The Aerodrome Forum - View Single Post - Pflaz DIIIa

Chock · 6 November 2009, 05:50 AM

If I recall correctly, I think the Hispano Suiza engines had quite a bit more alloy (as opposed to steel) in their construction than the German ones. I'm pretty sure much of the upper part of an HS engine was alloy with steel inserts for the cylinders, so they'd be considerably lighter than the Merc and Beemer engines as well as probably more likely to make an aircraft more stable since there is less weight above the thrust line.

As a rough comparison, the dry weight of a Merc DIII engine is 700lb, and the dry weight of a Wolseley Viper (basically a souped up HS engine) was 500lb. So you've got the typical German fighter lugging approximately the weight of another person along with them in comparison to the Brit SE5a, which of course is going to increase the wing loading and affect acceleration and all that malarkey.

McCudden, who was very familiar with the SE5/5a, reportedly said the Albatros was a bit of a handful when he test flew one. Dunno if he ever got his hands on a Pfalz to test out though.

Incidentally, out of curiosity, I ordered that document from the National Archives, if it has anything interesting in it, I'll let you guys know

Al

6 November 2009, 05:50 AM	#39 (permalink)
Chock Scout Pilot Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The grim north of England Posts: 405	If I recall correctly, I think the Hispano Suiza engines had quite a bit more alloy (as opposed to steel) in their construction than the German ones. I'm pretty sure much of the upper part of an HS engine was alloy with steel inserts for the cylinders, so they'd be considerably lighter than the Merc and Beemer engines as well as probably more likely to make an aircraft more stable since there is less weight above the thrust line. As a rough comparison, the dry weight of a Merc DIII engine is 700lb, and the dry weight of a Wolseley Viper (basically a souped up HS engine) was 500lb. So you've got the typical German fighter lugging approximately the weight of another person along with them in comparison to the Brit SE5a, which of course is going to increase the wing loading and affect acceleration and all that malarkey. McCudden, who was very familiar with the SE5/5a, reportedly said the Albatros was a bit of a handful when he test flew one. Dunno if he ever got his hands on a Pfalz to test out though. Incidentally, out of curiosity, I ordered that document from the National Archives, if it has anything interesting in it, I'll let you guys know Al __________________ Wiseman: When you removed the book from the cradle, did you speak the words? Ash: Yeah, basically. Wiseman: Did you speak the exact words? Ash: Look, maybe I didn't say every single little tiny syllable, no. But basically I said them, yeah. Last edited by Chock; 6 November 2009 at 06:14 AM.