Designed in a great rush at the end of 1917 just in time to take part in the German standard fighter competition held in January/February 1918, the D VII easily walked away with first prize. As Germanys premier fighter unit, von Richthofens JG I (led by Hermann Goring in the wake of the 'Red Baron's' recent death) received the first examples of the D VII to reach the frontline in late April. Built to oppose the new generation of French SPAD XIIIs and British SE 5as and Camel fighters, the D VII was arguably the best all-round fighting scout of the Great War.

Author Biography

Norman Franks is one of the worlds leading authorities on World War I fighter aviation, having published some of the seminal works on the subject. This is his fifth volume on World War I aces for Osprey, having written Albatros and Nieuport Aces in 1999, and Fokker Dr I aces (with Greg VanWyngarden) and American Aces of World War I in 2001. Greg VanWyngarden had had a lifelong interest in World War I aviation, and has been particularly active in deciphering the colours and markings that decorated the various German fighters flown by the leading aces. This is his second book for Osprey, having co-authored Fokker Dr I Aces with Norman Franks in 2001.