The Albatros D.Va was the result of the development and refinement of a long series of successful Albatros scouts.  Many noted pilots flew the type in service, and it generally received favorable reviews.  Manfred von Richthofen (a.k.a. the Red Baron) scored many of his victories in Albatros types.  He also had the unfortunate experience of being shot down in one.

The aircraft on display is finished in the colors of the aircraft of Hauptman Eduard Ritter von Schleich, Commanding Officer of Jasta 21. Following the death of his close friend Leutnant Limpert, he painted his entire aircraft black and became known as the "Black Knight".  Von Schleich survived the war having destroyed 35 enemy aircraft, and received numerous awards for his efforts including Germany's highest honor, the Pour le Merite (more popularly known as "The Blue Max").  He died in 1947 while ill and held captive in a British P.O.W. camp. 

This reproduction aircraft was built by Cole Palen, Gordon Bainbridge, and Neil Boehme.  It made its first flight in October of 1975 with an original 120 H.P. Mercedes engine.  Shortly thereafter the Mercedes crankshaft broke and with much reluctance the Albatros was fitted with a more modern Ranger engine.  This however allowed thousands of visitors to the Aerodrome to witness and enjoy the beauty of the Albatros in flight for several years to follow.