Questions on the DH-4 Liberty Plane

[ArkansasChuck]

Hey friends,



As a Yank, I was researching if any American planes ever fought in World War 1. I’m no expert but I found an article here that states one US plane did fight in WW1:
https://www.nps.gov/articles/libertyplane.htm

The article states that the DH-4 Liberty Plane was built in the USA and did fight in World War 1. I would LOVE to know more. I’m sure some of you all have info to share!

Is there a WoG miniature version of the DH-4 Liberty Plane? I feel like I need this plane for sone WoG battles!

Thank you friends!

~Chuck

[RJG173]

There is a Shapeways model of the Liberty engined DH4. From what I have read in the Windsock Datafile on the airplane, the observation version was well liked, but the bombers were not.

[CrashCraig]

Chuck- I'm no expert but if you look up the Airco/Entente entry on the Wings of Linen site, it gives WOG values for the US Liberty version: H maneuver deck, A/A damage & 15 damage points. It also indicates that Shapeways Reduced Aircraft Factory has a 1/144 Liberty model available. Have fun!

[camelbeagle]

There are two DH4 with US markings that have been officially releases. The first release was American Expeditionary Force. The second release is of the 50th Aero Squadron. I believe both are H deck and A/A guns.

Not sure if these are the American Made Liberty versions though.

[flash]

Didn't see action until August 1918 and the heavier engine reduced performance compared with the Rolls-Royce powered RAF versions (as was the DH-9 that used that lump) but popular with crews & apparently sorted some issues the original had.

[Diamondback]

There are two DH4 with US markings that have been officially releases. The first release was American Expeditionary Force. The second release is of the 50th Aero Squadron. I believe both are H deck and A/A guns.

Not sure if these are the American Made Liberty versions though.

Markings on the Nexus original are specific to US Marine Corps, exact squadron uncertain. IIRC most of AEF took delivery from British stocks, at least early on.

If memory serves both the US Liberty- and UK Eagle-engined versions both had the same problem... while the two engines significantly increased available power they even MORE significantly degraded the no less important Power/Weight Ratio. Big heavy engines up front without balance improvement were also a recipe for "headstand" crashes on landing...

[monse]

The issue of the power/weight ratio of the US Airco DH.4 equipped with Liberty engine appears in the game by low performing Climb Rate and Maximum Altitude (CR/MA) :
Airco DH.4 UK : 2 / 15
Airco DH.4 US : 4 / 12

Chart of WOG Climb Rate and Maximum Altitude :
https://www.aresgames.eu/29968


The pictures of both Wings of War and Wings of Glory US Airco DH.4 :


WINGS OF WAR
American Expedition Force
WOW116B



WINGS OF GLORY
50th Squadron AEF
WGF204A


The DH.4 was first equipped with 250 hp (190 kW) Eagle III engines and then with improved versions of this engine until the 375 hp Eagle VIII was developed. It was the shortage of the latter that led to it being fitted to the Liberty L12 and other engines on the US versions of the DH.4.
The Liberty was a powerful engine but very heavy, and its power to weight ratio was very poor.
Source : WOG Aerodrome

Engine - time to altitude (minutes.seconds/meters) - Ceiling (meters)
230hp B.H.P - 3.18/608, 11.48/1520, 24.36/3040 - 4114

200hp R.A.F. 3a - 1.25/304, 8/1981, 25.15/4267, 41.3/5181 - 5334
230hp Puma - 7.3/1981, 14/3040, 28.3/4560 - 5303
375hp R.R. Eagle VIII - 4.5/1828, 9/3040, 14.45/4267, 23.3/5486 - 6705
400hp Liberty 12 - 8.3/1981, 14.48/3040, 33.42/4560 - 5334