The Hunter and the Heavy: A Clash in the 1917 Sky

Filling a WWI Gap: Airco DH.4 vs Fokker Dr.I Triplane acrylic on canvas board

I’ve always felt my portfolio needed a stronger nod to the early days of air combat—a time when fabric-covered wings, wire bracing, and raw bravery defined the skies. So, I set out to fill that World War I gap with a dynamic new painting: the Airco DH.4 duelling with the legendary Fokker Dr.I Triplane.

The inspiration struck while watching this impressive two-seater in action during a session of Flying Circus. Seeing the big DH.4 sweeping low over patchwork French fields instantly sparked a vision I knew I had to capture. There’s something uniquely dramatic about a bulky, fast Allied bomber being harried by the nimble, iconic Triplane—it’s a contrast that tells a story by itself.

The DH.4, developed as a two-seat day bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, first took to the sky in August 1916. It was operational in France by March 1917, making it one of the more capable and modern British designs of the period. Although I’ve depicted a British-service machine, most DH.4s actually ended up in American hands, serving with the U.S. expeditionary forces in France.

This painting allowed me to dive back into the texture, colour, and atmosphere of WWI aviation—muddy fields, drab camouflage, streaked fabric, and swirling biplane dogfights. It’s been a rewarding addition to my collection of historical aviation art, and I’m excited to finally share it.

The original painting is available. PM me for details.