Re: The Absurd...
Erik Pilawskii (xopowo@u.washington.edu)
Thu, 16 Feb 1995 15:09:46 -0800 (PST)
>
> Well, not really *that* absurd. The theory on off-setting
> the top wing to the rear is to provide the pilot with
> unobstructed forward vision - a similar reverse stagger
> was used on a couple of British fighters for the same reason.
> With the top wing shifted back, center of gravity/lift
> considerations require the lower wing(s) to be shifted forward -
> hence the extreme forward stagger of the lower two wings.
> 'Course the whole thing looked kinda wierd and and the
> aircraft didn't fly all that well, but the theory was reasonable.
>
I don't know!... I mean, negative wing stagger is certainly not a novel
idea. Applied in moderation (say, on the D.H.5, or Beech Staggerwing) I
can see both some aerodynamic advantage, and more arguably, a possible
improvement in (forward, anyway) visibility. But *this* thing!! Surely,
it was carried out in classic Gallic fashion-- that is, Melodramitic,
Ungainly, and Overwrought!
For (one) example, can you imagine attempting to keep such a wing,
suspended on a 10 strut, from vibrating to pieces? Or the difficulties in
reaching any kind of control harmony? No doubt the contraption didn't fly
very well-- how could it?
Well, maybe I'm just rubbishing the French again. But, honestly, this
aircraft is Truly Ludicrous!...
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"The Heavens were the grandstands, and only the Gods were spectators. The
stake was the World. The forfeit was the Player's place at the table; and
the Game had no recess. It was the most dangerous of all sports-- and the
most fascinating. It got in the blood like wine. It aged men 40 years in
40 days; it ruined nervous systems in an hour. It was a fast game-- the
average life of a pilot at the Front was 48 hours. And, to many, it
seemed an Age....
Elliot White Springs, WWI ace
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