Combat Record of Siemens-Schucket DIII and DIV

23 September 2002, 08:29 AM

Hi,
as a new member of this ilustrious board, I wonder if someone could give some impressions of the combat records of the Siemens-Schuckert family?
Were they as good as the Fokkers DVII?

Thanks,
Carlos

24 September 2002, 10:24 AM

Welcome KAKII!

The SSW DIII and DIV were barrel-shaped, pugnacious fighters that appeared in the spring of 1918. They were considered by many to be the hottest German fighter of the war. The reason that they probably did not show up in greater numbers is that the engines used by the machine tended to burn up quickly because of the poor quality synthetic castor oils used by the Germans at the time.

Lt. Lenz (Jasta 22?) raved about the little machine and it scored a number of kills with both the frontline Jastas and home defense units (Kests). I doubt any fighter of the time, including the Fok. DVII, could keep up with it in a fast climb. It was also very agile, probably as good as the Fokker, if not better. I am sure others could add more information, as I am at work and do not have access to my library.

regards

Craig · 25 September 2002, 07:54 AM

In the Profile Publication on the SSW D.III and D.IV, there was a bit about Fokker himself flying an E.V against a D.IV, and "even with his undoubted skill", the SSW came off better. It was, however, harder to fly. Lt. Greven of J12 mentioned a peculiar oscillation which made aiming difficult, but I think he did score with it nonetheless.

Breguet · 25 September 2002, 05:43 PM

I've heard the SSW DIV desribed as potentially the best fighter of the war. As Wingedwarrior says it was the engine that let it down. Marry it up to a Bently BR 2 and it would have been very interesting.

leo · 26 September 2002, 11:39 AM

The problem was not the engine. It was the lack of high quality castor oil that was the problem. Properly lubricated, the Siemene-Halske 160 HP engine would have been more than adequate.