Mikael Carlson Pfalz D.VIII - Maiden Flight

[@warlordjay4416]

What surprised me was the insanely short runway length that was needed. The Pfalz just hopped right up in the air in what looked like less than 150 meters.

[@richjones9725]

yes amazed me to

[@oldschoolcfi3833]

That propeller is a work of art by itself!!

[@bassisacalling]

Seeing it like this… what a miracle flight is! We take it for granted, but thanks to all the pioneers and engineers who figured it all out for us.

[@zargonfuture4046]

That is one violent plane, absolutely amazing we have people who have enough passion to make these aircraft once more take to the skys...

[@ZacYates]

Congratulations to Mikael and everyone involved, what an achievement! And that engine sounds incredible, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Wow!

[@Farweasel]

Certainly congratualtions are very much in order, That Pfalz VIII is quite a masterpiece. The engine sounds, TBH many rotaries sound like that. If you get chance to visit the UK's Shuttleworth collection on day when they fly the really old aeroplanes you can treat yourself to several with similar sound, plus, if the wind's in the right direction (but not too strong or they may not fly) the inimicable smell of rotary exhaust.

[@alexzanderboston4571]

sorry to be offtopic but does any of you know a method to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the account password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me

[@maddenkarter3534]

@Alexzander Boston instablaster ;)

[@c.e.g7448]

@@Farweasel It is indeed a very special sound. It is a 200-hp, 11-cylinder Siemens-Halske Sh.III geared rotary engine. Rotary engines sound different than radials or other engines, but this is also a geared engine. The prop runs at a lower RPM than the engine. The sort of whining sound you hear is the gears. This is the only engine of its kind in the whole world that is still operational, so it is very unique. This engine was at the peak of what was achivable in those days. There were very few rotary engines that produced more power. This engine is very complex to make, run, and maintain. It needs a lot of TLC to keep it running safely and reliably.

[@Farweasel]

@@c.e.g7448 It deserves a World Herritage Grant ! It won't get one because they're all philistines. But it *deserves* one. We are indebted to all involved.

[@fromgermany271]

I live close to (25km) the airfield, where this plane had it‘s very maiden flight more then 100y ago. That’s Speyer, Germany. Airfield is still used and the old buildings of Pfalzwerke now contain a museum. Over the buildings, there is a 747 „on rods“.

[@JoeBob461]

What a beauty! The tail was off the ground about as soon as it started rolling. What a short takeoff roll!

[@gregboggs4721]

Truly amazing and beautiful piece of work! The sound of that engine is like music.

[@heleti0000]

Utterly beautiful piece of machinery. Well done to all involved.👍

[@jeremyharkin1660]

OMG.... It does indeed look like a true, functional, Siemens-Halske geared rotary. Mikael is about the only guy in the world (other than TVAL) going to this level of detail. Amazing!!!!

[@richvanm5223]

Dir haben sie wohl ins Gehirn 🤮

[@Piflaser]

@@richvanm5223 Look 0:50

[@handy335]

I know! Blew me away!

[@Farweasel]

@@richvanm5223 You probably have them in your brain? Not sure whether that was a weird joke or a colloquial phrase which doesn't translate well?

[@christopheraliphat4534]

The real one was counter rotating. This is not counter rotating.

[@jonkje]

What a unique engine sound for a rotary. Superb. Congratulations with the maiden flight. Stunning aircraft!

[@hassegreiner9675]

I'm thoroughly impressed by the confidence in on'e own work indicated by performing the maiden flight in a fully and detailed painted aircraft.

[@perttimetsanheimo606]

It is not the first time he has done that. He knows what he is doing.

[@craigwall9536]

@@perttimetsanheimo606 You can bet he was staying current in a similar aircraft...

[@perttimetsanheimo606]

He has a few other replicas from the period. In an interview after some flying on this one, he felt that this one is more of a "high speed" hit and run fighter than his Fokker dogfighters.

