Fokker E-type Undersides

[Hans]

Gentlemen, I am somewhat confused about the undersites (front half) of the Fokker E.I / E.III.

First question:



Is this marked part hinged? What was the purpose? I can't identify this part on the "usual" drawings of the E-types.

Second question:



On several photos of "stripped" machines there is something legible, which seems to be a hinged opening in the cockpit area. I marked this on a picture of A.Engels recent replica. What was the purpose of that? Was it not covered by fabric from below? I was asked if this was a pilot's viewing help when approaching the ground, but I doubt that. Was it for maintenance or what?

Any help is appreciated...

Hans

[josef scott]

Hi Hans,

To answer your second question first, yes, that is a hinged "door" or "hatch" to give the pilot a better view downward. The large chord wings were a problem for landing and the early (unarmed) Fokker Eindeckers had a cut-out in the wing-root to improve the view. As this proved to be aerodynamically unsound, other solutions were devised. At the same time as the the Fokkers were armed, these doors were implemented. The area beneath the door was covered by an aluminum panel with a large rectangular hole cut out of it. The lower portion of the control column also protruded through this hole. There was no fabric in this lower area.

Regarding your first question, the panel you indicated is riveted to the chin panel. As it is roughly the same width as the hole in the bottom panel and is directly in front of it, it is a pretty safe bet that it was intended to divert the airstream away from the opening. These panels do not appear on the earlier Eindeckers with no opening.

You are correct, no currently available drawings reflect this detail. There is a good chance that this will be addressed soon.

[Hans]

I understand, thank you, Josef. After 40 years stearing at Fokker pictures I realise a new detail. Great!

H

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Hello Jack:
This is a deflector part of the firewall. its purpose was to deflected fuel and oil away from thebellyof the fuselage that was ejected from the exhaust valves of the engine, that also collected on the inside of the cowling and on the firewall. rotary engine were very messy in regard to splatter of oil on the bottom sides and under the fuselage.
A very Merry Christmas Jack,
Dan-San
P.S. I have a Brother named John Raymond, who is called Jack, he is vigorous and vital still working part time at 88 in his Blacksmith shop in Weed in Northern California. One of his products that does very well is an ascending circular staircase with railings in wrought iron.
DSA

[josef scott]

Dan-San,

You are probably quite right about deflecting the oil and fuel. It seems to be specifically for the Eindeckers with the downward-view aperture though. None of the early A-types have it, nor do the rotary-powered D-types which followed.

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Hello Josef:
The deflector is still there on the D.VI, DR.I and E.V/D.VIII firewall, but it is considerably smaller in width. Further, they did not have the internal viewing floor doors.
Merry Christmas Josef,
Dan-San

[Hans]

How is it supposed in which way the pilot opened these hatches? Good ol' times, when no belt was worn? I know that there where no shoulder belts at that time, but was the hatch really within the pilot's range? And how where they prevended to fall again in place?

H

[josef scott]

Hi Hans,

The Eindecker pilots had the same style harness seen on later Fokker aircraft, including shoulder belts. The seat was relatively close to the floor so the pilot sat with his legs almost straight out in front of him, so he could reach down and pull the straps (which can be seen in the FTS photo you posted) up. There was a separate hatch on either side of the control column. Check out this link to the FTS build to see their (very credible) concept of how this hatch worked.

FTS Fokker E.III - Page 16 - The AeroForum