Wilhelm_Reinhard

Some things I learned from the article: The Gnome 100hp was the only rotary in common usage that didn't have ways to control fuel and air to the engine. I thought most early-war rotaries had this deficiency. Some people think that the rotaries were 2 cycle not 4 cycle. I never considered the logistical problem of keeping enough castor oil on hand to feed the rotaries. There was a geared rotary in which the engine crankshaft rotated in the opposite direction from the prop, the Siemens-Halske Sh.III. I looked it up elsewhere, and in theory, a very promising engine. The counter-rotating crankshaft would slightly balance out some gyro precession; the 2:1 reduction gearing would allow greater prop efficiency; and the IIIa high-compression version (6:1) would give better high altitude performance. The IIIa was rated at 160hp (nominal), very strong for a rotary, and reportedly capable of 240hp max. Here is Mikael Carlson's Pfalz D.VIII with a Siemens-Halske: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J9P1mamdYA As they prime the cylinders and pull the prop through prior to start, you can clearly see the engine rotating faster than the prop. As for the discussion of handling problems due to gyro precession, I always suspected it was exaggerated in the story telling, as Vonrd and Ludwig suggest, and due mostly to lack of experience of new pilots. The Dr.1 and Camel were exceptional, especially the Camel. They are both unstable, with the Camel obviously dangerous when you get too close to the low-speed, high AoA edges of the envelope. When you watch Chill31000 videos that show his stick and rudder movements in the Dr.1, you see how busy and extreme the inputs are, but the stall characteristics are relatively benign and recovery is quick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O36WAYZoNUE My first time on the controls of a sailplane, even though I was pre-advised by the instructor, I was very surprised at the amount of rudder needed to roll in and roll out of even gentle turns.

I didn't realize that there was so little difference.

https://www.historynet.com/the-truth-about-rotaries.htm It's a quick read. What do you think about this article? I think it's funny that a site called "Historynet" doesn't date some (none that I've read) articles.

Fokker Dr.1 Replica (Sands design) with Le Rhone 9J: Chill31000 on YouTube Highly skilled pilot, wonderful videos. In his demonstration of max performance level turns, you can catch glimpses of his control inputs. Videos of run-up of the 9j without the cowl (such a simple-looking engine), barrel rolls, loops, Cuban 8s, etc.

For Fred: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ4WU1TdenU For John Entwistle ("The Who" Bassist) fans (skip to 1:40): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80dsyo2Ox-0

Hotlead - I feel like we became friends even though our acquaintance has been brief and interaction limited, so I am truly sorry to see you go. Thanks again for the refuge of your RoF streams; I'll miss those, too, since it appears that's as close as I'll get to flying with JG1 for some time yet. Wishing you tailwinds in every direction you go - except when landing, of course. Best Regards, Wilhelm

"Asturias" by Albeniz. If you're looking for music to go with your video of flying missions in the Spanish Civil War, this might be a good choice. Originally written for piano, but most often heard on guitar. Here are examples of both: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pDTf6QnL24 This video of the guitar arrangement skips most of the slower middle section: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-gQiZR1ka8 S!

In addition to the book by Marc Wortman, there is a 2014 documentary by the same name, now available on Amazon (free for Prime members). It's about the First Yale Unit: volunteers from Yale University who were among the first American pilots to fight in WWI, and who were instrumental in the formation and development of U.S Naval Aviation from then through the next 50 years. The previous sentence is totally inadequate, considering their character, achievements, and influence. We all know of the Lafayette Escadrille, but the First Yale Unit was, historically, of greater importance. If you forgive the odd, often hammy narration of weird old Bruce Dern*, you will enjoy this documentary. * I was so curious about how Dern got the privilege of narrating, I searched for a connection, assuming he was just a WWI aviation buff. Wikipedia made it easy: his name is given as "Bruce MacLeish Dern." Kenneth MacLeish was an important founding member of the unit. S! Wilhelm

You do realize that max age for US airline pilots is 65, right? So, for that one last year, we're all in mortal danger? Do you have any idea how many US airline pilots are nearing that milestone? Run for the bunkers! Wait, I can't run anymore...my hips you know...I'll have to drive...

Reminds me of The Fugs, Frank Zappa, Arthur Brown, The Dr. Demento Show, and that other goofy and "avant garde" stuff I listened to in the 60's-70's. I was worried about my sanity; but now I'm worried about yours; so, thanks for the distraction, Herr Vonrd. S! Wilhelm

"The advancements made in aircraft during that very small period has never been equaled." That has always amazed me, too. Most pilots since, including me, had our initial training in "modern" aircraft that don't perform as well as the late-war fighters did. "... by the end of WWI wing warping was obsolete." I've heard that many times, but you just wait... "It is unlikely that humanity will witness such events again compared to the days when Flight was still young." I share your awe of the actions and achievements of those days, but I always feel an obligation to warn people about making such predictions. It's a tempting way to highlight those incredible achievements, but humans usually manage to do their ancestors one better. S! Wilhelm

Here's an odd tribute: Gunny's endorsement (a 15-second ad on his show) introduced me to Tru-Spec clothing. I wear their 24-7 Classic pants every day for every occasion (have them tailored with a no-seam leg hem, iron a crease in them, and they can almost pass for dress pants, as long as no one notices the side-seam zippers and that they're rip-stop poly-cotton ). They have ten pockets (!), although I only use eight of them (the upper side-seam zippered pockets are silly/useless). I love 'em, especially the knife pockets on both sides. I always have a knife in one and a small flashlight in the other, and I use both almost every day. Old guys use knives and flashlights a lot, since our fingernails and eyes tend to be a bit feeble . I used to live in blue jeans but haven't put a pair on in ten years because of R. Lee. So, I think of Gunny Ermy some mornings when I'm pulling on my pants, and have done for years. Warned you it was an odd tribute . So long, Devil Dog!

They may inform, but they do not define.

Wow… I was suddenly 40 years younger and 2000 years older at the same time. The rhythmic beats, the pieces and parts of animals everywhere, the harmonious voices of women singing – Quick, somebody, hide my ax and my shield and my car keys and lock me in a closet, before I go out and get myself hurt! I was half-way to Valhalla, until those guys started chanting in their mechanical bullfrog voices and triggered my “What the *#@! are they saying/singing!?†disability, and brought me right back to the present. If they had left that bit out, who knows what would have happened.

WWI and WWII planes. Can't have a serious sim on an iPhone, but it's an amusing app if you're killing time in a waiting room. I just mention it because at the time of this post, the basic game is free (normally $1.99). The sale could end at any time. You can also command a tank or be a ground pounder.