[@singleproppilot]

That propeller is about the strangest I’ve ever seen. It’s like they stacked two 2-blade props one on top of the other.

[@dginia]

Well, yea. How could you put 4 individual blades together at a hub well enough to hold together? You don't! Or maybe two props stacked is just the most practical idea.

[@singleproppilot]

@@dginia I have seen three and four blade wood propellers on aircraft of that era that were all one contiguous piece. The Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 is a good example. This is just another way to do it that I had never considered.

[@alaskaaksala123]

And, the cycliders rotate!? What the!?… and the wings are like 2 inches thick??

[@MothaLuva]

@@alaskaaksala123 That’s rotary engine for you. It’s not that the cylinders only rotate, the whole engine revolves around the fixed crankshaft.

[@twickersruss]

@@dginia same as doen on the Supermarine Walrus seaplane. It makes sense.

[@jamesfrost7465]

Wow, with a real rotating engine. Congratulations, thank you for such dedication. WW1 Aerocraft are my favorite.

[@christopheraliphat4534]

Nice job indeed, but the real one to go with this plane was counter rotating.

[@jamesfrost7465]

@@christopheraliphat4534 Oh....I did not know that, thank you.

[@malexpeterson]

What a beautiful plane and well flown. Congratulations.

[@paulsimmons5726]

I was just a kid when I saw “The Blue Max” and I’ve loved the WWI era planes ever since. I’m not a pilot but I’m sure that flying one of these reproduction biplanes would be the biggest thrill! Maybe, one of these days, huh? Excellent video, thanks for sharing!

[@mikekindon3923]

Come back to New Zealand one day and bring this with you....outstanding absolutely beautiful, well done.

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Interesting bird, its a beauty for sure.❤ Can you double stack props like that? Ok, gotta ask, how does that German style camouflage work? I do rc and model kits and its crazy to paint it.

[@hotrodcarguys1243]

I have been to Mikael's shop in Sweden! What an honor and a delight to met him and see what he is doing there!

[@funkybassguy68]

Beautiful aircraft! The flying wires howling give it a haunting sound. Well done!

[@haroldgodwinson832]

Sends shivers down your spine. What a beast!

[@kerzendorf]

Congratualtions from your friends from the Fliegerwerft in Ober-Mörlen. Many ahhpy landings! What an incredible machine. I am stunnned!

[@TheSoundsOfFrank]

Mikael Carlson is ... THE MAN!, and the Pfalz DVIII is none too shabby either! ❤️

[@705547]

Amazing, what a beast, what a sound. Great work.

[@dicemancolostrum7369]

The best things that have ever came out of Sweden: Volvo, Saab, ABBA, Mikael Carlson , period !! 😎🙂🥂🍻👍👍

[@MajorGeneralDiscomfort]

Don't forget The Swedish Chef

[@dicemancolostrum7369]

​@@MajorGeneralDiscomfortnever heard of him 😏

[@bobbyvance4725]

Almost makes me cry ,,, sooooo beautiful,,, great history

[@susanbutler2498]

Similar to the Siemes-Schuckert at the Omaka Aviation Centre in Blenhiem NZ? NEVER thought I'd see one Flying!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! What a powerful and dangerous BEAST. A Pilot with Balls of STEEL.

[@kinnerdude]

You are an amazing builder and pilot. I enjoy watching your planes fly. I love WWI aircraft.

[@Love2FlyKAP]

WOW! Amazing! What a real piece of history to come to life ... and its not another Fokker.

[@scoopmcg]

What an achievement by all involved! And an inspired choice of aircraft as well - a really beautiful airplane- well done

[@craigwall9536]

It is so precious to be able to hear the true sound of a WWI rotary aeroengine that I can _almost_ forgive the truly horrible camera work...

[@harryberry474]

@craigwall9536...Agreed, I've seen other videos like this too, just a few hundred dollars could get them a really nice video head and tripod to control that erratic camera movement.

