Ares Games
Results 1 to 16 of 16

Thread: A rather curious plane - DFW T28 Floh

  1. #1

    Default A rather curious plane - DFW T28 Floh

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	t28-1.jpg 
Views:	59 
Size:	78.3 KB 
ID:	177730Click image for larger version. 

Name:	t28-1.jpg 
Views:	59 
Size:	51.9 KB 
ID:	177731Click image for larger version. 

Name:	t28-2.jpg 
Views:	59 
Size:	48.0 KB 
ID:	177732Click image for larger version. 

Name:	t28-3.jpg 
Views:	59 
Size:	45.4 KB 
ID:	177733Click image for larger version. 

Name:	t28-c1 (1).jpg 
Views:	60 
Size:	45.8 KB 
ID:	177734

    DFW T28 Floh (Flea) - 1915

    The DFW T28 Floh (Flea) was designed by the Chief Engineer of the Deutsche Flugzeugwerke GmbH of Leipzig-Lindenthal, Dipl.Ing. Hermann Dorner. The intent was to create a high speed fighter by eliminating drag through reducing the need for struts and rigging. The name Floh translates as "Flea" in English, and this is because it looks like a small fat blob with stunted wings.

    The Floh was an all-wood construction biplane which had a wingspan of 6.5 meters and a fuselage length of 4.5 meters. it was powered by a 100 hp in-line Mercedes D1 engine and armed with a single machine gun installed over the engine inside the fuselage. Special emphasis was placed on streamlining that led to the aircraft's bizzare silhouette. The Floh was conceived as a strut and wire less aircraft. In this respect, the Floh was only partially successful, because when the T28 finally reached prototype stage it still needed some wing struts. However, it did not have the volume of rigging commonly seen on aircraft from its era.

    The prototype Floh made a very promising first flight in 1915., During the test flight a speed of 180 Km/h was recorded, this was a feat at the time. The test flight exposed difficult landing characteristics in the design. This could be attributable to a narrow width of the landing gear causing instability and the high center of gravity. These flaws were compounded by the position of the pilot which reduced landing visibility. On the very first flight the prototype had an extremely hard landing which resulted in light damage to the wing cell.

    It did not enter production due to a series of unresolved issues. In spite of being successful in achieving its goal of a high speed, the German military, was not in the mood to support such an unorthodox design. Because of this, the Floh is only remembered as another curiosity in military aircraft development.

    DFW T28 Floh

    Type: Fighter
    Manufacter: Deutsche Flugzeugwerke Gmb
    Designed By: Hermann Dorner
    First Flight: 1915
    Number Built: 2
    Powerplant: 1 × Mercedes D-I water-cooled in-line engine, 100 hp (74 kW)
    Wingspan: 21 ft 4¼ in (6.5 m)
    Length: 14 ft 9¼ in (4.5 m)
    Maximum Speed: 111 mph (180 Km/h)
    Crew: 1
    Armament: 1 × 0.312 in (7.92) LMG 08/15 Spandau machine gun
    Last edited by Foz; 10-04-2015 at 11:53.

  2. #2

    Default

    The pictures make me think that it would not look out of place in a Miyazaki animated film.

  3. #3

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Naharaht View Post
    The pictures make me think that it would not look out of place in a Miyazaki animated film.
    That was exactly what I was just thinking. Especially with the little smiley face :-)

  4. #4

    Default

    It does look like something out of an yearly animated cartoon
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  5. #5

    Default

    Here's it's big brother:

    http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...ighlight=krupp

    It will require the penultimate game mat and table at 1/144" scale . . .
    Last edited by clipper1801; 10-04-2015 at 11:14.

  6. #6

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by clipper1801 View Post
    Here's is big brother:

    http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...ighlight=krupp

    It will require the penultimate game mat and table at 1/144" scale . . .
    It's big enough to almost be the game mat...

  7. #7

    Default

    I possibly would consider buying a model of the DFW T28, but it's big brother, Nope!!

  8. #8

    Default

    And the LVG D.10 Walfisch? Parallel Development?

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	355-2.jpg 
Views:	56 
Size:	39.9 KB 
ID:	177758

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	355-3.jpg 
Views:	56 
Size:	54.6 KB 
ID:	177759
    Mike
    "Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
    "Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59

  9. #9

    Banned



    Blog Entries
    42
    Name
    [CLASSIFIED]
    Location
    [CLASSIFIED]
    Sorties Flown
    3,127
    Join Date
    Feb 2015

    Default

    There is also a UK aircraft called the Flea. An example of one is preserved at RAF Cosford.

    But it was a flying death trap which caught fire easily!

  10. #10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by OldGuy59 View Post
    And the LVG D.10 Walfisch? Parallel Development?
    I don't like that as much, doesn't look as happy.

  11. #11

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Aussietonka View Post
    There is also a UK aircraft called the Flea. An example of one is preserved at RAF Cosford.

    But it was a flying death trap which caught fire easily!
    A home built aircraft designed by Frenchman Henri Mignet. Certainly responsible for killing a number of amateur home builders. It seems now that every aero museum has one on display.
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  12. #12

    Default

    Reminds me a little of those American GeeBee racers.

  13. #13

    Default

    [Jeremy Clarkson] It looks like a sperm with wings. [/Jeremy Clarkson]

  14. #14

    Default

    thats a truly bizarre looking aircraft! its funny how this concept kept popping up. check out the xp-77

  15. #15

    LOOP
    Guest


    Default

    Wonder if it was made out of leftover spares....
    Sure looks like it
    Last edited by LOOP; 10-05-2015 at 05:07.

  16. #16

    Dom S's Avatar
    Users Country Flag


    Name
    Dom
    Location
    People's Republic of South Yorkshire
    Sorties Flown
    2,081
    Join Date
    Jun 2010

    Default

    The Folland Gnat of its day....



Similar Missions

  1. Questions from the ignorant curious
    By Teaticket in forum Officer's Club
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 01-14-2014, 22:49
  2. Curious
    By Ed2 in forum Officer's Club
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 02-20-2011, 10:35
  3. Just curious
    By Badin23 in forum Officer's Club
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 02-15-2011, 17:26
  4. Zombie Planes (Curious aren't you?)
    By Aero825 in forum WGF: House Rules
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 01-21-2011, 13:09

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •