Pusher props for WW I fighters

"John Bailey" wrote in message
...
Watching the Ultralight tow planes at the Finger Lakes Aerosport Park
(http://www.fingerlakesaerosportpark.com/)
Labor Day Week fly-in, it occurred to me that WWI fighters could have
solved their gun aim/synchronization problems easily by adopting a
pusher prop configuration. Wondering why this solution was never
adopted, I realized:

But it WAS adopted


1) The engine in front provides a modicum of protection for the pilot.
But surely, an engine behind would avoid the more dangerous tail
attack.

Trouble is in a crash the pilot was sandwiched between
the engine and the ground

2) Cooling of the engine might be more difficult--but now the castor
oil is blown away from the pilot, not into his face.
3) Strength of the fuselage, arranged for a pushed configuration might
be less certain. OTOH, several of the original jennys were pushers.


The pusher prop meant you coudnt have an air gunner firing to the rear


Picture of a pusher prop ultralight:
http://www.fingerlakesaerosportpark....Rhet-plane.jpg


Picture of a Vickers Gunbus

http://www.rcaf.com/1914_1938_format...ghters/gunbus/
http://www.ukskies.co.uk/index.htm?h...5%20Gunbus.htm

Keith




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