What is it?

richardgrosser · 8 February 2011, 02:35 PM

I have an aileron from a WW1 aircraft. It was marked as coming from a Spad XIII which I believe is wrong. I would like to know what it is from so that we can put in on display with correct information.

Thank you

Richard C. Grosser
Palm Springs Air Museum

Jim · 8 February 2011, 02:44 PM

I'm sure someone here will know, but my first impression of looking at the small photo is that the fabric, paint and roundel are that they look to be in much to nice condition to be period. In looking at and handling the actual object does it appear to be fully original?

richardgrosser · 8 February 2011, 02:59 PM

I am actively engaged in the restoration (to flying) of ww2 aircraft. I can assure you that this is completely original.

Lodzermensch · 9 February 2011, 01:25 AM

Hello,

Welcome to the Aerodrome.

In my view – the portion of roundel visible on the item looks like one of RNAS markings version that was in use since December 1914 to November 1915, because of red ring outlined with narrow white border.

A colour of the background reminds me blue used in an early naval scheme.

I am convinced that this is a portion of the port, upper wing. Judging by the contour – it was most likely the upper wing of Caudron G.3 (knowledge of the dimensions of this piece would be very helpful).

So, my bet is Caudron G.3 of RNAS 1914/1915.

As a matter of course – I may be wrong.

Regards

Marek

Froggy · 9 February 2011, 03:09 AM

Bonjour à tous

I agree with you Marek
It is certainly a Caudron G3
[Pionnair-GE]

Cordialement
Bruno

YavorD · 9 February 2011, 04:14 AM

Actually, Caudron G.III does not have ailerons ... Wing warping is used for lateral control.
Regards,
Yavor

Aquilius · 9 February 2011, 04:36 AM

Well, it looks a bit small and short, maybe not complete anymore...

Then I miss the rounded end that is to find with Caudron...

Can it be a tailplane elevator by chance?

Cheers

Aquilius

Lodzermensch · 9 February 2011, 09:42 AM

Hi,

I have seen photographs of Caudron G.3 with ailerons although they show machines used after the Great War. But that is not the point. In my opinion – this item looks like an aileron but it does not mean – this is an aileron. Perhaps someone just prepared a portion of wing this way to have a souvenir.

From photographs I saw – rounded trailing edge/wingtip transition was not a rule. There are pictures showing more squared contour of this portion (more precisely – the upper wing had a contour of trapezoid).

This item does not fit the shape and structure (too many ribs) of an elevator - neither of early or of late type. The first one had wavy trailing edge; the latter was divided into two parts with straight trailing edge.

The real problem I can see is … has anybody ever seen a picture of camouflaged Caudron G.3, particularly from 1915? I have read about it but I have not seen any example … except one photo of crashed aircraft in Polish service, but it was taken in twenties.

Regards

Marek