[@billbateman9415]

Bill Bateman, Australia. A an aircraft home builder I applaud this bloke. But I'm afraid that his aircraft is not the Pfalz I knew, which I helped restore for the Australian War memorial,in the 1970's. During the restoration my stepfather was still alive, Maxy Lehner, and he flew the Pfalz during WWI. The Pfalz I worked on had a 6 cylinder in line Mercedes engine. A standard 2 blade propeller and an overall lozenge fabric cover. The fuselage was made of plywood glued in sheets. A beautiful aircraft. My stepfather said of of all the planes he flew in WWI it was the best.

[@Vikingman2024]

Which Pfalz? A-1, D-III, D-VIII, D-XII, D-XV

[@darkiee69]

Pfalz was a factory, just like Fokker, so there's a few to choose from.

[@thegreat_I_am]

@@Vikingman2024He’s talking about a Dlll.

[@robertmadden7065]

The AWM has a Pfalz D.XII. Haven't heard about them having a D.III.

[@Major_Tamre_Colby]

My God! Is this for real? Those props, such slow RPM but major torque for grab. If only I should have been so lucky to fly, and not to die, in such an historical vehicle. Bravo with Joy sky dancer. I chortle with envy. Vixen

[@iansummers6945]

That’s gotta be one of the best sounding motors of all time & a great flight. Only complaint was that I wasn’t there to see it in person.. 👍

[@ZZ430T56]

Is that the same Radial as the Fokker D8? I have seen that at Rhinebeck NY and it is a nasty sounding torquey beast.

[@LuisRamos-ou8zb]

@@ZZ430T56 That engine is not a radial, it is a rotary. Most people classify those engines as different. Although in both engines the cylinders are in a circle, in a radial engine the cylinders are static, they do not move around. In a rotary engine, the cylinders rotate with the propeller. See the beginning when they are oiling the cylinders. Airplanes with rotatory engines include the Sopwith Pup, Sopwith Camel, Fokker Triplane, Fokker VIII and Pfalz D VIII. See video here Radial vs. Rotary.

[@GrumblingGrognard]

...about to post basically the same thing. :)

[@alexkalish8288]

Really superb flying this beautiful aircraft - great engine and first time i've seen a Platz D8 in flight.

[@Flapswgm]

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. THANKS.

[@Flyhardest]

Great job!!! Always a pleasure to see your projects.

[@hayabusa-iii9282]

Great matchup for the Sopwith Snipe. Beautiful Aircraft.

[@MikeLittle2015]

Wow, what a beautiful airplane! I think this is the first time I've seen a Pfalz D.VIII - didn't know there was such a thing.

[@tb100]

Did they have self-starters back in the day, or is this a modern add-on?

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

Nope, 100% original. Hand cranked starter/booster magneto.

[@Michael-fx2qr]

Super. Herrlich. Klasse....👍🏻👏🏻 was für eine Schönheit und dieser Klang....man könnte ewig lauschen. Ihr habt eine tolle Arbeit gemacht. Wo kann man sie im original sehen ? Baut ihr eine zweite damit sie nicht alleine in der Luft ist. Danke danke für diesen optischen und akustischen Genuss. Beste Grüße aus Bremen in Deutschland🫡

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

aerodrome.se/

[@jrgogol]

Just simply, STUNNING!

[@izenguarr5236]

Its such an amazing and glorious feat that those involved were willing and dedicated enough to keep alive such an important & historic work of art and piece of history! Its creation originally and the purpose thereof represents some of the darkest aspects of humanity.... But the talents & skills of those who were involved initially need to be remembered and honored. The tool of death and destruction is long since past.... But the heart & soul of it as a work of art and mechanical masterpiece lives on!!!

[@mcburcke]

Wow! Nice... I didn't know that model had a 4-blade prop with that large of a diameter...I assume the engine has considerable power. Bravo, guys!

[@rosiehawtrey]

I think it was rated at 200-210hp from memory

[@christopheraliphat4534]

The original motor was a counter rotating geared 2 to 1. Don’t know why this engine isn’t other than it being to hard to reproduce. Nice plane, but not 100% authentic due to it being the incorrect motor.

