In WWI the German army not only had the U-boat (an American invention), they also had the Fokker Eindecker and Fokker Dr 1 aeroplane (the plane also an American invention). The Red Barron, Manfred von Richthoven piloted the Dr 1 and grew to fame as the Ace flyer of the war with 80 kills. These planes had a cam device that allowed the machine gun to fire between the turning blades of the plane. Pilots could more easily point their craft toward the enemy and fire.
Anthony Fokker, a Dutchman was inspired as a teenager by Wilbur Wright's exhibitions in France in 1908. His father sent him to mechanic school but he quit and built his own plane he called De Spin (the Spider) actually three, improving each time. He moved to Germany prior to WWI and built an aeroplane factory. When the war broke out the German Govt. took over his factory but left him in charge. He furnished 700 planes to the German cause.
After the war he moved to New York and started another business.
Never underestimate a young person who is truly inspired.
About Me
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- Roger Howell
- Adult male, three score, B.S in Natural Resources Mgt.,Teaching Certificate in Secondary Biology, Masters Degree in Gifted Studies,Board Certified landscape conntractor,machinest,carpenter,philosopher, naturalist, lightweight history buff. I sat on the stage one night and talked with the old blues man Son Thomas, I try to learn something new every day. I love trivia. Children are innocent and pure. Anyone who harms a child should be drawn and quartered
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