DH-4 engines

The prototype DH-4 had a 230hp BHP engine but production was quickly changed to the 250hp R.R. Eagle.
Shortages caused substitution of the 230hp Siddley Puma (BHP clone?), 200hp RAF 3a, and finally the 375hp R.R. Eagle VIII.

How many of each were utilized in DH-4's and how effective were each of the substitutes?

sincerely, SHAG

[leo]

Shag:
I thought the DH4 had either the Rolls Royce or the Liberty. Weren't the other engines mentioned in the DH9. They were neither powerful enough nor reliable.

[PeterL]

Leo, nope, Shag has it right. The Liberty is more often associated with the "Ninack" though I believe a handfull of DH4's were so powered.In photographs the Puma powered 4 looks like a 9 but has the 4's cockpit placement.

No idea how many were fitted with what engine, maybe this years datafile special will provide an answer, but the 375hp RR powered machine was highly regarded.

hth

Peter L

Just to make my question clear. I am concerned with British produced DH-4's. As I understand, Liberty 400hp engines were mounted in the 6,000+ U.S. made machines. They were never used to my knowledge in Airco produced aircraft.
From photo's you can tell the BHP/Puma a/c by their low thrust lines and narrow front entry. The RAF 3a by it's high thrust line and single stack exhaust running from the center of the nose.


SHAG

[leo]

Gentlemen:

I stand corrected. Thank you.

Aircraft in Profile Vol II No.26 has a profile on the DH$ describing how first the Beardmore 160 HP and then the BHP 200 Hp engines were installed in early DH 4's. With the 200 HP Beardmore speed of 113 at 10,000 ft (empty). There were no provision for manufacture of the BHP and so RR engines were installed.

leo

If memory serves, the Eagle-powered D.H.4 was the "Mosquito" of its day--once the bomb load was dropped, it moved faster than the fighters chasing it. If I'd had to be in a two-seater, the Falcon-powered Brisfit would be choice number one--the Eagle D.H.4 would be number two.