[@brucebear1]

@@rosiehawtrey Yes, it was a "dual row" with one circle of cylinders set in front (or behind) another. Notably more powerful than other WWI rotary aircraft engines.

[@howzegoinlad1336]

The swedes know their rotary motors! Thulins rotary motor, made and assembled in Landskrona was apparently Von Richthofens favourite. It has been said he was flying a Fokker Dr.1 with a Thulin motor on his final flight.

[@whalesong999]

Had to look the engine up for review. What a beast, 1,140 cu. in. displacement, 11 cylinders, really a monster for the time with dual gearing to turn the airscrew at only 900 rpm so the four blade. What propeller braking effect that must have.

[@vumba1331]

The gyroscopic effect from that rotary engine and 4 bladed prop must be incredible!

[@christopheraliphat4534]

The engine that went on this plane originally was counter rotating, thus almost eliminating the gyroscopic effect. This one is not counter rotating.

[@billkea7224]

@@christopheraliphat4534 I noticed that too. I guess they are unattainable.

[@craigpennington1251]

Gorgeous aircraft. Camera man needs another beer to steady himself. I bet it's a handful to fly but it's really cool. Congratulations on a winning build.

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

I'll tell Bengt! I'm sure he won't mind another beer. :-) None of the early flights are planned - they just happen when the sun and the moon are in harmony! - so it was just a lucky coincidence that there was a camera at all.

[@AnchorsAweighNarooma]

A lot of work and money to get to this point, great sounding result. I did not think that any WW1 plane had self starters but trying to swing that prop would not have been for the faint hearted...thank you for showing us your love..

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

Hand cranked starter magneto, used in several other types too, e.g. Fokker D. VII. Check previous comments.

[@Lerxst81]

Superintressanta projekt som Mikael o hans team håller på med. Alltid lika kul o följa för flygentusiaster.Hoppas han har fler roliga projekt på G. Det är ju dessutom en viktig historisk aspekt och gärning i det hela som borde få mer uppmärksamhet av media kan jag tycka. Mvh

[@danpatterson6937]

Congratulations on a successful build and flight!

[@dieterk9568]

Great video of an incredibly ingenious man and his project. Thanks for your detailed informative replies in the comments

[@BrianJ001]

Fantastic sound!!!

[@walterbriggs272]

Such a tiny machine flying skyward and a huge leap in transportation/ warfare. It is a beauty

[@StonyRC]

STUNNING ... in every way imaginable.

[@Farweasel]

Absolutely beautiful creation there - Take a bow guys, you have excelled yourselves. It would be great to hear a pillot's report on its handling too ..... Not least because it looks to have almost no dihedral so on the one hand it should be amazingly agile, on the other a right sod to keep level?

[@13stalag13]

Did this have the original Siemens Halske engine? It was a revolutionary rotary engine, as the block rotated in one direction, but the crankshaft rotated the other direction. One of the better late war fighters, but the Bavarian company couldn't produce enough of them as they were working on the D-XII and D-XIV.

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

Yes, original - and factory new.

[@karlmawby2921]

Love it, Awesome job to those that restored a Peice of History, my dad was an Air Force pilot and these old plans make me remember h......

[@darkiee69]

I'm not sure if you can call it restored. If it's anything like his DR1 it's brand new, built using factory drawings and old methods. Except for the engine, that's an old, restored one.

[@fabianboss4160]

Fantastic! Congratulations on a successful first flight =)

[@P61guy61]

Incredible. Thank you for posting.

[@Inferalanding]

Wonderful footage. Seems like a lot of prop for a small plane.

[@theoldman8877]

It is, but rotary engine are low rpm power plants with massive amounts of torque so it is what is needed .

[@sblack48]

Never seen one of these. Certainly never seen a prop like that on a ww1 airplane. What engine? Same as the original? No hand starting?? Amazing.

[@Mona8519]

So wonderful! Thx for sharing!!!

