A question for the experts:

Brad · 14 September 2010, 10:36 AM

Hi folks,

I've been looking at all the pictures I can find on the web of the Siemens-Schuckert EI. I can'tquite figure out the post arrangement for the flying wires.

From all the past pictures I have seen, I always thought the flying wire post had 3 legs like a tripod- 2 in front and one behind. However, one picture I've seen looks like the rear post goes to the side of the fuselage. (I still don't see a visible 4th leg however.)

So... is it 3 legs or 4?

Structurally 4 makes more sense to me... does anyone have any good information on this?

Brad · 14 September 2010, 10:41 AM

p.s. here is the picture I am referring to:

(One with an arrow pointing to what I mean.)

Dan_San_Abbott · 14 September 2010, 11:22 AM

Hi Brad:
There are four struts, the arrow points to right strut and the left strut is in shadow look on the side of the fuselage about 1/3 forward of the left rear landing gear strut, and you can see the fitting on the bottom left side of the fuselage for the left rear bracing strut for the flying wires struts.
Blue skies Brad,
Dan-San,

Brad · 14 September 2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan_San_Abbott

Hi Brad:
There are four struts, the arrow points to right strut and the left strut is in shadow look on the side of the fuselage about 1/3 forward of the left rear landing gear strut, and you can see the fitting on the bottom left side of the fuselage for the left rear bracing strut for the flying wires struts.
Blue skies Brad,
Dan-San,

Dan San,

As usual, you are the man!

I wasn't sure if that was a combination of the wing shadow and the flying wire or not. I WAS pretty sure the strut I pointed at was either on the right side (due to light direction on the other struts that makes sense in a way) or in the center.

Thank you very much... That is very helpful.

Now I can continue messing with my little project with a bit more confidence.

Epee · 15 September 2010, 04:29 AM

What is the history of that airplane?

Brad · 15 September 2010, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epee

What is the history of that airplane?

20 built in 1915. That's about all I know.

Epee · 15 September 2010, 08:08 AM

Just by looks I figured it was a Fokker supplement.

Brad · 15 September 2010, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epee

Just by looks I figured it was a Fokker supplement.

Not a Fokker, and as far as I know Fokker had nothing to do with the design. Designed and built by Siemens-Schuckert.

Epee · 15 September 2010, 10:49 AM

Oh, certainly not a Fokker but heavily influenced by the Fokker E-types and most probably seeking to ride on the Fokker coat tails into a contract.

Dan_San_Abbott · 15 September 2010, 12:28 PM

Hi Brad:
As you had posted, there were twenty ordered in November 1915, serial numbers were E.550/15 to 569/15. Only six machines were built. I have no data that they were ever deployed. They were fairly heavy at 673 kg total weight as compared to the Fok. E.III at 610kg, which was ordered at the same time Its performance was probably well short of the Fok.E.III and the Pfalz E.II.
Blue skies Brad,
Dan-San