Siemens-Schuckert D.IV

From Wings of Linen
Siemens-Schuckert D.IV
Role Fighter
Manufacturer Siemens-Schuckert
Designer Harold Wolff [1]
Introduction Aug 1918 [2][1][3]
Primary user Germany
Number built 123 [1]
Developed from Siemens-Schuckert D.III
Wingspan 8.35 m (27 ft 4.75 in) [4][5][6]
Engine 160hp Siemens-Halske Sh.IIIa
Armament 2×fixed sync. LMG08/15
Crew 1
Max Speed 190 km/h (118 mph) [7][4][3][6]
Climb 1,000 m (3,280 ft) in 1:54[7][5]
2,000 m (6,560 ft) in 3:42[7][5][4]
3,000 m (9,840 ft) in 6:24[7][5]
Ceiling 6,400 m (21,100 ft)[4]-8,000 m (26,200 ft)[7][5]
Endurance 2:00 [7][5][4]

One of the D.IIc prototypes was modified and adjusted and was sent to the front for assessment in the spring of 1918. After a few tests and further adjustments, it became the prototype for the Siemens-Schuckert D.IV.[8] While a production order had been placed in March 1918, it was not until August that first deliveries were made to Jastas 14 and 22. While orders totaled 280 machines, probably only about fifty saw service.

In an attempt to speed up the Siemens-Schuckert D.III and reduce its cooling problems, the Siemens-Schuckert D.IV featured a reduced-chord wing and a cut-away engine cowl (which was also used on late-model D.IIIs). The D.IV attempted to increase the D.III's speed with narrow-chord wings, which reduced drag at the cost of decreased climbing capability. Though seen only in small numbers, it was probably the best German fighter at the end of the war, from a technical standpoint. [2]

The D.IV has an unusual feature: the left wings are some 7cm longer than the right to compensate for propeller torque.


For more information, see Wikipedia:Siemens-Schuckert D.IV.

Timeline [note 1]

Game Data

Wings of Glory

Unofficial Stats
Availability Maneuver Damage Dmg Points Max Alt. Climb Points
Jun/Jul18-end L A 15 17 2 95

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References

Notes
  1. German numbers are from bi-monthly Frontbestand records (Effective Frontline Strength).[9]
Citations
  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Angelucci, p.60.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Gray, p.213.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Gray'66, p.7.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Lamberton, pp.220-221.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Gray'66, p.12.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Argus Vol. 3, p.70.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Gray, p.217.
  8. Gray'66, p.6.
  9. Grosz'85, p.60 and Grosz'86, p.66.
Bibliography
  • Enzo Angelucci, ed. The Rand McNally Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft, 1914-1980. New York: The Military Press, 1983 edition. ISBN 0-517-41021-4.
  • Argus Books, Airplane Archive: Aircraft of World War One, Volume 3. Great Britain: Argus Books, 1989. ISBN 0-85242-998-3
  • Peter Gray and Owen Thetford. German Aircraft of the First World War. Great Britain, Putnam, 1962, 1987. ISBN 0-85177-809-7.
  • Peter L. Gray, Profile Publications 86: The Siemens Schuckert D III & IV. England: Profile Publications Ltd., 1966.
  • Peter M. Grosz, "Archiv -- Frontbestand". WW1 Aero, № 107, Dec 1985 and № 108, Feb 1986. Poughkeepsie, NY: World War I Aeroplanes, Inc.
  • P.M. Grosz, Windsock Datafile 29: SSW D.III~D.IV. Great Britain, Albatros Publications, Ltd., 1991. ISBN 0-948414-33-2
  • W.M. Lamberton and E.F. Cheesman, Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Great Britain: Harleyford Publications Limited, 1960.