Unmarked S.E 5a Colours

[Chocks Away]

I have seen a photo in an album (B&W) of a SE 5a. late 1917 or 1918 with.

White(ish)
Wings upper and lower, top and bottom: :White
Tail fin, Rudder and horizontal stabiliser, or rear wing: White
Wheel hubs white. : White

Dark-( Dk Green?)
Fuselage ark
Wheel and Wing struts: Dark.

Note.
No serial number, or national marking on wings or tail.
No guns.
A half circle screen for pilot.
No hump behind the pilot.

When would this likely have happened, new build from the factory, or after major repair, recovering?

There appears to be the top wing of another aircraft in the back ground of the photo in Dark(gr) with roundels, so likely British.

[sator]

With no guns it might be some kind training aircraft or prototype.

[John McKenzie]

Probably easier to ID if you showed the photo .

However in absence of such , IF taken in UK ,...the photo could likely be post war , possibly used by RAE , for experimental purposes at Farnborough ,..or maybe it is a civilian machine ...although normally these would have registration letters fuselage & wings .

Savage Skywriting Se5a ' were mainly white (-ish) all over ,...but possibly your photo could be before painting was completed ....
There is one example at Science Museum .

JM

[Chocks Away]

Originally Posted by sator

With no guns it might be some kind training aircraft or prototype.

With no markings, or serial number etc. Even captured enemy aircraft had serial numbers.
The hunt goes on.

Originally Posted by John McKenzie

Probably easier to ID if you showed the photo .

However in absence of such , IF taken in UK ,...the photo could likely be post war , possibly used by RAE , for experimental purposes at Farnborough ,..or maybe it is a civilian machine ...although normally these would have registration letters fuselage & wings .

Savage Skywriting Se5a ' were mainly white (-ish) all over ,...but possibly your photo could be before painting was completed ....
There is one example at Science Museum .

JM

Indeed, but what would be the fun in that? A photo of a photo from a cell phone.

Still think the photo is in the range give.
Who in their right mind would be flying around in an unmarked plane outside of the UK.

Interesting photos of the Sciene Museum SE 5a especially of the engine layout and my "High in the Empty Blue" has just arrived so time for reflection and a cuppa.


Looking like 2 bladed Hispano-Suiza, or the Wolseley given the rocker cover bump and the long exhaust below. Also the Radiator has the two rectangular grills vertically. Further Points to investigate.



thanks for all replies.