced.
   The final version of the D.III|Oef) was powered by the 225 hp Daimler and known as the 253 series; two batches of these were ordered and about 230 were delivered before the Armistice. The 253 series offered excellent performance that its pilots felt matched any Allied fighter and met all requirements. This experience was in stark contrast to their German allies, whose Albatros D.III and D.V fighters were technically inferior on the Western Front by the summer of 1917. Given Germany's mid-1917 search for a superior replacement to their Albatros fighters, it is interesting they did not look more closely at the D.III(Oef).

Oeffag-Built (Austro-Hungarian) Albatros Fighter Production Orders
Date Ordered Type Qty Serials Engine
4 December 1916 D.II(Oef) 16(1) 53.01-53.16 185 hp Daimler
4 December 1916 D.III(Oef) 34 53.20-53.53 185 hp Daimler
3 February 1917 D.III(Oef) 11 53.54-53.64 185 hp Daimler
3 February 1917 D.III(Oef) 61 153.01-153.61 200 hp Daimler
18 July 1917 D.IH(Oef) 50 153.62-153.111 200 hp Daimler
8 October 1917 D.III(Oef) 100 153.112-153.211 200 hp Daimler
18 May 1918 D.III(Oef) 70 153.212-153.281 200 hp Daimler
18 May 1918 D.III(Oef) 230(2) 253.01-253.230 225 hp Daimler
August 1918 D.III(Oef) 100 253.231-253.330 225 hp Daimler
Notes:
   1. Originally 20 D.II(Oef) were ordered, but only 16 were built.
   2. 201 of this production batch accepted by October 1918. A total of 260 Series 253 fighters were completed, with the last 30 or so after the Armistice.

Oeffag-Built (Austro-Hungarian) Albatros Fighter Specifications
D.II Series 53 D.III Series 53.2 D.III Series 153 D.III Series 253
Engine 185 hp Daimler 185 hp Daimler 200 hp Daimler 225 hp Daimler
Span (Upper) 8.50 m 9.00 m 9.00 m 9.00 m
Span (Lower) 8.00 m 8.73 m 8.73 m 8.73 m
Chord (Upper) 1.70 m 1.50 m 1.50 m 1.50 m
Chord (Lower) 1.70 m 1.00 m 1.00 m 1.00 m
Gap 1.35 m 1.47 m 1.47 m 1.47 m
Stagger 0.12 m 0.22 m 0.22 m 0.24 m
Wing Area 24 m2 20.56 m2 20.56 m2 20.56 m2
Length 7.35 m 7.35 m 7.35 m 7.43 m
Height 2.71 m 2.80 m 2.80 m 2.64 m
Track 1.80 m 1.80 m 1.80 m 1.80 m
Empty Weight - 690 kg 710 kg 722 kg
Loaded Weight 898 kg 964 kg 987 kg 995 kg
Wing Loading 37.4 kg/m2 46.7 kg/m2 48.0 kg/m2 48.4 kg/m2
Power Loading 4.85 kg/hp 5.21 kg/hp 4.94 kg/hp 4.42 kg/hp
Max. Speed 170 km/h 180 km/h 188 km/h 202 km/h
Climb, 1,000 m 4 min. 30 sec. 3 min. 20 sec. 2 min. 35 sec. 3 min. 5 sec.
Climb, 2,000 m 7 minutes - 6 min. 35 sec. 7 min. 10 sec.
Climb, 3,000 m 12 min. 30 sec. 14 min. 30 sec. 11 min. 20 sec. 11 min. 20 sec.
Climb, 4,000 m - - 18 min. 50 sec. 17 min. 15 sec.
Climb, 5,000 m - 32 minutes 33 minutes 27 minutes
Notes:
   1. All were armed with two machine guns except a few D.II had only one gun.
   2. Series 153 performance given for aircraft with spinner. From 153.112 the Oeffag-built D.III fighters had a rounded nose without spinner that increased speed by about 14 km/h.

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P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One (Flying Machines)

Albatros D.II(Oef) Series 53

  Impressed by the successful debut of the Albatros fighters on the Western Front in August 1916 and their fine handling characteristics, the LFT and industry moved with uncommon alacrity to put the Albatros D.II and D.III fighters into production in order to meet the increasing strength of the Italians and to replace the dangerous Brandenburg D.I fighter. Oeffag, having secured license rights from the German Albatros company, had production well under way when the contract was signed on 4 December 1916, calling for 50 aircraft, originally composed of 20 D.II and 30 D.III fighters.
  The Oeffag-built D.II differed but slightly from its German counterpart. The engine, a 185 hp Daimler, was more powerful. The wing chord was increased by 10mm (0.4 in) and the fuselage was slightly altered. The D.II production prototype, 53.01, first flew in January 1917. The common D.II/D.III fuselages were completed in February, but assembly of the wing cellule for both was postponed until completion of the static load tests. Flight trials were delayed by the sub-zero weather and also had to await the development of a proper radiator and selection of a suitable propeller. Finally the D.II(Oef) was released by a Flars engineering commission on 4 May 1917, whereupon 16 machines (all that were built), numbered 53.01 to 53.16, were accepted and promptly dispatched to the Front. All but two aircraft were armed with one or two machine guns fitted with the Bernatzik synchronization mechanism.
  The majority of the Albatros D.II(Oef) fighters were sent to the less-active Russian Front to serve with Fliks 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 20, 22, 25, 26, and 37. The D.II was also flown by Fliks 2, 19, 35, 41/J, 42/J, and 46 on the Isonzo Front and Fliks 21, 24, and 48 in the Tirol. Although a few victories were recorded, in general the D.II(Oef) fighter served to introduce two-seater pilots to the vagaries of handling a facile, high performance aircraft. Its operational function was well described in a Flik 37/D appreciation: "...too slow, its rapid climb has little effect because Russian aircraft practically never cross the lines; therefore the D.II mainly performs escort work." By the end of 1917, the D.II(Oef) was relegated to training duties, and two were offered for sale by the Austrian government in 1920.

Albatros D.II(Oef) Series 53 Specifications
Engine: 185 Daimler
Wing: Span Upper 8.50 m (27.89 ft)
Span Lower 8.00 m (26.25 ft)
Chord Upper 1.70 m (5.58 ft)
Chord Lower 1.70 m (5.58 ft)
Dihedral Upper 0 deg
Dihedral Lower 1 deg
Sweepback Upper 0 deg
Sweepback Lower 0 deg
Gap 1.35 m (4 43 ft)
Stagger 0.12 m (0.39 ft)
Total Wing Area 24 sq m (258 sq ft)
General Length 7.35 m (24.12 ft)
Height 2.71 m (8.89 ft)
Track 1.80 m (5.91 ft)
Loaded Weight 898 kg (1980 lb)
Maximum Speed: 170 km/hr (106 mph)
Climb 1000m (3,281 ft) in 4 min 30 sec
2000m (6,562 ft) in 7 min
3000m (9,843 ft) in 12 min 30 sec

