I have a whole bunch of formula for estimating speed rates of climb ceiling etc, but they mostly apply to monoplanes. Biplanes are more difficult and I think there is something missing in my calculations. I calculated the top speed of a Pfaltz DIII at around 112mph @ 0ft but the calculated ceiling was way to low.
112mph @ 2055lb with a streamlined(relatively) aircraft seems to low relative to the RE8 doing 103mph with 10 less hp @ 2679lb and less streamlined.
Being lighter would allow a relatively small increase in speed and a much greater increase in rate of climb. 10hp should guarantee a noticeable increase in speed and ROC, plus the faster you try to go the more streamlining counts. My guess without calculations is I think the DIII should be good for 120mph @ 0ft.
