HISTORICAL
SIGNIFICANCE
The
Pfalz D.VIII with the new Siemens-Halske Sh.III rotary was adapted to a triplane
configuration in the Pfalz Dr.I. Like the D.VIII, it completely overpowered its
Oberursel UR.II powered contemporaries. The aircraft had an exceptional rate of
climb. Sh. III proved to be rather unreliable due to the ersatz engine oil available,
resulting in only 60 or so Dr.I's being produced. The lighter Fokker Dr.I overshadowed
the Pfalz with a better rate of climb. With Manfred von Richtofen's backing of
the Fokker triplane, the Pfalz triplane was destined to a secondary role.