Hansa-Brandenburg D.I: Ill-starred.

Also known as the KD (Kampf Doppeldecker), this German fighter was the brainchild of Ernst Heinkel. The principal peculiarity of this not very graceful aircraft was its distinctive “star-strutter” biplane interplane structure. First flown in 1916 the D.I showed from the beginning poor handling qualities and dubious lateral stability. Despite its poor performances they were produced in serie for the always wanting Austro-Hungarian AF. Around two hundred in total were produced; a few of them were still in service at the end of the war.

Short and angular, the KD was certainly not the definition of classic beauty. And this photo does it a favor. Our KD lacks the over wing huge boxy fairing which covered a Schwarzlose MG. That Austrian machine gun had always difficulties in synchronising with the engine so it was usually placed firing over the propeller.