Redfern Fokker Dr. I


                      
The Redfern Fokker Dr. I pictured above was built by Walter “Wimpy” W. Redfern. 

We are excited and honored to be able to continue the wonderful work and tradition of Walter "Wimpy" Redfern and the Redfern family.  The Redfern Dr. I is an American homebuilt aircraft that was designed by Walter Redfern and produced by the Walter Redfern Company of Post Falls, Idaho.

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 19 ft (5.8 m)
  • Wingspan: 27 ft (8.2 m)
  • Wing area: 202 sq ft (18.8 m2)
  • Empty weight: 1,112 lbs. (504 kg)
  • Gross weight: 1,455 lbs. (660 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 30 U.S. gallons (110 L; 25 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Warner Scarab seven-cylinder radial engine, 145 hp (108 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 100 kn (120 mph, 190 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 87 kn (100 mph, 160 km/h)
  • Range: 260 nm (300 mi, 480 km)
  • Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
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Walt became interested in the Fokker Dr. I while looking through a flying magazine in the late 1950s. While perusing the magazine, Walt noticed an ad for “Triplane” plans being sold by Peter Bowers of “Fly Baby” fame. He ordered the plans and began researching the design in earnest. He needed some additional insights into the Dr. I design so he acquired some Joseph Nieto plans from the Smithsonian, but his greatest find was yet to come. During his research he was able to get in contact with Reinhold Platz, one of the original designers of the Dr. I. Triplane for Germany during WWI.  Mr. Platz sent Walt a wealth of information along with a set of original Fokker Dr. I factory drawings.  Even with the language barrier that they shared, Reinhold became a valuable mentor and friend to Walt.  This friendship lasted until the death of Mr. Platz on September 15, 1966.  Thankfully, both Walt and Mr. Platz were able to collaborate and get the Redfern Fokker Dr.I completed in 1964.

With Walt’s impressive skills in almost all facets of airplane building, he was able to create an authentic replica of the Fokker Dr. I.  Modifications were made as follows: the engine he used was a 1938 145 hp Warner Scarab seven-cylinder radial engine, he installed a larger fuel tank to hold 30 gallons, and also a larger oil tank with a capacity of 5 gallons. The back of Walt’s garage in Tekoa, Washington was a busy place for three and a half years, the time it took to design and build the Fokker. It took Walt 4000 hours and $4000 dollars to build the replica triplane, and it was a beauty.  As an interesting note, $4000.00 from 1964 is $40,989.81 in 2025 US dollars.

Once completed, the triplane was escorted through the small town of 900 by volunteer fire department trucks and local police. What a site it must have been! The first flight was made on July 24, 1964. Walt flew the airplane for approximately two years and put on 500 hours before selling it to Mr. Robert Fergus.  Mr. Fergus flew the triplane for many years and ultimately donated the Dr. I to the EAA AirVenture Museum and it is on display till this very day.  The triplane is arguably the most recognizable fighter of World War I. This example brings the nostalgia and romance of the World War I “Knights of the air” to life.

Walt built his first airplane in 1949, a Knight Twister from Vernon W. Payne's plans.  It was one of only ten at that time.  Walt went on to build 15 aircraft before his death in 1996.  Five of these were the Fokker DR1, a favorite with many and still one of the most requested sets of plans we sell.  His first triplane (white one pictured above) can be found in the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, it was donated by Robert Fergus.  Walt was able to build, and test fly all his aircraft except for the last one, a Fokker DVI.  Walt's good friend, Steve Wolf, flew this aircraft for the family in September of 1996.  This aircraft was displayed at the Heritage Aircraft Musem in the Pittsburgh area for many years.  It has since been acquired by the Military Aviation Museum in Virgina Beach, VA.  Walt also was a great supporter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA.)  His membership number was 143, showing his early interest in the organization.  Most items needed for his aircraft can be purchased through the information found in EAA magazines.  So why not join the EAA and keep the dreams alive for future generations of aviation enthusiasts.




                                                               This information is subject to change without notice.