Fokker DRI Diagrams Needed

[pmirl]

I am trying to find either a diagram or photo that shows the gas tank of a DRI and its position on the plane. I am also curious as to how the tank was refueled.

Another question I have is there is a photo showing Allied officers holding MvR's Spandau machine guns by the remains of 425/17. On the left side of the guns is a metal tube. What was the tube for, and how were the guns connected to the ammo box? Also, where did the spent casings from the bullets wind up?

Thanks

Paul M

[Dave_Watts]

Hi Paul,

I'll let an Dr.I expert address your tank questions.

As to the guns, what you are most likely referring to are the empty belt ejection tubes. They are aluminum and as I recall 40mm in diameter. The empty LMG belt is 30mm in diameter. They angle forward into the empty belt box.

The guns were not fixed to the ammo/belt boxes. Remember the guns needed to be serviced so they mounted to the fuselage via the front retaining caps and the lower rear bolt of the butt plate for easy access.

The empty cartridge casings simply ejected out of the front face of the main body of the gun about four inches back from the front gun mount. On Dr.I's there was normally an ejector chute to direct the casings out and away into the slipstream. Göring normally had a "gaurd fence" installed on his Dr.I's and D.VII's to keep the empty casings from blowing into his face or into the cockpit.

Best to all,
Dave W.

P.S. On MvR's guns he had cockpit pull charging handles and they have a small vertical tube handle at the very back of the gun just below the butt plate and you may see these as well.

[Rob_Owens]

Paul, The tank was suspended between the upper longerons just aft of the firewall. The front of the tank was "beveled" to clear the rear motor mount braces, and I believe the fuel filler neck was on the port side, near the corner of the firewall/longeron joint. Sent you drawings; lmk if you don't receive them. Regards, Rob