LVG D 10

The LVG D 10 was an unusual experimental fighter design with a tall but narrow fuselage that filled the entire gap between the upper and lower wings.

In August 1916 the Luft-Verkehrs-Gesselschaft began licensed construction of the Albatros D.II fighter (as the LVG D.I). At the same time the company began work on the experimental D 10 (for their tenth dreidecker or biplane design - D 1 to D 3 were Farman pusher types, the D 4 or D IV was the LVG designation for the military B.I). The D 10 was designed by two engineers, Ehrhardt and Rethel.

From the front the fuselage had a squashed oval profile, four times taller than wide. From the side it was a bulky triangle, tapering back to a small looking tail. The 120hp Mercedes D II engine was contained within the large nose. The fuselage was extended down by a fin that continued down to the middle of the split axle main undercarriage. The fuselage was of semi monocoque construction, with a wrapped plywood skin.

The D 10 was a single bay single seat fighter, with the pilot in a cockpit positioned on the trailing edge of the upper wing. The pilot's view down must have been rather restricted, with his head above the upper wing. The wings were straight edged, equal chord, and un-swept. The lower wing had a slightly small span than the upper, and a reduced chord. The trailing edge of the lower wing was almost level with that of the upper wing. The two wings were connected by a large streamlined strut and a small number of bracing wires.

The D 10 underwent test flights during 1916, but its flight characteristics were poor and work on the project stopped. LVG moved onto the D 12, which received the military designation D.II. This was the first in a line of rather more conventional LVG biplane fighters, none of which entered production.

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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (27 August 2014), LVG D 10 , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_LVG_D10.html

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