[@malcolmtaylor518]

Wonderful plane. Rotary engine sounds great

[@mattklein5498]

Why is this flying yet I see the blades on the prop as if they are stopped, film frames per second? what?

[@advorak8529]

Very short exposure time per frame, helps against blurry planes but not against non-blurry props.

[@richardmaddock147]

Wonderful, love the engine sound.

[@kingearl2596]

These engines are very rare and extremely dangerous becouse of never ending ignition toubles. Chapeau!

[@christopheraliphat4534]

Wow, great plane. I mistakenly thought it was a Siemens schukert, and commented that it should of had a counter rotating engine. Regardless, glad to see people are still interested in these planes.

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

Same engine. Counter rotating internally.

[@christopheraliphat4534]

I see. Never seen one run, so I thought it counter rotated externally, but yes, the crankshaft rotates opposite the prop and cylinders. Totally cool. @@mattiasjonsson3214

[@christopheraliphat4534]

Also wanted to congratulate you on such a great project and keeping this engine and era of aircraft alive. I'm building a 1/4 scale RC of the Siemens Schukert D III. Was reading a book about the engine and totally missed the part about the crankshaft internally rotating opposite the prop and cylinders. I imagined the prop and cylinders spinning opposite each other. What type of oil do you use? Anyhow, again, thank you for your work and be safe flying. @@mattiasjonsson3214

[@harrothepilot]

Wow, thats truly stunning.....beautiful.....congratulations.

[@jameshickman5299]

Greetings, Did they start that thing using a crank booster magneto? That engine has an amazing exhaust note.

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

Correct, you'll see it to the right of the seat here: aerodrome.se/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/imported_from_media_libray/PfalzDVIII_2-1500x1000-1.jpg?bwg=1629355190

[@leroyabernathy9934]

@@mattiasjonsson3214 True German genius. All the benefits of an electric starter without the weight. Of course it required a knowledge ground crew trained to perform the ritual, but their weight stayed on the ground. Never saw this system in action until now. I thought it was only used on inlines.

[@gdebruin82]

What sort of rotary engine is powering this? Siemens Halske?

[@darkiee69]

Yes.

[@pianojacq]

This is a massive achievement, congratulations, especially on making a real flight rather than a hop on the first try.

[@johndoogan3712]

Hi, everyone who was involved with building this fine machine deserves to take a bow 🙇. I would like to know if the colour scheme is of a particular jasta with the pilot's name?.

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

With a few exceptions when Mikael's arms weren't long enough, Mikael has built it all by himself. Pilot and Jasta: www.cbrnp.com/profiles/quarter1/pfalzd8.htm

[@free-birdrocker8809]

That is truly a growling chugging rotary engine. I bet folks back in the day freaked out when they heardit chugging over head. Amazing bird!

[@brentdykgraaf184]

Is there a type rating on a rotary engine? Not radial...rotary. these things go torque like crazy...

[@andreasvenator]

It´s a guy thing: it´s got to be dangerous, like riding on a flying dragon. The real thrill sets in when the women and children run for cover when the engine starts. But this is a cut above: look Ma, no brakes, no flaps, no heated cockpit!

[@Farweasel]

You can fly with drag on if you like - But I feel more correctly attired in a flying suit. Of course you're absolutely right about the rest, its hardly as if there are any women pilots. Are there? Ah. Tricky that.

[@thadhorner5129]

And for even more fun, no throttle either. ON and OFF magneto are all you get! Just to make landing the thing even more exciting.

[@andreasvenator]

@@thadhorner5129 Yup, I feel downright comfortable in an AN-2...of the "recip" planes of my early years ´bout the only plane I can still fit in the cockpit seats is the Russian AN-2. Tore up a good shirt in a DC-3 two years ago for the Berlin Airlift anniversary in Wiesbaden... Those old planes (even the B-25) were made for daredevil young men between 20 and 30.

[@someone1974]

Great! Can this engine only full throttle and idle? Furthermore I am really impressed by the propeller. What a big thing.