Albatros D.III(Oef) Series 53.2

  Production of the Albatros D.III(Oef) had kept in step with the D.II (sharing a common fuselage, undercarriage, and tail surfaces) to enable Oeffag to switch to D.III output as soon as the static load tests of the re-designed "sequiplane" wing cellule were satisfactorily completed. Not content with the original German design, Oeffag engineers developed a stronger wing and airframe - in the process creating a tough, beautifully-built aircraft that could take increasingly more powerful engines without extensive modification. The popular Oeffag-built D.III fighter remained in production until the end of the war in three different series:
Qty Series Number Engine Order Date
34 53.20-53 185 Dm 4 December 1916
11 53.54-64 185 Dm 3 February 1917
61 153.01-61 200 Dm 3 February 1917
50 153.62-111 200 Dm 18 July 1917
100 153.112-211 200 Dm 8 October 1917
70 153.212-281 200 Dm 18 May 1918
230 253.01-230 225 Dm 18 May 1918
100 253.231-330 225 Dm August 1918
  The maiden flight of the D.III(Oef) production prototype, 53.21, took place in mid-February 1917. The Flars engineering commission, after inspecting the prototype on 4 May, specified several minor modifications. Production acceptances which began on 17 May were interrupted to repeat the static load test of the wing cellule (on 26 May) as a precautionary measure triggered by reports of recurring D.III wing failures on the Western Front. The far-sighted action of Oeffag engineers was vindicated for, by refusing to copy the German wing cellule, they had made significant improvements which were outlined in an LFT report: 1) The German spars and ribs are appreciably weaker than those of the 53.2 series. 2) Ribs between the main and auxiliary spar are solid and constructed of heavier plywood. 3) Spar flange thickness is increased from 10 to 20 mm at stress points. 4) Metal reinforcing is added between the main and auxiliary spar. 5) The front auxiliary spar is prevented from twisting by a metal fixture at the fuselage juncture. The German and Oeffag-built machines were dimensionally identical, with only small variations in wingspan, gap and area. Fully loaded, the Oeffag-built D.III was heavier than the German D.III, weighing 964 kg (2126 lb) compared to the German D.Ill's weight of 912 kg (2010 lb); the difference was due to the heavier 185 hp Daimler engine. Greater power gave the D.III(Oef) series 53.2 fighter a higher rate of climb and a maximum speed of 180 km/h (112 mph), as compared with the 165 km/h of the 160 hp Mercedes-powered German fighter.
  Output grew rapidly but the shortage of synchronization mechanisms, a chronic problem, forced Oeffag to manufacture precision parts to keep production moving. An enthusiastic reception met the first D.III(Oef) fighters when they reached the Front in June 1917. Finally, squadrons possessed a fighter that an average pilot could fly with relative ease and safety. By September 1917, sufficient experience had been gathered to assess the fighter's virtues and shortcomings. Although the series 53.2 and 153 were equal in speed to the Brandenburg D.I, they had a much superior rate of climb, showed excellent maneuverability and above all, were regarded as safe aircraft. Only one Flik reported lower wing vibration. At first the fighter was not fully trusted in a steep dive (nor was this recommended), but this restriction was lifted on later models. The synchronization mechanism was often unreliable, an all too common problem, and the steel-tube machine-gun supports required strengthening. A weak tail skid structure and poor quality cowling fasteners were problems quickly corrected. The 45 Albatros D.III(Oef) series 53.2 fighters were distributed among many Fliks on the Italian Front and in smaller numbers on the Russian Front. They formed the initial complement of Flik 51/J. When production ended in July 1917, the series 53.2 was replaced by the structurally identical but more-powerful D.III(Oef) series 153. With the appearance of newer fighters, the series 53.2 was used as a fighter-trainer by frontline training units.

Albatros D.III(Oef) Series 53.2 Specifications
Engine: 185 Daimler
Wing Span Upper 9.00 m (29.53 ft)
Span Lower 8.73 m (28.64 ft)
Chord Upper 1.50 m (4.92 ft)
Chord Lower 1.10 m (3.61 ft)
Dihedral Upper 0 deg
Dihedral Lower 1 deg
Sweepback Upper 0 deg
Sweepback Lower 0 deg
Gap 1.47 m (4 81 ft)
Stagger 0.22 m (0.72 ft)
Total Wing Area 20.56 sq m (221 sq ft)
General Length 7 35 m (24.12 ft)
Height 2.80 m (9.19 ft)
Track 1.80 m (5.91 ft)
Empty Weight 690 kg (1521 lb)
Loaded Weight 964 kg (1980 lb)
Maximum Speed: 180 km/hr (112 mph)
Climb: 1000m (3,281 ft) in 3 min 20 sec
3000m (9,843 ft) in 14 min 30 sec
5000m (16,405 ft) m 32 min

Albatros D.III(Oef) Series 153

  As soon as it became available, the high-compression 200 hp Daimler engine was mounted in the standard production airframe and output continued under the designation Albatros D.III(Oef) series 153. Between July 1917 and June 1918 a total of 281 fighters, numbered 153.01 to 153.281, were delivered. The second production batch, starting with airframe 153.112, was designed with a rounded nose to eliminate the spinner, which was prone to fly off and damage the airframe. In addition, German wind tunnel tests had demonstrated that replacing the spinner by a simple, rounded nose improved propeller efficiency, which in this case resulted in a speed increase of some 14 km/h (9 mph). Armament consisted of two buried Schwarzlose machine guns mounted with butts projecting into the cockpit and firing through blast tubes mounted alongside the engine. The slow-firing guns and often erratic synchronization systems were universally damned by pilots, more so because the D.III was an extremely stable gun platform. When several Fliks suggested that the guns be raised to eye level, three such fighters were built by Oeffag (153.161, 153.162, 153.181) and sent to the Front for evaluation. However, raised, cowl-mounted guns were not installed on production machines until the advent of series 253 in mid-1918.
  The introduction of the series 153 fighters coincided with the formation of specialized fighter squadrons, such as Fliks required performance and flight characteristics to engage in successful combat with enemy aircraft of similar type. It is the best-liked fighter at the Front." In the opinion of Offizierstellvertreter Friedrich Hefty, a Flik 42/J pilot credited with five victories, the "200 hp D.III was a superbly-designed aircraft, beautifully balanced and especially suited for aerobatics. Its rate of climb was equal to the Hanriot and the Camel, but slower in level flight than the SPAD." Every Flik lauded the D.III's all-round qualities. Not only was it robustly built and well finished (an Oeffag hallmark), but also its ease of maintenance endeared it to ground personnel. As usual the rocky airfields took their toll. In January 1918, seven Flik 55/J fighters were withdrawn for two weeks to repair rear airframe damage that occurred during take-off and landing. Oeffag raised the tail-skid support by 6 cm (2.4 in) to prevent the tail from bottoming out. Due to the temporary shortage of high-grade wing-bracing wire, some series 153 fighters were delivered in late 1917 with inferior stranded cable, which stretched to such a degree that lower wings began to vibrate in flight and allowed the wings to take on a pronounced V-form.
  In January 1918, Flik 42/J, a crack unit, submitted a combat summary which stated that "enemy aircraft are encountered in flights of eight or nine machines. To attack the well-coordinated enemy with inferior numbers is a hopeless task. In doing so our squadrons suffer inevitable losses without being able to control the air. The only solution is to attack the enemy in equal numbers; only then will the effectiveness of our type 153, powered by the high-compression engine (200 hp Daimler), reach its full potential. The supply of new fighters is totally inadequate." A rough indication of the combat attrition is shown by the following statistic. In August 1918, some 142 series 153 fighters were listed in the frontline inventory; three months later, the LFT's inventory was reduced to 57 machines, of which only 12 were in flyable condition. In spite of the high losses, an important fact to remember is that in terms of victories scored, the Albatros D.III(Oef) series 153 leads the list of all Austro-Hungarian fighters. This is a tribute to the aircraft and the pilots of the specialized fighter units, especially Fliks 3/J, 41 /J, 42/J, 51/J, 55/J, 56/J, 63/J, and 68/J, who fought gallantly and held their own against great numerical odds on the Italian Front.

