Albatros D.III (Oef) 253 Series (Blue Max)

ALBATROS D.III (Oef) 253.05 of Flik 3/J Flown by Oberleutnant Franz Peter, Summer 1918

ALBATROS D.III (Oef) THREE-VIEW

This 3-view drawing is taken from Albatros D.II & D.III Oeffag drawn by Petr A. Tesaf, pg.65 (see Bibliography below). The Albatros D.III was produced in three series each indicating a specific engine and/or changes. Note that series 153 is split.

Albatros D.III (Oef) Series 53, 53.20 to 53.64 (185hp DM)
Albatros D.III (Oef) Series 153, 153.01 to 153.61 (200hp DM)
Albatros D.III (Oef) Series 153.62 to 153.211 (200hp DM)
Albatros D.III (Oef) Series 253.01 to 253.330 (220hp DM)

The introduction of the first D.IIIs and subsequent deployment proved a serious problem with the spinner which more often than not fell apart or was otherwise defective. However, production continued on into the 153 series until the spinner was removed from production beginning with 153.62 which resulted in a flat nose D.III still with the 200hp DM engine. The 253 series took advantage of the upgraded 220hp DM engine and a rounded fuselage nose.

THE MODEL TO BE BUILT

This Albatros D.III (Oef) 253.05 is one of the first of the series with the improved and more powerful 220hp engine and a rounded fuselage nose issued to Oblt Franz Peter. His career as a fighter pilot started quite late in May 1918 and he accumulated six victories to become an ace with Flik 3/J.

CONSTRUCTION PHOTO No.1

Scheduled for a future start .. . . . . . . . . .

Conners, John F. Albatros Fighters in Action. Carrollton, Texas. Squadron/Signal Publications, , 1981.

Cowin, Hugh W. German and Austrian Aviation of World War I. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2000.

Grosz, Peter. Albatros D.III (OEF), Windsock Datafile 19. Berkhamsted, UK: Albatros Publications Ltd, 2000.

Grosz, Peter, George Haddow, and Peter Schiemer. Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft of World War One. Boulder, CO. Flying Machines Press, 2002.

Tesar, Petr Aharon. Albatros D.II & D.II Oeffag. Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic: JaPo, 2003.