[@beeleo]

This rotary engine... yep. Pretty much full throttle or ignition off.

[@rosiehawtrey]

Some had a "half" setting by powering a signal set of magnetos - all of them had a dual magneto ignition system but they don't have a intake throttle like an inline or radial. The blipping as he comes down is the best you can do for part power, where you'd set a radial throttle at 25-35% and bleed off the altitude by flaring - you'd float down mostly at idle on this.

[@MultiPerog]

Great show. Well done. Question: What is the starting mechanism of this aircraft? Looks like a spring recoil type of system.

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

Hand cranked starter magneto.

[@MrRobster1234]

I thought the Siemens-Halske engine turned the opposite direction of the propeller ?

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

Parts of it do. The crankshaft turns in the opposite direction inside/in the back of the engine, but the propeller is attached to the crankcase as usual.

[@MrRobster1234]

@@mattiasjonsson3214 Thank you Mattias.

[@88SC]

I long wondered about the sound of an eleven cylinder radial. It almost sounds like a fixed engine rather than a rotary at times. Interesting.

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

As the crankshaft is rotating in the opposite direction of the crankcase/propeller, the exhaust ventilation position isn't fixed. It moves "around the clock" which creates an engine sound which is a bit unusual for a rotary. This also means that castor oil is thrown out all the way around the engine, making the post-flight wiping a bit more tedious than for the other engines...

[@christopheraliphat4534]

Didn’t look like it was counter rotating

[@steveshoemaker6347]

AWESOME....THANKS FROM...KENTUCKY USA...!

[@nigel900]

Damn what a prop pitch! Awesome!

[@simeondarke201]

A beautiful sight.

[@angelreading5098]

Bravo ! what an achievement.

[@traveller4790]

I'm guessing this aircraft was equipped with an inertia starting system?

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

Hand cranked starter magneto.

[@traveller4790]

@@mattiasjonsson3214 Is that why they were turning the prop backwards right before the start?

[@HobbyLadan]

Hatten av! Mikael är Sveriges flyg baron.

[@Paiadakine]

What R the two guys doing at the beginning? Oiling something?

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

Priming.

[@cgdeery]

Beautiful. ..interesting prop as well.

[@spikbebis]

What a joy to hear, lovely built! And of course : attire to match. Applauds =)

[@marktibbetts3799]

What a pretty little plane. Sure has a lot of pitch in that prop.

[@alexandremarcelino7360]

Muito legal 🌟👏👏👏

[@craigweis448]

Throttle 'ON'~'OFF' and engine gets you height while horizontal stab gets you speed and vertical stab direction. Sounds swell and the sensation of speed is listening to the wind flow past the rigging.

[@TheRokko66]

powerful engine and prop! Almost sounds like a compressor me109

[@Jpriest13]

👍👍. A masterpiece!

[@4291juneau]

Brilliant and courageous!

[@stephengamble9388]

very similar to the Snipe. Was that just the natural progression for the rotary near wars end ?

[@ursus9104]

I have dokumentation of the Siemens Schukert D4 but I have never heard about this Pfalz D.VIII. They look similiar in shape but are they the same construktion from different companies?

[@kimkeam2094]

Congratulations on your maiden flight, a great success, both in the preparation and finish of the aircraft. The rotary sounds great but I’ve never seen one with four blades. Is this common for that model? Clear skies to you!

[@MothaLuva]

The Siemes Schuckert DIII/IV fighters also had them.

[@Rokonroller]

Good show guys! The cameraman reminds me of me😆 lol

[@jumpingjacks5558]

That is one giant propeller.

[@craigcook1571]

So did the ww1 versions have electric start?

[@mattiasjonsson3214]

No, neither do this exact reproduction. Started with a hand cranked starter magneto.

[@craigcook1571]

@@mattiasjonsson3214 oh ok, I saw them rotating the prop but didn’t see them hand cranking it. I thought all ww1 planes they had to spin the prop by hand. Thank you for the reply