Albatros D.III(Oef) Series 153 Specifications (With Spinner)
Engine: 200 hp Daimler
Wing: Span Upper 9.00 m (29.53 ft)
Span Lower 8.73 m (28.64 ft)
Chord Upper 1.50 tn (4.92 ft)
Chord Lower 1.10 tn (3.61 ft)
Dihedral Upper 0 deg
Dihedral Lower 1 deg
Sweepback Upper 0 deg
Sweepback Lower 0 deg
Gap 1.47 m (4.81 ft)
Stagger 0.22 m (0.72 ft)
Total Wing Area 20.56 sq m (2.2.1 sq ft)
General: Length 7.35 m (24.12 ft)
Height 2.80 m (9.19 ft)
Track 1.80 m (5.91 ft)
Empty Weight 710 kg (1566 lb)
Loaded Weight 987 kg (2176 lb)
Maximum Speed: 188 km/hr (117 mph)
Climb: 1000m (3,281 ft) in 2 min 35 sec
2000m (6,562 ft) in 6 min 35 sec
3000m (9,843 ft) in 11 min 20 sec
4000m (13,124 ft) in 18 min 50 sec
5000m (16,405 ft) in 33 min

Albatros D.III(Oef) Series 253

  On 18 May 1918, Oeffag received a contract to supply 230 Albatros D.III(Oef) series 253 fighters, numbered 253.01 to 253.230, to be powered by the improved 225 hp Daimler engine that was just entering quantity production. An additional batch of 100 series 253 fighters, numbered 253.231 to 253.330, was ordered in August with delivery scheduled to end in December 1918. Requiring only minor internal modification, the series 253 began to replace the series 153 in May 1918 and continued in production until the war ended. Counting the 30-odd machines completed after the war, Oeffag built a total of 260 series 253 fighters.
  The first units to receive the new 225 hp fighter were Fliks 61/J and 63/J in mid-June 1918, whose pilots were lavish with praise. Flik 61/J labelled it as "first class and superior to any fighter." Flik 63/1 considered the new fighter as "equal to all combat requirements; it is very much liked, only the squadron does not receive sufficient numbers." By July 1918, seven fighter Fliks acclaimed the series 253 as the finest fighter they had flown. Flik 56/J reported the series 253 "meets every demand, is solid and well constructed, climbs rapidly and is preferred over the Aviatik D.I because of its peerless flight characteristics." When various LFT staff officers at the Front were asked to summarize their requirements for future planning the reply was unanimous: "Unquestionably the most maneuverable and safest fighter at the Front. It has the pilots' complete trust. Because of its excellent handling and performance, it is preferred over every other fighter. Mass production is urgent." Given full priority for materials and engines, Oeffag responded by increasing average monthly output of the series 253 by 50 percent over the series 153.
  Among the 24 participants that competed in the Fighter Evaluation at Aspern in July 1918, only three were standard production machines - the Aviatik D.I 338.03 and two Albatros D.III(Oef), 253.32 and 253.35. In spite of having the highest wing loading, the Albatros fighters achieved a faster rate of climb than all other contestants with exception of the Aviatik D.I and the WKF 80.10 (D.I) prototype. Oberleutnant Benno von Fiala recommended returning the raised machine guns to the buried position (as in the earlier series) because blowing gases and oil interfered with aiming. In this connection, Flik 61/J reported that pilots flying machines with raised guns were forced to sit on two cushions to use the sights properly. At least up to aircraft 253.116, series 253 fighters left the factory armed either with buried or raised guns, apparently at random. Whether raised armament was planned as standard equipment on later production aircraft is not known.
  As of 1 August 1918, sixty-six series 253 fighters were at the Front, serving primarily with Fliks 3/J, 41/J, 42/J, 51/J, 55/J, 56/J, 61/J, and 63/J. By October 1918, all but 29 of the initial production batch had been accepted. After the war, Poland purchased 38 series 253 fighters (253.212-230, 232, 234-239, 243-248, 252-254, 256, and 257). So impressed was the Polish air service that in August 1919 Oeffag received a letter of commendation, praising the engineers and mechanics for the "exceptional, diligent and thorough work" done on the series 253. Several series 253 fighters took part in Austrian Volkswehr skirmishes with the troops of the new Yugoslavian state in Karnten until fighting finally ceased in June 1919.

Albatros D.III(Oef) Series 253 Specifications
Engine: 225 hp Daimler
Wing: Span Upper 9.00 m (29.53 ft)
Span Lower 8.73 m (28.64 ft)
Chord Upper 1.50m (4.92 ft)
Chord Lower 1.10 m (3.61 ft)
Dihedral Upper 0 deg
Dihedral Lower 1 deg
Sweepback Upper 0 deg
Sweepback Lower 0 deg
Gap 1.47 m (4.81 ft)
Stagger 0.24 m (0.77 ft)
Total Wing Area 20.56 sq m (221 sq ft)
General: Length 7.43 m (24.38 ft)
Height 2.64 m (8.67 ft)
Track 1.80 m (5.91 ft)
Empty Weight 722 kg (1592 lb)
Loaded Weight 995 kg (2194 lb)
Maximum Speed: 202 km/hr (125 mph)
Climb: 1000m (3,281 ft) in 3 min 5 sec
2000m (6,562 ft) in 7 min 10 sec
3000m (9,843 ft) in 11 min 20 sec
4000m (13,124 ft) in 17 min 15 sec
5000m (16,405 ft) in 27 min

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Описание:Description:

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J.Herris Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Vol.4: Fighters (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 27)
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"Оэффаг" D.III серии 53.2, на котором летали хауптман Вильгельм Дворак и оберлейтенант Карл Бенедек, итало-австрийский фронт, осень 1917г.
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J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.46 flown by Hptm. Johann Print, commander of Flik 27. Formerly an observer with Flik 23 where he claimed 6 victories with various pilots, Print was retraining as a pilot when he was killed in the crash of this aircraft on 25 February 1918.
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Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.51 of Flik 21, Pergine Aerodrome, Autumn 1917.
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Albatros D III 53.60 Kurt Gruber Flik 41 J Sesana Herbst 1917
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.05 of Flik 42J, Sesana Aerodrome, August 1917.
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J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.10 flown by Hptm. Godwin Brumowski, commander of Flik 41J, February-March 1918. Brumowski scored 35 victories (and 5 balloons) and was the leading Austro-Hungarian ace; he survived the war.
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Albatros D III 153.11 Frank Linke-Crawford Flik 41 J Sesana November 1917
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Albatros D 111 153.24 Hans Fischer Kampfstaffel Galanesti Winter 1917
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Albatros D.III 153.27 Georg Kenzian v. Kenzianshausvn Flik 55 J Pergine
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Albatros D.III 153.33 Wedige v. Froreich Flik 51 J Haidenschaft September 1917
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.37 thought to be assigned to Flik 41J, May 1918. This aircraft used the Oeffag company logo as a personal marking. The spinner has been removed.
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Albatros D.III 153.37 Flip 2 Casarsa
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Albatros D III 153.42 Ferdinand Udvardy Flik 42 J Prosecco Oktober 1917
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.45 flown by Hptm. Godwin Brumowski, commander of Flik 41J, Sesana Aerodrome, November 1917. With 35 victories Brumowski was the leading Austro-Hungarian ace.
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Albatros D.III 153.45 Godwin Brumowsky Flik 41 J Torresella Februar 1918
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Albatros D.III 153.47 Josef Kiss Flik 55 J Pergine Jänner 1918
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Альбатрос D III
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Albatros D III 153.58 Frigyes Hefty Flik 42 J Prosecco September 1917
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Albatros D III 153.85 Alfred Brand Flik 41 J Torresella Februar 1918
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Albatros D III 153.95 Fritz Losen Flik 2 D Pianzano November 1917
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Albatros D.III
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Albatros D III 153.106 Fritz Gräser Flik 61 J Motta di Livenza März 1918
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D III 153.117 Ludwig Hautzmayer Flik 61 J Motta di Livenza Mai 1918
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.137 flown by Stbs.Fldw. Josef Novak, Flik 41J, Torresella Aerodrome, January 1918.
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Albatros D.III 153.137 Josef Novak Flik 41 J Portobuffoie Mai 1918
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Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.140, Flik 51/J
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Оэффаг D.III, пилот - фельдфебель Э.Бёнш, 1918г.
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Albatros D.III 153.140 Eugen Bönsch Flik 51 J Ghirano
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Albatros D III 153.141 Franz Rudorfer Flik 51 J Ghirano Sommer 1918
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Albatros D III 153.145 Ludwig Hautzmaver Flik 61 J Motta di Livenza April 1918
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Albatros D III 153.167 Flik 2 D Mai 1918
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Albatros D.III 153.169 Frigyes Hefty Flik 42 J Sommer 1918
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D III 153.185 Josef v. Maier Flik 55 J Pergine Mai 1918
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D III 153.186 Otto Kullas Flik 55 J Pergine April 1918
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D III 153.198 Friedrich Navratil Flik 3 J Romagnano Sommer 1918
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D III 153.209 Godwin Brumowsky Flik 41 J Sommer 1918
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D.III 153.246 Otto Förster Flik 3 J Gardolo
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.266 flown by Lt. Sigmund von Josipovich of Flik 51J, June 1918. Von Josipovich was shot down and made POW on 15 June 1918 by Italy's leading ace, Maj. Francesco Baracca for his 34th and final victory. Four days later Baracca was KIA.
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D.III
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D III 253.04 Franz Peter Flik 3 .1 Romagnano Sommer 1918
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.05 flown by Lt. Franz Peter, Flik 3J, Summer 1918.
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D III 253.06 Friedrich Navratil Flik 3 J Romagnano Oktober 1918
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D.III 253.31 Eugen Bönsch Flik 51 J Ghirano September 1918
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.64, Flik 42/J
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D.III
J.Davilla - Italian Aviation in the First World War. Vol.1: Operations /Centennial Perspective/ (73)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.116, Oblt. Friedrich Navratil, OC, Flik 3/J, Romagnano Aerodrome, August 1918
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.116 flown by Oblt. Friedrich Navratil, commander of Flik 3J, Romagrano Aerodrome, August 1918. Navratil scored 10 victories and survived the war.
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Albatros D III 253.117 Stefan Stec Flik 3 J Romagnano Sommer 1918
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Albatros D.III
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Albatros (Oeffag) D.III Polish-American commander of the 7th Fighter Squadron with the Kosciuszko unit
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.XXX flown by Major Cedric Fauntleroy, commander of No. 7 Eskadra Kosciuszko, Lewandowka Aerodrome, Spring-Summer 1920, Polish Air Service.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.XXX of No. 7 Eskadra Kosciuszko, Lewandowka Aerodrome, Spring-Summer 1920, Polish Air Service.
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Albatros (Oeffag) D.III of the 13th Fighter Squadron with the pilot's distinctive personal emblem, referring to the "flying allowance" postcard well known at that time, 1920.
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Albatros (Oeffag) D III of the 13th Fighter Squadron with the pilot's distinctive personal emblem, 1920.

O.Thetford, P.Gray - German Aircraft of the First World War /Putnam/

Albatros D II (Austrian-built, with centre-section radiator and Austro-Daimler engine).
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

This D.II(Oef) has the full winter cowling over the engine; the muzzle of the left gun is clearly visible.
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The Albatros D.II(Oef) 53.01 during flight tests in January 1917. The engine has the winter cowling installed and armament is not fitted.
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Albatros D.II 53.01, Flik 21, Pergine, Mai 1917. Begleitflugzeug ohne Bewaffnung
Albatros D.II 53.01, Flik 21, Pergine, май 1917 г. Самолет без вооружения.
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Albatros D.II(Oef) 53.01 with Hauptmann Walter Lux Edler von Treurecht, CO of Flik 21/D in Pergine, June 1917. It was armed with two buried machine guns fired through blast tubes mounted alongside the engine.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

The production prototype for the D.II(Oef) was 53.01 shown here.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Another factory photograph of Albatros D.II(Oef) 53.06 fitted with an experimental propeller for flight tests. At this stage, the aircraft was unarmed.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.II(Oef) 53.06 photographed on the Oeffag airfield. It was flown by Flik 37/D in October-November 1917. The slanted tail-skid support differentiates the Oeffag version from the German-built D.II.
Albatros D.II 53.06 in Wr. Neustadt. Werksflugfeld, Februar 1917, aufgenommen in fabriksneuem Zustand, abweichend mit deutschem Teeves & Braun-Kühler
Albatros D.II 53.06 в Wr. Нойштадт. Заводской аэродром, февраль 1917 года, в совершенно новом состоянии, но с немецким радиатором Teeves & Braun.
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Albatros D.II 53.12 in Wr. Neustadt. Werksflugfeld, Mai 1917, vor dem Einfliegen, am Pilotensitz Feldpilot Fw Karl Hedrich
Albatros D.II 53.12 в Wr. Нойштадт. Заводской аэродром, май 1917 г., на месте пилота Фельдпилот Fw Карл Хедрих.
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Albatros D.II(Oef) 53.14 with Feldwebel Franz Koudela (r) of Flik 26/D at Zastawna in August 1917. The twin blast tubes for the machine guns are mounted under the engine intake manifold. Additional engine cooling louvres have been cut in the cowling.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

D.II(Oef) 53.15 was the next to last production aircraft; here it is serving at the front. Oeffag-built Albatros D.IIs and the first production series D.IIIs were powered by the 185 hp Austro-Daimler
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.II(Oef) 53.16, the last D.II built, having its guns aligned on the Flik 7 airfield.

