| MSM’s repair facility have completed a weld repair to an original aluminium engine block casting for a 1917 RAF SE5a. |
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| This was not without its problems, as aircraft materials technology has come a long way in 90 years! Existing porosity and inclusions had to be carefully removed, then new weld built up to the full wall thickness. |
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| The S.E.5/5a rivals the Sopwith Camel for the title of the most successful British fighter of the First World War. It was designed by H. P. Folland, J. Kenworthy and Major F. W. Goodden of the Royal Aircraft Factory. The prototype S.E.5, A4561, appeared in December 1916, powered by the new 150 h.p. Hispano-Suiza engine with a car-type radiator and short exhaust manifolds. The wings had wire-braced spruce spars and, in place of compression struts; some ribs were of solid construction. The tailplane incidence could be changed in flight. The fuselage was a wire-braced wooden box girder, covered with fabric except for plywood sides from the nose to the front spar of the lower wing, and around the cockpit. The main fuel tank was behind the engine, and there was a gravity tank in the port side of the centre section. |
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| Started in the UK in the 1980s by John Tetley and "Bill" Sneesby, the machine, built using original plans, was transferred to France to be completed and flown. Some parts are original, such as the engine, instruments and fuel tank. |
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| It will be finished in the colours of Lt. H. J. 'Hank' Burden of 56 Squadron in April 1918. |
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| Form more information, please visit http://memorial.flight.free.fr/indexuk.html |
