White Flower Fighter

Living History: Albatros D.V

Almost a year after arriving in the UK, a reproduction Albatros D.Va with an edelweiss-adorned black fuselage made its long-awaited aerial debut. Darren Harbar tells its story, accompanied by exclusive air-to-air photos

Jean-Michel Munn heads for home after a successful debut flight. The aeroplane is an accurate replica of German ace Otto Kissenberth’s edelweiss-marked Albatros D.Va D.2263.
PHOTOS DARREN HARBAR • MALCOLM V LOWE COLLECTION

The UK once welcomed the tell-tale shape of two airworthy replica Albatros D.Vs – the first is now grounded and on display in Hendon’s RAF Museum, while the other was returned to New Zealand after sustaining damage during a forced landing on September 15. Almost two years to that day, the skies were filled once again with the putter of a Mercedes D.III engine as a third example took off from the revered grass of Old Warden, Bedfordshire for the first time.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below