J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III 53.21 in Wr. Neustadt, Werksflugfeld, April 1917, aufgenommen vor dem Abnahmeflug
Albatros D.III 53.21 в Wr. Нойштадт, заводской аэродром, апрель 1917 года, снято перед приемным полетом.
The unarmed Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.21 production prototype awaiting flight test on the Oeffag factory airfield in February or March 1917. The fighter was accepted on 17 May 1917 and, along with D.III(Oef) 53.20, ordered to the 7.Armee on 29 May 1917.
Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.21 was the second production aircraft. The high quality workmanship of the Oeffag-built aircraft is evident. Due to the strengthened wing of the Oeffag D.IIIs compared to the German originals, the Oeffag-built aircraft did not suffer the lower wing failures that affected German-built aircraft. While serving with Flik 44F, 53.21 forced down a Russian Nieuport 23 in Transylvania on 29 September 1917.
D.Mechin - Foreign Fronts of the French Air Force 1914-1919 /Aeronaut/

Albatros D.III n°53.24 of Hauptmann Nikitsch, commander of the Jagd-Flieger Detachment bearing his name, and gathering all the fighters of the surrounding Austro-Hungarian squadrons, forming a kind of marching squadron of fighters. Nikitsch, who finished the war with 6 victories, won 5 on the Romanian front (including one on board this aircraft) in the middle of a sector held by the Romanian airforce, but none of his claims in Romania can be found in the French or Romanian archives (Coll B.Toschinger)
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.24, delivered in June 1917, attained four victories while serving with Fliks 13 and 31, Fliegerdetachment Nikitsch, Flik 39/D, and Kampfstaffel Harja. In 1918 it was used as a trainer by the Feldfliegerschule at Campoformido.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Lineup of Flik 41/J during the visit of the Archduchess Maria Theresa on July 26, 1917 at Sesana; she is at the far left of the photo.
This D.I with the Buddhist good luck emblem, the swastika, was with Flik 41J when this photograph was taken despite the original caption stating it was taken at Flik 12. Albatros (Oef) 53.27 is seen in the background. This D.l was flown at times by Godwin Brumowski and test flown by Gottfried Banfield. Serial number unknown.
With few exceptions, an angled machine gun or a Type II VK gun canister comprised the armament on Brandenburg D.I fighters. Shown here are 28.65 and 28.64 (swastika insignia) of Flik 41/J in August 1917. The purpose of the flags extending from the canisters is not known, but could be an indication that the guns are armed.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Hansa-Brandenburg D.I/KD - Германия - 1916
В.Кондратьев - Самолеты первой мировой войны

"Оэффаг" D.III серии 53.2, на котором летали хауптман Вильгельм Дворак и оберлейтенант Карл Бенедек.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.30 served with Flik 6 in Albania in the summer of 1917. The small Oeffag triangular logo can be seen on the nose.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

A Brandenburg C.I(U) series 67 biplane with the 4th Army in Poland, summer 1917. The slim, blunt-ended Asboth propeller design was originally developed by the propeller test facility at Fischamend. In the background is an Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.32.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Hansa-Brandenburg C.I - Германия - 1915
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Non-commissioned ace Stabsfeldwebel Josef Kiss flying Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.33 over the rugged Alpine terrain which characterized much of the combat enviroment on the Italian Front.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Accepted in July 1917, the long-lived Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.50 served with Flik 17/D (August 1917 - January 1918), Flik 27/D (April-May 1918), and Flik 54/D (June 1918) until finally ending with Flik 3/J as a trainer, which may explain why the wings and tail have been painted in a bright color. The seldom-seen strut brace to the lower-wing leading edge gives evidence of the aircraft’s age.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Eight Albatros D.lIl(Oef) fighters of Jagdstaffel Oberleutnant Elssler parading on the Pergine airfield awaiting Kaiser Karl's inspection on 14 September 1917. A Brandenburg D.I(Ph) series 28 fighter and two Aviatik C.I series 37 biplanes are in the second row. Villa Guila della Rosa is in the far right.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Aviatik (Berg) C.I - Австро-Венгрия - 1917 Hansa-Brandenburg D.I/KD - Германия - 1916
C.Owers - Hansa-Brandenburg Aircraft of WWI. Volume 1 - Landplanes /Centennial Perspective/ (17)

The Oeffag-built Albatros D.III was the preferred fighter of the kuk. Here Albatros fighters are lined up in front of Aviatik Berg D.I fighters (C.I ???) and a lone Brandenburg D.I. The steep terrain was typical of that flown in the Italian front.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Aviatik (Berg) C.I - Австро-Венгрия - 1917 Hansa-Brandenburg D.I/KD - Германия - 1916
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

The mechanics of Flik 35/D on the airfield St Veit (Wippach) posing with aircraft 53.56. The top surfaces, tail and wheel have been camouflaged. The most noticeable differences from the German D.III are the engine, the radiator configuration, the fuselage access panels, and the slant of the tail skid support.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

The twin Schwarzlose guns slanted to fire over the propeller and installed on the center section of the Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.57 was another frontline modification. Korporal Eugen Bonsch of Flik 51/J achieved his first combat victory in this aircraft on 1 September 1917.
Z.Czirok - Austro-Hungarian Fighter Units of WWI. Volume 1 /Aeronaut/ (1)

Oblt. Karl Patzelt (fourth from the right) in front of an Albatros D.III (Oef) fighter with his comrades of Flik 29 on the Romanian front (Bernhard Totschinger via Boris Ciglic)
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Series 153 production deliveries were delayed until the correctly matching propeller was empirically determined by means of flight tests performed with the Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.01 prototype in June 1917. The prototype was assigned to Flek 6 as an advanced trainer. A Sottoscope is mounted front of the cockpit.
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D.III 153.06, Flik 41J, Sesana, August 1917; zur besseren Kühlung wurde unter dem Kühler ein Staublech angebracht, auch sind die Verkleidungsbleche des Triebwerks entfernt, links auf der Leiter stehend Hptm Brumowski
Albatros D.III 153.06, Flik 41J, Sesana, август 1917 г .; Для лучшего охлаждения под радиатором поставили перегородку, также были сняты панели обшивки двигателя, Hptm Brumowski стоит на лестнице слева.
В.Кондратьев - Самолеты первой мировой войны

"Оэффаг" серии 153
J.Davilla - Italian Aviation in the First World War. Vol.1: Operations /Centennial Perspective/ (73)

Oberleutnant Frank Linke-Crawford used Albatros D.III 153.11 from August to December 1917. On 26 December Zugsfuhrer Alfred Brand crash-landed this plane near Fener after a combat with Sergente Ennio Sorrentino of 81a Squadriglia. Austrian-built Albatros fighters were more robust than the German originals. (Carlo Lucchini)
Frank Linke-Crawford alongside his Albatros DIII serving with Fliegerkompanie 41J at Sesana, October 1917. This Austrian ace scored 27 confirmed victories before being killed in action on 31 July 1918.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

The pilot on the left is Hptm. Godwin Brumowski, the leading ace of the Austro-Hungarian Empire with 35 victories. Behind him on the left is his aircraft, Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.52, which was marked with skulls on the fuselage sides and top behind the cockpit. The pilot on the right describing air combat maneuvers is Oblt. Frank Linke-Crawford, with 27 victories the fourth-ranked ace of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. On the right is his fighter, Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.16, which was marked with falcons on the fuselage sides. This photo was taken at Flik 41J at Torresella airfield in December 1917.
M.Schmeelke - Ballon Hoch /Centennial Perspective/ (91)

Oblt. Frank Linke-Crawford flew Oeffag Albatros 153.16 from October to December 1917 with Fliegerkompanien-Jagd 41 (FlikJ) on the Isonzo Front.
M.Schmeelke - Ballon Hoch /Centennial Perspective/ (91)

Oeffag Albatros 153.16 after delivery to the Luftfahr-Truppe in August 1917.
Originally attached to Flek 6 as an unarmed trainer, 153.16 was sent to Flik 41/J on the Isonzo Front in October 1917 where it was flown by Oberleutnant Frank Linke-Crawford.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.24 of the Jagdstaffel Galanestie, airfield Galanestie (Bukovina) in the winter of 1917. In the cockpit is Oberleutnant Hans Fischer, commander of the Jagdstaffel.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Twin Schwarzlose guns mounted to fire over the propeller arc on Albatros D.III(Oef) was a front-line modification. Although one noted reference identifies this aircraft as 53.57 flown by Korporal Eugen Bonsch of Flik 51 J, information taken from the print indicates it is 53.27 flown at Flik 41J by Godwin Brumowski - at extreme left in the photo with his characteristic monocle - in July 1917. Synchronizer technical problems and shortages plagued the Luftfahrtruppen.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Aircraft 153.31 on the Oeffag firing range to adjust the synchronization mechanism. The long blast tubes can be seen under the exhaust headers. A supplementary radiator provides for proper engine cooling.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.33 was flown by Rittmeister W. von Froreich, commander of Flik 51 J, at Haidenschaft in September-October 1917.
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D.III 153.33, Flik 51J, Haidenschaft, September 1917, davor stehend Rittmeister Wedige von Froreich, Kdt der Flik, persönliches Kennzeichen rot-weißer Wimpel am Rumpf
Albatros D.III 153.33, Flik 51J, Haidenschaft, сентябрь 1917 года, перед ним стоит Rittmeister Wedige von Froreich, Kdt der Flik, личный опознавательный красно-белый вымпел на корпусе
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

By the time this Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.41 was delivered to Flik 2/D in September 1917, these machines were generally flown without the spinner. If the attachment was faulty, the spinner could separate and cause fatal damage. This aircraft, one of the few to survive the war, was listed as stored in damaged condition in March 1919.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.75 of Flik 22 photographed in flight on 3 April 1918.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.95 of Flik 2/D on the Pianzano airfield in the fall of 1917. The markings are believed to be those of Oberleutnant Fritz Losert.
J.Davilla - Italian Aviation in the First World War. Vol.1: Operations /Centennial Perspective/ (73)

Numbed with cold, Italian soldiers walk near Albatros and Phonix fighters lined up on Bressanone airfield in a foggy November day, after the end of the war. (Aeronautica Militare)

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Phonix D.I/D.II/D.III - Австро-Венгрия - 1917
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D.III 153.101, Flik 59D, San Giacomo, Frühjahr 1918. Begleitflugzeug mit Staffelmarkierung
Albatros D.III 153.101, Flik 59D, Сан-Джакомо, весна 1918 г. Самолет сопровождения с маркировкой эскадрильи.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Flik 59/D mechanics posing with 153.104 on the San Gaicomo airfield in early 1918. The twin machine gun blast tubes project from the fully-cowled engine.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Leutnant Otto Schrimpl of Flik 61/J with his Albatros D.III(Oef) series 153 on the airfield at Motta di Livenza in March 1918.
Z.Czirok - Austro-Hungarian Fighter Units of WWI. Volume 1 /Aeronaut/ (1)

Albatros D.III (Oef) 153.108 of Flik 15/F on Levico airfield, spring 1918. This fighter was flown at Flik 68/J and was reported as missing during a formation flying practice on 6th June 1918. (Petr Aharon Tesar)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.112 was the first aircraft in the third series 153 production batch and had the 200 hp Daimler. It wore a colorful camouflage scheme. In April 1918 it was flown by Oblt. Friedrich Navratil of Flik 41J. Replacement of the propeller spinner with the rounded nose in later production aircraft as seen here increased speed by 14 km/h.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Beginning with aircraft 153.112, the Oeffag-built Albatros D.III fighters were delivered with a rounded nose. The experimental hexagonal camouflage was adopted from a similar German pattern. This fighter served with Flik 41/J before being assigned to the Feldfliegerschule at Campoformido.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.117 was fitted with the 200 hp Daimler. The rugged terrain of this section of the front made flying operations especially challenging for the primitive aircraft of the time.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Zugsfuhrer Eugen Bonsch of Flik 51/J was credited with five victories between March and June 1918 while flying 153.140.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.181 of Flik 61/J was armed with raised machine guns. Although most pilots preferred this arrangement for aiming and accessibility, some objected to the blow-back of gases, powder particles, and especially the chamber lubricating oil which hampered their vision.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Closeup of Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.181 with 200 hp Daimler.
В.Кондратьев - Самолеты первой мировой войны

"Оэффаг" D.III серии 153 из состава 10-й авиароты (Flik 10) австро-венгерских ВВС, аэродром "Гардоло", август 1918 г.
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D.III 153.202, Flik 42J. Pianzano, Juni 1918, "Leibflugzeug" von Feldpilot Oblt August Selinger
Albatros D.III 153.202, Flik 42J. Пьянцано, Июнь 1918 г., самолет летчика Oblt Августа Селинджера.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

The round-nose Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.202, which Oberleutnant August Selinger of Flik 42/J safely landed in badly shot-up condition after combat with Italian Hanriot fighters on 25 June 1918.
Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.202 flown by Oblt. August Selinger of Flik 42J after being damaged in combat with Italian Hanriot HD.1 fighters on 28 July 1918. He was killed in this aircraft on 28 August 1918.
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D.III in Reihe bei der Flik 3J in Gardolo, August 1918, von links nach rechts 153.173, 153.225, 253.06, 153.227, 153.244 (?) und 153.234
Albatros D.III Flik 3J в строю в Гардоло, август 1918 г., слева направо 153.173, 153.225, 253.06, 153.227, 153.244 (?) и 153.234
E.Hauke, W.Schroeder, B.Totschinger - Die Flugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppe und Seeflieger 1914-1918

Albatros D.III 153.248 in VVr. Neustadt. Werksflugfeld, April 1918, beim ersten Abnahmeflug am 22. April infolge Triebwerksdefekt abgesturzt, Feldpilot Fw Josef Stark wurde nur leicht verletzt, Flugzeug Totalhavarie
Albatros D.III 153.248 в VVr. Нойштадт. Заводской аэродром, апрель 1918 года, разбился во время первого приемочного полета 22 апреля из-за неисправности двигателя, пилот Йозеф Старк получил легкие травмы, самолет полностью разбит.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.255 was assigned to Flik 63/J in May 1918. In the autumn of 1918, it was modified as a single-seat photo-reconnaissance fighter and served with Flik 46/P.
R.Gentilli - Italian Aviation Units in the First World War. Vol.3 /Aeronaut/ (3)

