WGFE: Spad VII vs Albatros DIII (Osprey)

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Submit a Book ReviewBook Title:
Spad VII vs Albatros DIII Author:
Jon Guttman. ISBN:
978-1-84908-475-8 Category:
Reference Format:
Paperback and Hardback Summary:
This is another typical Osprey "Duel" series book. It sets out to contrast the differences between the two protagonists in the title, and how they compared in the confrontations that they had over the front.After giving the chronology of the conflict, some consideration is given to the design and technical specifications of both aircraft, together with some nice supportive art work. It then goes on to discuss some of the leading combatants and their aircraft in the actual skirmish situation.
All in all an interesting read which pulls together a lot of disparate information which is contained in other works, but now seems to be more easily digested when grouped together in one volume.
Rob.
37136

[john snelling]

I liked this book. Good stories about 2 of the most long lived fighters in WW1.

[john snelling]

Some of the details he has in the book gives me some trouble.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

What have you spotted John?
Rob.

[Nicola Zee]

What have you spotted John?
Rob.
I like the book but I, also, have a few issues with it regarding the coverage of the Albatros DIII
Consider the climb rates quoted to 3000m
Page 26 Spad VII (150hp) 3000m 11min 20 sec
Page 31 Alb DIII (160hp) 3000m 11min

So an Alb DIII with a Merc DIII engine (not compressed) and with the weight of 2 machine guns could out-climb a Spad VII with only one machine gun :confused:

Considering the power to weight ratios of the two - that's a neat trick to pull off.
10.36 Spad VII (1,554lbs/150hp)
12.51 Albatros DIII (2,002lbs/160hp)

[Added]
It would also outclimb (or match the climb) of an Austrian DIII Series 153 with 200hp engine - 40 hp more and a power-to-weight ratio that fits in very well with the Spad.
Albatros Oeflag DIII Series 153 Page 36 Climb to 3000m 11min 21 sec
10.63 Oeflag DII Series 153 (2,125lbs/200hp)