SE5A Propeller

FamousRaider · 27 July 2020, 12:49 PM

This might be a daft question

but I'm seeing contradictory information (modelling sources). Looking towards an SE5A from the front was the propeller rotation clockwise or anti-clockwise ? (or possibly both !).
thanks - Max

'14-'18aviationcollector · 27 July 2020, 04:03 PM

Hi Max,

SE5a propellers are left handed and right handed, depending on the engine used. `Straight drive engines such as the Wolseley Viper are driven by right hand tractor propellers, which means that from the pilot's seat the propeller spins clockwise. This of course means that viewed from the front of the aircraft a right handed propeller rotates anti clockwise. Geared engines such as the Hispano Suiza had left handed tractor propellers fitted to them, so from the pilot's perspective the propeller rotates anti clockwise.

Regards,

David.

FamousRaider · 28 July 2020, 12:04 PM

Thanks David - Question not as daft as I thought then

Can anybody say which type of engine (ungeared / geared) would most commonly be used on the SE5A ?
thanks - Max

'14-'18aviationcollector · 28 July 2020, 06:45 PM

You're very welcome Max. No it is not a daft question at all. SE5a's had engine supply problems, and for that reason a variety of engines were used to power the SE5a. Without looking at the actual numbers - I could do so later and I'm sure that in the meantime someone else will provide a more accurate answer, I think the majority of SE5a's were powered by the Wolseley Viper, and probably fewer but the majority of those which were not powered by the Wolseley Viper were powered by the geared Hispano - Suiza engine. So, basically, a Viper engined SE5a was driven by a right hand propeller and a Hispano Suiza engined SE5a's were driven by left hand propellers.

Regards,

David.

FamousRaider · 29 July 2020, 12:32 PM

David - Thanks again - all very clearly explained.(*) If anybody does have some knowledge of what the numbers of various engines used was then I'd be pleased to hear of it - even if its just evidence that the "Viper" which predominated.

(* I was in the RAF Museum at Hendon last week and the explanation from a member of staff in one of the hangers led me to believe that all SE5A propellers rotated anti-clockwise looking towards the 'plane from the front - so the model component manufacturer offering me a prop going the other way was clearly deluded !)
Max

'14-'18aviationcollector · 29 July 2020, 05:37 PM

You're very welcome Max.

I'm sure that one of the members here will have the SE5a File, or a similar comprehensive source of reference and will be able to give you the exact numbers. Unfortunately I have seen many such examples of a similar lack of knowledge demonstrated by museum staff members. They mean well of course but the information they provide is sometimes wildly inaccurate.

Regards,

David.

Brad · 30 July 2020, 05:39 AM

Keep in mind that the prop LOCATION would be slightly different between the geared (higher) and non-geared (lower) engines as well.

FamousRaider · 30 July 2020, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '14-'18aviationcollector

… Unfortunately I have seen many such examples of a similar lack of knowledge demonstrated by museum staff members. They mean well of course but the information they provide is sometimes wildly inaccurate.

David - Long time since I was last at RAF Hendon and the first thing I noticed was that the visible staff all seemed to be wearing shirts emblazoned with "GROUND CREW". My knowledge of aircraft is pretty limited but when the member of staff approached me and started talking about the engine I was looking at, and I shifted the conversation to the 'plane in the same hanger which I had specifically gone to see / photograph, I quickly figured out that enthusiasm wasn't matched by knowledge. As you say, well meaning.

If anybody has even approximate use numbers for the various engines then please let me know.
thanks - Max

FamousRaider · 30 July 2020, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad

Keep in mind that the prop LOCATION would be slightly different between the geared (higher) and non-geared (lower) engines as well.

Yes Brad - model manufacturers seem to have both versions well covered - with very obvious differences in the prop heights.

Is there any knowledge of possible effects on the handling of the aircraft depending which power plant was installed ? Also, did pilots prefer any particular engine ?
Max

macmullin · 8 August 2020, 04:48 AM

I found a good website that has a nice image collection of WWI fixed wood propellers and a knowledgeable forum that can answer any questions. The members at Wooden Propeller are committed to the exchange of information about wood aircraft propellers in general, and emphasis on WWI and earlier antique propellers.

You can find an example of SE5a - 200HP Hispano Suiza prop here.