LVG D.II

The LVG D.II was the first LVG designed fighter to get an official designation, and was a more orthodox design than the earlier D 10.

In 1916 LVG built the Albatros D.II under licence (as the designation LVG D.I), and also developed their own biplane fighter, the experimental LVG D 10. This was a single bay biplane with an unusual tall but thin fuselage that entirely filled the gap between the wings. The D 10 wasn't a successful design.

Late in 1916 LVG moved onto the D 12. This was a more orthodox aircraft, although it did feature the plywood covered semi-monocoque fuselage construction of the D 10. The D 12 was an unequal span single-bay biplane, with V-struts between the wings (similar wings would be used on the later LVG D.IV). It was powered by a 160hp Mercedes D III engine. Like the D 10 the fuselage entirely filled the gap between the wings, but the gap was rather smaller and the fuselage was thus a fairly standard design. The pilot's cockpit was situated just behind the wing trailing edge, with a small headrest behind it. The D 12 had a cross axle main undercarriage.

The D 12 was given the official military designation of LVG D.II. It was damaged in an accident during testing, and no further development took place. Instead work moved onto the LVG D.III, which retained the semi-monocoque construction of the earlier designs, but was otherwise a new aircraft.

Engine: Mercedes D III
Power: 160hp
Crew: 1
Maximum Speed: 124mph

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

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