CORGI 1/48 :  AA 37808

ALBATROSS D.Va D.7327, Luftstreitkrafte Jasta 5, 

Lt. LOTHER WEILAND 1918

The astonishing pace of aviation development during the First World War saw the aeroplane develop from a reconnaissance spotter, to a deadly air superiority ?ghter. Arguably, the most important German ?ghting scout aircraft of WWI was the Albatros series of aircraft, which saw almost constant use between 1916 and 1918 and were used by many of the great German aces to score large numbers of aerial victories.The German Air Service had enjoyed a period of dominance following the introduction of the Fokker Eindecker, but more capable Allied ?ghters soon began to challenge this superiority. In August 1916, the new Albatros D.1 began to arrive on the Western Front and proved to be an instant success. With a powerful 160hp Mercedes engine and twin 7.92mm Spandau machine-guns, the Albatros had an exceptional climb rate and could cruise at high speeds. Over the next two years, Albatros Flugzeugwerke continuously developed the aircraft, culminating in the excellent D.Va version of the original design, which proved to be the workhorse of the Luftstreitkrafte. Unfortunately for the German pilots, by this time the British and French had introduced much more capable fighters of their own.

Albatross D.Va

The Albatros D.V was a fighter aircraft built by the Albatros Flugzeugwerke and used by the Luftstreitkräfte (Imperial German Air Service) during World War I. The D.V was the final development of the Albatros D.I family and the last Albatros fighter to see operational service. Despite its well-known shortcomings and general obsolescence, approximately 900 D.V and 1,612 D.Va aircraft were built before production halted in April 1918. The D.Va continued in operational service until the end of the war.

Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
• Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
• Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
• Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.