Comparison of 1918 Performance Between Fighter Aircraft

Scott Eberhardt of the University of Washington has published a paper which compares the performance properties of the scout aircraft of World War I. It is titled; "Performance Analysis and Tactics of Fighter Aircraft from WWI" [PDF Warning]

The abstract describes the paper as using for the basis of performance analysis;

For this paper analysis involved finding data from various sources and backing out aerodynamic parameters, such as Do C and e, the Oswald efficiency factor. Then, climb, turns, stall and other performance parameters can be backed out. In many cases, data is scarce and of dubious origin. Nevertheless, a fair amount can be learned if the data is accepted in the spirit for which it is intended.

The paper contains some interesting graphs which relate to 1918 performance. The Sopwith Snipe does well, largely due to its powerful engine and low weight.

Source: "Performance Analysis and Tactics of Fighter Aircraft from WWI" [PDF Warning]

It should be noted though, that by the arrival of the SE5a and Spad VII aircraft on the western front, the Royal Navy's blockade of Germany ahd tipped the technology scales in favour of the allied air services. After the Hispano was produced in numbers, the German engine industry was never able to match the allies for horsepower. This was due to important supplies such as oil, lubricants etc being cut off. It is interesting to note that in the area of aerofoil design, German technology was way ahead.

Source: "Performance Analysis and Tactics of Fighter Aircraft from WWI" [PDF Warning]

The Snipe again showing that it was the last in the evolution of the light rotary engined fighters. The success of the SE5a and Spad should have shown the way for British industry to produce boom and zoom designs for 1918.

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