Baracca poses by his 34th and final victory, Albatros D.III 153.266 of Flik 51/J, shot down on 16 June 1918. Its pilot, Ltn. Von Josipovich, survived and was captured. Baracca was well known for his chivalry and his habit of visiting downed airmen and bringing them small gifts to ease their captivity. A short four days later, Baracca himself would be shot down and killed.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

The unarmed Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.01 production prototype was employed for engine and propeller evaluation at Aspern. Compared to the series 153, the overall length was increased slightly and the introduction of wire trailing edges on the ailerons and elevators gave them a scalloped appearance.
J.Davilla - Italian Aviation in the First World War. Vol.1: Operations /Centennial Perspective/ (73)

Frederick Navratil was the usual pilot of Albatros 253.06.
J.Davilla - Italian Aviation in the First World War. Vol.1: Operations /Centennial Perspective/ (73)

"Оэффаг" серии 253. Пилот - лейтенант Навратил
Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.116 (253.06 ???), carrying the markings of Oberleutnant Friedrich Navratil of Flik 3/J, was flown by Zugsfuhrer Adolf Blaha from Innsbruck to Switzerland on 11 November 1918. After being interned for a year, Blaha was permitted to fly to Czechoslovakia on 3 November 1919. The armament has been removed but the blast tubes remain in place.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Flik 56/J being dressed for combat in front of his Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.36 that has raised guns. Aircraft 253.30, in the background, has buried guns.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Korporal Geza Keisz of Flik 42/J made a successful forced landing in aircraft 253.64 after the lower-wing fabric peeled off during air combat on 28 August 1918. Owing to the aircraft shortage, Keisz used Hefty's aircraft, whose markings it carries. The swirled camouflage pattern was a printed fabric.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.75 had the 225 hp Daimler. The insignia are not finished and the pilot, ace Julius Arigi, wears a parachute. With 32 victories Arigi was the second-ranked Austro-Hungarian ace of the war.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.120 being assembled at the factory. Owing to the rubber shortage, wheels with wood and steel-band “tires” were used to move the aircraft about the factory. The aircraft was flown by Zugsfuhrer Kurt Steidl of Flik 3/J when he participated in shooting down Sopwith Camel E.1498 of 66 Squadron on 7 October 1918.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

A formidable lineup of seven Albatros D.III(Oef) series 253 fighters during acceptance testing at the factory. The furthest aircraft is the Oeffag 50.13 prototype.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Oeffag 50.13 - Австро-Венгрия - 1917
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

From the Italian Front of the Great War... A large group of Polish pilots serving in the Austro-Hungarian air service flew combat missions over the Alps on Albatros (Oeffag) D.III fighter aircraft - here from Flik 10. (J. Butkiewicz's collection)
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Image from Krakow 1919... An airport car fleet was used at each of the major Polish airports. The photograph show a company passenger car of the Pilots School in Krakow (collection of the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow)
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

The rather sombre Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.08 of Oberleutnant Stefan Stec of Flik 3/J. The red and white checkerboard was the insignia of Pilsudski's Polish Legion that fought on the Austro-Hungarian side. The aircraft is armed with buried machine guns.
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

With the Kosciuszko emblem on the fuselage... Albatros (Oeffag) D.III fighter aircraft purchased in Austria in 1919 equipped the Polish-American 7th Air Squadron transformed into a fighter unit. In the photos, the popular "De drei" with the Kosciuszko emblem on its fuselage; here is machine K.234 (former Austro-Hungarian 253.234). (collections of Lt. Col. Dr.T. Kopanski and the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow)
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) series 253 flown by the Polish air service postwar. In addition to this 225 hp engine, the 253 series also had ailerons and elevators with wire trailing edges giving them a scalloped appearance.
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Face from the tail of the fighter plane MiG 29 No. 42... Major Cedric Fauntleroy in December 1919 at Lewandowka airport with a flight suit. In the background a fighter plane type Albatros (Oeffag) D.III with the roman "I" - marking of the Polish-American commander of the 7th Fighter Squadron, whose emblem appears next to it. His image by Robert Gretzyngier flies to this day on the aircraft from the 23rd Tactical Air Base in Minsk Mazowiecki. (T. J. Kopanski, 7th Hunting Squadron Tadeusza Kosciuszki 1918-1921", Warsaw 2011)
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Symbols of "two independence"... The author of the "star emblem" of the Polish-American 7th Fighter Squadron was Lieutenant Elliot W. Chess - stands next to the fuselage of an Albatros (Oeffag) D.III fighter. (collection of Lt. Col. Dr.T. Kopanski)
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

American fantasy... Start from Lewandowka with a risky "American" Albatros (Oeffag) D.III fighter piloted by Lieutenant Elliott Chess. (T. J. Kopanski, 7th Hunting Squadron Tadeusza Kosciuszki 1918-1921", Warsaw 2011)
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

In battle and in... Vienna... Lieutenant Stefan Stec was one of the most experienced pilots of the Lwow flight crew, hence he and two other officers were directed to Vienna in order to select and then purchase the much needed combat aircraft for the air war in Eastern Galicia, and not only fighter aircraft. The final choice fell on Albatros (Oeffag) D.III fighters. (W. Sankowski collection)
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

"Krzysztof Cwynar's Flying Circus"... In Podkarpackie Poland in 2020, three flying replicas of Albatros (Oeffag) D.III fighters will be ready for flights. All will wear the emblem of the 7th Polish-American Fighter Squadron. (authors collection)
K.Delve - World War One in the Air /Crowood/

Albatros DIII of Austrian ace Godwin Brumowski showing the combat damage the aircraft received on 1 February 1918.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Albatros D.III(Oef) flown by Godwin Brumowski, the leading Austro-Hungarian ace, with an unknown woman in the cockpit. When Brumowski's wife was asked if she was the woman in the photo, she vehemently denied it!
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Lacking synchronization, pilots sometimes took matters into their own hands. Stabsfeldwebel Kurt Gruber of Flik 41/J in an Albatros D.III(Oef) fighter that is armed with a Schwarzlose gun mounted on a pillar and angled to fire forward outside of the propeller arc. This arrangement was also seen on a number of two-seater machines.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

The full winter engine cowling of a later-production Albatros D.III(Oef) with the rounded nose. The muzzles of the two synchronized machine guns protrude from the beautifully-finished metal. During warmer weather the panel over the engine cylinder head was removed for additional cooling.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

The buried machine gun installation was standard on Albatros D.III(Oef) fighters until the introduction of cowl-mounted guns. Here aircraft 53.22 shows the blast tube, the perforated gun jacket, and the engine decompression handle in front of the windscreen. The synchronization mechanism was adjusted with the aid of a plywood disc mounted in front of the propeller.
C.Owers - Hansa-Brandenburg Aircraft of WWI. Volume 1 - Landplanes /Centennial Perspective/ (17)

Probably taken at a repair depot this photograph depicts three fuselages of the most important Austro-Hungarian types undergoing maintenance/repair work, the Oeffag Albatros D.III, Brandenburg D.I and C.I. All three machines feature wooden frameworks with ply covering giving a strong, robust structure.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Hansa-Brandenburg C.I - Германия - 1915 Hansa-Brandenburg D.I/KD - Германия - 1916
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

The Oeffag 50.09 prototype during final assembly in June 1917. Here it shares the large assembly hangar with the Oeffag K 423 flying boat and early production Albatros D.III(Oef) series 153 fighters.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Oeffag 50.08 / 50.09 - Австро-Венгрия - 1916 Weichmann K / KG - Австро-Венгрия - 1916
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

The neat arrangement in the assembly hall reflects the craftsmanship for which Oeffag aircraft were renowned. In the far left, the Albatros D.III(Oef) 53.21 production prototype awaits propeller installation, while in the far right the D.II(Oef) 53.06 and D.III(Oef) 53.20 are nearing completion. In the foreground, Oeffag C.II series 52.5 biplanes under assembly. The date is February 1917.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Oeffag C.II - Австро-Венгрия - 1916
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

One of three Albatros D.III(Oef) series 153 fighters modified with twin synchronized Schwarzlose guns mounted in front of the pilot.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

One of the three Albatros D.III(Oef) series 153 fighters armed with twin raised Schwarzlose machine guns was aircraft 153.162 that was dispatched to Flik 42/J for frontline evaluation in February 1918. The altimeter on the left is supported in a shockproof mounting. In the center is the Phylax tachometer and on the right, a bank indicator.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

After serving as the series 153 prototype, the Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.01 was based at Flek 6 to investigate remote-camera installation. The Sottoscope was mounted on the right side of the cockpit. The handle in the foreground is used to decompress the 200 hp Daimler engine for starting. The machine guns are mounted internally below the two cowling access doors.
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Installation of a remotely-controlled camera behind the pilot's seat (removed) of an Albatros D.III(Oef) fighter. The negative-changing handle is connected to the wooden box holding the glass plate negatives. The ring opens the fuselage aperture. The camera shutter release is not yet installed. Mounted on the fuselage are a spirit level and an Oeffag plate counter. The black box on the left is for the Bordbuch (aircraft logbook).

Z.Czirok - Austro-Hungarian Fighter Units of WWI. Volume 1 /Aeronaut/ (1)

Albatros D.III (Oef) 153.113 after a crash-landing during a test flying at Wiener Neustadt in late 1917. The aircraft also served at Flik 68/J later and was damaged on 9th June 1918. (Martin O'Connor via Aaron Weaver)
Z.Czirok - Austro-Hungarian Fighter Units of WWI. Volume 1 /Aeronaut/ (1)
Z.Czirok - Austro-Hungarian Fighter Units of WWI. Volume 1 /Aeronaut/ (1)
Z.Czirok - Austro-Hungarian Fighter Units of WWI. Volume 1 /Aeronaut/ (1)

Dombrowski's damaged Albatros D.III (Oef) 153.195 after landing on 4th May 1918.
R.Gentilli - Italian Aviation Units in the First World War. Vol.5 /Aeronaut/ (5)

Baracca's final victory, Albatros D.III 153.266 shot down on 15 June 1918.
Z.Czirok - Austro-Hungarian Fighter Units of WWI. Volume 1 /Aeronaut/ (1)

Serg. Nicelli stands in front of the wreck of Kpl. Franz Fritsch's Albatros D.III (Oef) 153.210 shot down on 4th May 1918. The next day the Italian ace also died. (Colin Overs via Boris Ciglic)
Z.Czirok - Austro-Hungarian Fighter Units of WWI. Volume 1 /Aeronaut/ (1)

The wreck of Offstv. Emanuel Stumpa's Albatros D.III (Oef) 153.189. Note the squadron marking of Flik 57/Rb on the wheel disc. (Roberto Gentilli)
A.Olejko - War Wings Over Galicia 1918-1919 /Aeronaut/

Front paintings and not only... The front of the Polish-Ukrainian and Polish-Bolshevik wars as well as the airports in the country were strewn with plane wrecks damaged in accidents, shown, a crashed Albatros (Oeffag) D.III. Note swirl camouflaged fabric on the upper and under surfaces. (W. Sankowski's collection)

J.Davilla - Italian Aviation in the First World War. Vol.3: Aircraft M-W /Centennial Perspective/ (75)

Rampante! Th is painting by noted artist Russell Smith shows leading Italian ace Major Francesco Baracca flying his Spad 13. The rampant stallion was Baracca's personal insignia and was borrowed with Baracca's mother's permission by Enzo Ferrari for his racing cars after the war.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: SPAD S.XIII (Spa 13 C-1) - Франция - 1917
J.Davilla - Italian Aviation in the First World War. Vol.1: Operations /Centennial Perspective/ (73)

Rampante! by Russell Smith shows leading Italian ace Francesco Baracca scoring his 34th and final victory while flying his Spad 13 three days before his death. After the war Baracca’s prancing horse insignia was adopted by Enzo Ferrari for his race cars.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: SPAD S.XIII (Spa 13 C-1) - Франция - 1917
R.Gentilli - Italian Aviation Units in the First World War. Vol.2 /Aeronaut/ (2)

(Antonio Iozzi) Italian Hanriot HD.1 in combat with an Austro-Hungarian Albatros D.III.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Hanriot HD.1 - Франция - 1916
R.Gentilli - Italian Aviation Units in the First World War. Vol.1 /Aeronaut/ (1)

Two Caproni bombers on a daylight bombing raid are intercepted By Austro-Hungarian Albatros D.III fighters.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Caproni Ca.1 - Ca.3 (Ca.30 - Ca.36) - Италия - 1914

J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Upper surfaces of wings, tail, and fuselage overall green with ochre sworls. This was initially done at Flik 41J commanded by Brumowski and in recent years often referred to as the "Brumowski distribution pattern." It is shown here on a series 53/153.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

Factory finish for all series of Oeffag-built D.III fighters was a plain varnished fuselage with clear-doped wings and gray or natural metal cowl. It is shown here on a series 253.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

All upper surfaces given a dark green mottle applied by rag or sponge with underside left in plain factory finish. It is shown here on a series 253.
J.Herris - Albatros Aircraft of WWI. Volume 4: Fighters /Centennial Perspective/ (27)

On some series 253 aircraft a printed fabric was used to cover the wings and tail surfaces. On some of these aircraft the fabric was also applied to the fuselage as shown here. The underside of the fuselage was left in varnished ply finish.
J.Davilla - Italian Aviation in the First World War. Vol.1: Operations /Centennial Perspective/ (73)

Albatros D.III(Oef) 153.10, Hptm. Godwin Brumowski, OC, Flik 41/J, February/March 1918
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) 253.64, Flik 42/J
В.Кондратьев - Самолеты первой мировой войны

Albatros D-III (Oeffag)
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.II(Oef) Series 53
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) Series 53.2 and 153
P.Grosz, G.Haddow, P.Shiemer - Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One /Flying Machines/

Albatros D.III(Oef) Series 153 (round nose) and 253

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