How a WWI Biplane Works

What was the landing gear of the British SE-5 fighter plane like? How did the suspension work?

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The landing gear of the British SE-5 (Scout Experimental 5) fighter plane, a World War I aircraft, was relatively simple yet robust, designed to handle rough airfields typical of the era. Here's an overview of its structure and suspension:

Landing Gear Design:

• Fixed, Conventional Gear: The SE-5 had a fixed, two-wheel undercarriage with a tailskid, characteristic of many aircraft of its time.
• Axle and Strut Arrangement: The main wheels were mounted on a single axle, which was connected to the fuselage via V-struts and bracing wires.
• Shock Absorption: The axle was not rigidly attached but incorporated a basic form of suspension.

Suspension System:

• Bungee Cord Suspension: The SE-5 used bungee cords (elastic shock cords) wrapped around the axle and attached to the V-struts or a crossbeam. These cords acted as a primitive shock absorber.
• Functionality: When the wheels encountered bumps or hard landings, the axle would move upward, stretching the bungee cords. The elasticity of the cords absorbed some of the impact energy and returned the wheels to their original position.
• Durability: Bungee suspension was simple and effective, requiring minimal maintenance and providing enough cushioning for the aircraft's low landing speeds and the grass fields of the time.

Tailskid:

• Wooden or Metal Skid: The SE-5 had a tailskid instead of a tailwheel, which was common in WWI aircraft. This skid was designed to dig into the ground slightly to help slow the aircraft during landing.
• Spring-Loaded or Flexible Mounting: The tailskid might have been attached to the fuselage with a spring or flexible mounting to absorb shocks and reduce wear on the skid itself.

This combination of a simple main undercarriage and a tailskid was practical and reliable for the conditions in which the SE-5 operated. The design reflected the technological constraints and the operational needs of WWI aviation.

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Where can I see the structure? Are there photos, illustrations, or diagrams of it that I can see?

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To visualize the landing gear structure of the British SE-5 fighter plane, you can refer to several resources that provide detailed photographs, illustrations, and diagrams:

1. The Vintage Aviator's SE.5a Reproduction Project: This project involved meticulous reproductions of the SE.5a, the later variant of the SE-5. Their website offers comprehensive insights into the aircraft's construction, including the landing gear. You can find detailed images and descriptions here:

   The Vintage Aviator

    

2. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: The museum houses an SE.5a in its collection. Their online catalog provides high-resolution photographs of the aircraft, showcasing various components, including the landing gear. Explore their collection at: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

3. RAF Museum: The Royal Air Force Museum in the UK features an SE.5a in its exhibits. Their online resources include photographs and historical information about the aircraft. Visit their website at: RAF Museum SE.5a.

4. "SE5/5a Aces of World War 1" by Norman Franks: This book contains detailed illustrations and photographs of the SE-5 and SE.5a, including close-ups of the landing gear. It's available for purchase or through libraries.

These resources should provide you with a comprehensive visual understanding of the SE-5's landing gear structure.

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How a WWI Biplane Works