Plans for Fokker DVIII and Morane-Saulnier Type AI

fishface · 7 June 2006, 03:19 PM

Hi All,
I am looking for a replica project and really like the look of the Fokker DVIII and Morane-Saulnier Type AI. The high wing monoplane layout and relatively good handling and performance characteristics really appeal. Does anyone know where I could obtain plans for either of these aircraft? Also How difficult is to find suitable rotary engines these days? What are the radial alternatives and why? Has anyone used a Vedenyev m14d for a replica is this engine suitable? It weighs approx 450 llbs produces 200HP at 2000rpm and is 38 3/4 inches in diameter and 38 inches deep. Many thanks for any help

greatwarpilot · 7 June 2006, 05:37 PM

Hello Fishface,

Welcome to the forum. At the Great War Flying Museum we're building a Sopwith Camel and are putting an M14 into it. We think it should be a very suitable engine for a few reasons. First its the correct diameter to fit into the original cowl for a Clerget. Also it has enough excess HP that we can use it to turn a big prop slowly, thanks to the geared nose case (ideally).

I know others have used M14s in other WWI replicas. The N28 comes to mind, and I believe a Dr. I. I'm sure there are others, but I'll leave the other examples for someone else to comment on.

Hope this his helpful.

Cheers

Edward

fishface · 8 June 2006, 06:41 AM

Many thanks for the reply and yes this info is very helpful! It is interesting that you want to keep the reduction gearing? I am assuming that you are referring to the M14P? The engine that I am referring to is the is the M14D which is essentially the same engine without a reduction gear. This reduces the length of the engine quite substantially. Specifications for this engine can Be found at;
http://www.gesoco.com/engines/m14d.html
I have a good friend in Brampton (not an aircraft fan unfortunately) I'm hoping to visit him at some point in the near future I will definitely pay you visit when i do! Thanks for the help Pat

greatwarpilot · 8 June 2006, 05:18 PM

Pat,

We actually have an AI14, which is an early version of the M14D. You'd be most welcome to visit us if you're in this neck of the woods. Just drop me or one of the other members on here a line so we can be sure someone is around when you make the trip.

All the best.

Edward

CORVUS · 7 July 2006, 08:28 AM

I have two cardboard boxes full of information on the Fokker DVIII. There are also a number of builders out there. There is a great deal of information to be found in various back issues of World War One Aero. The one and only original rudder and fin is in Colorado. Ron Sands plans are a good starting point to build a nice DVIII. The M14 that you are referring to , although it appears in the photo that the planetary enclosure does not project out too far, it does. Some builders have removed that planetary assembly but the engineers do not recommend it. It's all about centrifugal and rotational torque loads imposed on the crank. The problem with all radials is the exhaust system. It's mounted to the rear of the engine and requires more depth in the cowl. The nicest radials that will fit within the diameter of the Fokker cowl are the Rotec radials out of Australia. They also have a planetary assembly that would necessitate modification to the cowl. Actually the Continental radials are very nice but are a just a bit to large in diameter to fit in the original cowl. I've seen a nice trick being used on some Triplanes in Australia. They extended the fuselage out beyond the main struts of the wing and landing gear a few inches and kept the same depth cowl as the original. I'm guessing that as they extended things forward they somehow increased the diameter of the cowl ring to fit the continentals. This is tricky since the fuselage top tubes are tangent to the cowl ring. It needs further study to figure out what exactly they did. It looks great. They are running Warners and Continentals. Best ones I've seen using radials.