(Photo credit: TAVAS)
Each of the planes has been meticulously crafted and are nearly complete. The terms of the long-term loan agreement stipulate that TAVAS complete the planes to an airworthy standard and display them at flying events in Australia, with the craft being returned in flying condition to Achem in Germany in 2030.
“The D.VIII is the most complete aircraft, only missing an engine and will be the first aircraft TAVAS will have flying. The E.III and D.VII will take a little longer as they still require some construction, engine and instruments, covering and finishing,” says TAVAS founding director Andrew Carter, “I knew Achim was capable of out of the box thinking, but this has taken even me by surprise. His generosity has given us the chance to bring accurate WW1 reproductions to the Australian public and demonstrate these aircraft as they were almost 100 years ago. We will operate his new aircraft alongside our Fokker Dr.I Triplane and Sopwith Pup.”
