Описание
Страна: Германия
Год: 1917
A.Weyl Fokker: The Creative Years (Putnam)
The V.6 triplane
In pursuit of his policy of developing parallel prototypes with rotary and stationary engines, Fokker wanted a triplane with a Mercedes engine. In this configuration the result was the V.6, which had a 120-h.p. Mercedes.
Platz designed the V.6 to have approximately the same wing loading as the Fok. Dr.I, consequently its heavier engine inevitably made it a larger aircraft. Its wing span was something over 8 m. (26 ft. 6 in.). The greater chord of the mainplanes dictated larger gaps; this meant that the bottom wing had to be placed a short distance below the fuselage. