ALBATROS D.V

This CAD-designed, precision CNC-cut kit features an advanced tab-and-lock construction system that allows the components to align and fit together accurately. This approach significantly simplifies assembly, speeds up the building process, and provides a more precise and rewarding experience than traditional model aircraft construction methods.

The Albatros D.V (pronounced “D-five”) was probably the most beautifully shaped and elegant German fighter aircraft of the First World War. Many pilots who later became famous flew this type, including Ernst Udet, Hermann Göring, and the renowned “Red Baron,” Manfred von Richthofen. The aircraft was manufactured in Berlin by the Albatros works.

The 1:3-scale model is an imposing sight at any model airfield. Its voluminous fuselage with its distinctive oval cross-section, combined with the highly detailed dummy six-cylinder inline engine, the sleek wing planform, and the unusual top-view shape of the horizontal stabilizer give this aircraft a truly unique character.

The ideal powerplant for this model would, of course, be an inline engine of suitable displacement—preferably a four-stroke. 

The Fiala FM 120 inline, in its long layout, will be the ideal powerplant for this wonderful model.

Practical for Everyday Flying?

The flight characteristics can be described as very well balanced and uncomplicated. In addition to the choice of airfoil, this is certainly due to the nearly ideal wing and tail geometry.

“Normal” aerobatics are no problem at all—in fact, the model is certainly capable of considerably more than the full-size aircraft ever was.

The somewhat “squat” vertical proportions are particularly advantageous on the ground and during landing, giving the aircraft relatively low sensitivity to crosswinds for a biplane.

Despite its size, the D.V remains reasonably easy to transport, since not only the wings but also the horizontal stabilizer can be removed quickly and easily.

The Kit

The model is supplied as a CNC-machined kit consisting of well over 1,000 individual parts.

All formers, ribs, sheeting, fairing components, and fittings are CNC-machined with computer-controlled precision.

When constructing the fuselage, the building jig integrated into the kit is particularly helpful. The fuselage is completely sheeted with 0.4–0.8 mm plywood.

All control surfaces use recessed/hinged leading-edge joints (“Hohlkehlen”).

The landing gear is constructed from sturdy aluminum tubing, with landing shocks absorbed by rubber cord.

The wing bracing is supplied with the kit fully prepared and ready for installation. The struts and cabane/interplane components are supplied cut to length, profiled, and prepared for installation of the fittings.

The wing joiners, wheels, tail skid, fuel tank, and characteristic spinner are, of course, also included.

The package is completed by the seat, cockpit coaming, and instrument panel.

All small parts and standard hardware—such as screws, clevises, etc.—are also included, together with the building instructions and plans.

The two machine guns are not included. Scale purists can, of course, add them without difficulty if desired.

Technical Description

Fuselage

The basic structure and formers are made from CNC-machined plywood components and incorporate an integrated building jig.

The fuselage features:

• Laminated fuselage stringers

• All mounting points prepared for the necessary fittings

• Complete 0.4–0.8 mm plywood sheeting

• One-piece removable wooden engine cowling

• Prepared servo mounting locations

• Detailed cockpit interior

Wings

The wings feature:

• Laminated pine spars with an integrated building jig

• CNC-machined poplar-plywood ribs

• Rib cap strips

• Control surfaces with recessed hinge joints

• Torsional reinforcement using CFRP/carbon-fiber tubes

• Scale-correct rib spacing

• Prepared servo mounting locations

Tail Assembly

The tail assembly is constructed from CNC-machined plywood components.

The horizontal stabilizer is removable and attaches to the fuselage using tubes inserted from the sides.

Its construction is similar to that of the wings.

The vertical stabilizer fin is plywood-sheeted.

Landing Gear

The landing gear is constructed from 16 mm aluminum tubing using only screwed and bonded joints.

The wheel axle is designed as a one-piece articulated/swinging axle, reinforced with fiberglass and faired with a third aerodynamic surface having a teardrop-shaped airfoil profile.

Additional features include:

• Rubber-cord suspension

• Steel-cable bracing

• Large spoked wheels with plywood covers

• Foam-rubber tires

• Tail skid

Scale 1 to 3

Wingspan 118.1 inches

Length 92.5 inches

Weight ca. 42 lbs+