DS-3 Geier

The DS-3 Geier was a single-seat biplane pursuit aircraft used by the Kingdom of Bavaria during the pre-war era. It was designed to deter against rampant sky pirate attacks against unarmed airships and helped form/organise the modern-day Bavarian Air Force. Entering service in 1917, the DS-3 was notable for being the first diesel-powered pursuit aircraft in widespread service. Being much smaller than contemporary sky pirate bandit aircraft, the type was found to be extremely hard to hit. The Bavarian Air Force experienced a period of stagnation during the 1920s and 30s. With no new aircraft, the DS-3, which was already long obsolete by the early 1930s, remained in front line service until 1935.

Design and Development
The DS-3 was an equal span, single bay biplane with a positive stagger. Compared to other nation's anti-pirate pursuit aircraft at the time, the DS-3 was much smaller. This gave the DS-3 Geier incredible acceleration and agility. Armament was standard at the time with two 7.92mm machine guns firing through the propeller. Development began in late 1916 with the first prototype flying in January 9th 1916. The first production models were entering service during the early months of 1917.

Later development during the 1920s culminated in the DS-3/L where the twin-bladed propeller was changed into a three-bladed constant speed propeller. The type was also upgunned with two 20mm cannons.

Operational History
Being introduced in 1917, the DS-3 had an edge over almost every single sky pirate aircraft in existence at the time. The type earned a reputation for being 'untouchable' during the early 1920s deterring sky pirates from entering Bavarian skies for a short period of time.

With rapid advances like stressed-metal monoplanes and increased power during the late 1920s and early 30s, the DS-3's reputation for being an 'untouchable' fighter was tarnished. All-metal monoplane bandit aircraft were being used by Sky Pirates all across the Arbonean continent. By the mid 1930s, the DS-3 was considered a flying death trap.

DS-3 (early)
Crew: 1

Top Speed: 210km/h

Stall Speed: 40km/h

Rate of Climb: 8.2m/s

Engine(s): 1x DR-1 V-4 Diesel Aero Engine (200 HP)

Armament: 2x MS-1 7.92mm machine guns firing through the propeller

DS-3/L
Crew: 1

Top Speed: 245km/h

Stall Speed: 45km/h

Rate of Climb: 9.3m/s

Engine(s): 1x DR-1a V-4 Diesel Aero Engine (225 HP)

Armament: 2x FF 20mm cannon firing through the propeller