Siemens-Schuckert D.IV

Pips · 24 June 2006, 03:25 AM

Despite it' stubby appearance this plane just 'looks' right. In some ways like a German version of the Camel.

But how did it perform? Was it easy (for the period) to fly? Was it manoeuverable and if so what other aircraft is comparable. What were it's best features eg speed, climb, roll, turn? How widespread was it's use?

One last question, does the word 'Schuckert' have a meaning?

And if anyone can point the way to a good source of detail/information I would be very appreciative.

EricGoedkoop · 24 June 2006, 03:47 AM

Great climb and good maneuverability, but it was a bit tricky and had a reputation for flipping over on landing. Its use was limited by the lack of castor oil in Germany at war's end - the type never lived up to its full potential.

HispanoSuiza · 24 June 2006, 04:19 AM

Siemens-Schuckert was the name of the firm, which was mainly engaged in electrical engineering: http://www.answers.com/topic/siemens...kert-aircrafts

See also: http://w4.siemens.de/archiv/en/perso...schuckert.html

Simba · 28 June 2006, 12:32 PM

Alabatros Publications' Windsock Datafile No.29, 'The SSW D.III/IV' by P. Grosz. describes the type and includes scale plans and many good photos. It's out of print but well worth searching for.

baclightning · 28 June 2006, 02:25 PM

Here's a page with some D.III profiles (not D.IV), and a bibliography...

http://www.cbrnp.com/profiles/quarter1/sswdiii.htm

StephenLawson · 28 June 2006, 03:03 PM

Richard Bennett the current president of Over the Front is probably one of the leading authorities on the SSW D.III & IV. See also anything by Peter Grosz. With synthetic lubricants the SSW D.III & D.IV types served in several Jastas and a couple of the Kests even to the last day of the war. One of the strangest examples was the SSW D.IV that I believe Albatros or some such factory almost tripled the length of the wings and was to be used in high altitude experiments. This may be the fuselage that is being restored in Poland?

Pips · 28 June 2006, 03:28 PM

Thanks for the comments and links guys. They are excellent.

And thank you for the tip on Richard Bennett Steve. I'm a subscriber to Over The Front, so I may drop him a line and see if he has anything in the works on the subject.

EricGoedkoop · 28 June 2006, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StephenLawson

One of the strangest examples was the SSW D.IV that I believe Albatros or some such factory almost tripled the length of the wings and was to be used in high altitude experiments. This may be the fuselage that is being restored in Poland?

Indeed it is - the Albatros H.I held by the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow.

Pictures can be found here under "Photo Gallery" for those interested.

Lyle · 28 June 2006, 07:21 PM

What a magnificent resource of photos and history of Poland's air forces! Thank you Eric for posting that link--