Corgi AA38312 Aviation Archive

Corgi Aviation Archive series AA38312 is a 1/48 scale diecast model of the Fokker Dr.I Dreidecker as flown by German ace Hans Weiss of Jagdstaffel 11 (Hunting Squadron 11: Jasta 11), Jagdgeschwader I (Fighter Wing: JG 1) “Flying Circus”, Deutsche Luftstreitkräfte (WWI German air force) stationed at Cappy, France, 1918.

Hans Weiss

Hans Weiss (1893 – 1918) was a German flying ace of World War I. He was given temporary command of Jasta 11 on April 8, 1918,  until he died in action on May 2 1918. He held the rank of Leutnant, had 16 confirmed victories, and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.

Fokker Dr.I Dreidecker

The Fokker Dr.I Dreidecker is a German single-seat, single-engine triplane fighter that first flew on July 5, 1917, and entered service in October of the same year. It was developed in response to the Sopwith Triplane and was known for its high maneuverability. However, it was slower than contemporary Allied fighters both in level flight and during a dive. While it proved to be an excellent fighter in the hands of skilled pilots, it was highly unstable, and for less experienced pilots and students, it could be considered a “death trap.”

Throughout its service life, the Dreidecker suffered from catastrophic wing failures. Production ended in May 1918, with approximately 320 airframes completed.

The fuselage of the Fokker Dr.I is constructed from welded steel tubing supported by wire bracing. The sides are covered in plywood, and the entire structure is wrapped in fabric. All three wings share the same basic design, primarily made of wood covered with fabric. The control surfaces and tail are also constructed from fabric-covered welded steel frames.

A single Oberursel Ur.II 9-cylinder air-cooled rotary piston engine powered the Dr.1 and drove a two-bladed fixed-pitch wooden propeller. Its armament consisted of two machine guns mounted atop the nose, synchronised to fire through the propeller arc.