SE-5A information

Mogadeet · 30 October 2017, 08:30 AM

Where can I find a really good comparison of Huispano-Suiza engined SE-5As vs Viper engined SE-5As? Performance, reliability, and pilot opinions would be good points of comparison.

Mogadeet

airknocker · 30 October 2017, 10:35 AM

You can find a few comments here:
http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/content/building-se5a

Mogadeet · 30 October 2017, 11:56 AM

Thank You. Very interesting website.....if I had Bill Gate's money I'd be doing that myself.
However, do you know any sites where the differences between the HS engined and Viper engined SE-5As are discussed?

Mogadeet

airknocker · 30 October 2017, 01:16 PM

http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=41405
https://haa-uk.aero/document/flying-...a-ww1-fighter/

Mogadeet · 30 October 2017, 01:43 PM

Wow, thank you!

Now, does anyone have anything on the flight characteristics of the SE-5A using the HS engine vs the Viper engine?

Mogadeet

regular122 · 4 November 2017, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogadeet

Wow, thank you!

Now, does anyone have anything on the flight characteristics of the SE-5A using the HS engine vs the Viper engine?

Mogadeet

In an article by J.M. Bruce in the 17 July 1953 issue of Flight, he stated,

"...the ultimate production machine had the 200 h.p. Wolseley W.4A Viper, which was a direct-drive engine and maintained power at altitude more efficiently than the Hispano-Suizas. With the Viper, the S.E.'s speed went up to 135 m.p.h. at sea level, and was no less than 123 m.p.h. at 15,000 ft."

As to reliability, the Viper seems to have won hands down but the real issue was quality control of the contractors of the Hispano engines. The absolute worst was the contract of French built engines by Brasier. Many had to be completely rebuilt.

Steve

Mogadeet · 4 November 2017, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by regular122

In an article by J.M. Bruce in the 17 July 1953 issue of Flight, he stated,

"...the ultimate production machine had the 200 h.p. Wolseley W.4A Viper, which was a direct-drive engine and maintained power at altitude more efficiently than the Hispano-Suizas. With the Viper, the S.E.'s speed went up to 135 m.p.h. at sea level, and was no less than 123 m.p.h. at 15,000 ft."

As to reliability, the Viper seems to have won hands down but the real issue was quality control of the contractors of the Hispano engines. The absolute worst was the contract of French built engines by Brasier. Many had to be completely rebuilt.

Steve

Excellent. Thank You!

Mogadeet