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First Look Review
Arcraft of the Aces #78
SE 5 / 5a Aces of World War I
  • Aircraft of the Aces

by: Stephen T. Lawson [ JACKFLASH ]

the machine,

My studies show that it was the brain child of H. P. Folland and Major Frank Widenham Goodden, the SE 5 airframe was modified after the initial batch of 24 (A4845 - A4868.) It was in the middle of the second production batch (A8898 - A8947) that design alterations created the new designation SE 5a. Essentially shortened wings and revised aileron controls were incorporated. In the matter of aircraft nomenclature it is of interest to note that the annotation of the Royal Aircraft Factory drawings states that it was modifications to the mainplane that distinguished the SE 5a from the SE 5. But in the Air Board technical notes are headed; (I) SE 5a, 200hp Hispano - Suiza (II) SE 5, 150hp Hispano - Suiza. The first production SE 5a was A8923.

the men,

Here is where noted author Mr. Franks' book excells in this arena of study. Beginning with 56 RFC in April 1917 the use of the SE 5 & 5a airframes flourished. It became the backbone of the air service. Mr. Franks follows the careers of United Kingdom Aces in their service flying his great war horse. If the air service was the modern cavalry the boys flying the SE5 types were the Hussars.

The book has four chapters and the appendices. Most of the colour schemes seem well done , but I challenge the treatment of profile #14 concerning D3511 as a two colour camouflage where it should be three colour camouflage applied in the field. All in all a minor concern. 96 pages of high adventure.
SUMMARY
Highs: Clear conscise information on the men and units that were equipped with the Se 5 & 5a aircraft.
Lows: The extensive works of Alex Revell not listed in bibliography. Only one book quoted.
Verdict: If you have any interest in the title or subject it is a very worthwhile investment.
Percentage Rating
92%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: ISBN978 1 84603 180 9
  Suggested Retail: 20.95 USD
  Related Link: website
  PUBLISHED: Dec 02, 2007
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.97%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.16%

About Stephen T. Lawson (JackFlash)
FROM: COLORADO, UNITED STATES

I was building Off topic jet age kits at the age of 7. I remember building my first WWI kit way back in 1964-5 at the age of 8-9. Hundreds of 1/72 scale Revell and Airfix kits later my eyes started to change and I wanted to do more detail. With the advent of DML / Dragon and Eduard I sold off my ...

Copyright ©2021 text by Stephen T. Lawson [ JACKFLASH ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.


   
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