The E I was soon superseded by the generally similar E II with the 75-kW (100-hp) U.I rotary for improved performance and then by the definitive E III with detail modifications. The final attempt to wring extra capability out of the basic design was the overweight E IV with two guns and the 119-kW (160-hp) U.lll rotary. Total E-series production was about 300 aircraft including 258 E.III.
Flying the Fokker E.III – Frank Tallman
The E.I and E.II were built in both armed and unarmed versions, and mainly used for training, before the armed versions were re-engined with a 74.6 kW / 100 hp Oberursel rotary and re-designated E.III. They also had lengthened wings, could carry more fuel and had greater ammunition capacity.
One E.III was part of trials of an early stealth experiment. The fabric covering was replaced with a transparent Cellon material, allowing all the internal structure to be seen, but otherwise reducing the visibility of the aircraft from a distance. Although it was relatively effective camouflage, the material itself lost its tautness when wet, thus affecting the flying qualities. The Cellon, an early form of Cellophane plastic, would also tear severely following minor damage, and so it was not used in service.
Of the 309 Fokker Eindeckers produced, only a single E.III survived. Captured by the RFC in April 1916, it hung for many years without covering in the Science Museum in London.
Replica:
Engels Aeroplanbau E.4 Fokker E.III
Musso Fokker E.III
Bianchi Fokker E.III
Mars Fokker E.III
Personal Plane Services Fokker E.III
Ultralight Replica:
Airdrome Airplanes Fokker E.III
Engine: l x Oberursel U.I, 75kW (100 hp).
Span: 9.52m (31 ft 2.75 in).
Length: 7.2m (23ft 7 5in).
Height: 9 ft 1¾ in [2.4 m]
Wing area: 165.766 sqft / 15.4 sq.m
Max T/O weight: 610kg (1,3451b).
Weight empty 878 lb (398 kg)
Wing loading: 8.2 lb/sq.ft / 40.0 kg/sq.m
Ceiling 12,000 ft (3,650 m) fully loaded.
Max speed: 87 / 140 km/h mph at sea level.
Cruising speed: 65 kts / 120 km/h
Operational endurance: 1 hr 30 min.
Range: 119 nm / 220 km
Seats: 1.
Armament: 1 or 2 x 7.92-mm (0.312-in) LMG 08/15 mg.
All Aero 