O.Thetford, P.Gray German Aircraft of the First World War (Putnam)

Schutte-Lanz Dr I
   This machine was simply a triplane version of the D III. Engine, 160 h.p. Mercedes D III.

W.Green, G.Swanborough The Complete Book of Fighters

SCHUTTE-LANZ Dr I Germany

   The operational debut of the Sopwith triplane on the Western Front in the spring of 1917 aroused considerable interest in this configuration within the Idflieg which immediately encouraged the development of conceptually similar fighters by the German industry. Among single-seat fighter triplanes submitted as a resuit was the Dr I proffered by the Luftfahrzeugbau Schutte-Lanz. Powered by a 160 hp Mercedes D III six-cylinder inline water-cooled engine and carrying the then standard armament of twin 7,9-mm LMG 08/15 machine guns, the Dr I mated the fuselage and vertical tail surfaces of the D III biplane with a triplane wing cellule. The arrangement of the wings was unusual in that forward stagger was applied to the centre plane, presumably in an attempt to improve view. The Dr I participated in the second D-type contest (27 May - 28 June 1918).

Loaded weight, 1,984 lb (900 kg).
Span, 26 ft 3 in (8,00 m).
Length, 20 ft 6 1/2 in (6,26 m).

J.Herris German Aircraft of Minor Manufacturers in WW1. Vol II (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 50)

Schutte-Lanz Dr.I

   The Schutte-Lanz Dr.I has the dubious distinction of being the last triplane fighter submitted to the fighter competitions. By the time of its appearance, Germany's triplane craze was over and the additional weight and drag of the third wing reduced the aircraft's performance below that of the mediocre D.III biplane from which it was developed. Further development was abandoned.

Schutte-Lanz Dr.I Specifications
Engine: 160 hp Mercedes D.III
Wing: Span 8.00 m
General: Length 6.26 m
Loaded Weight 900 kg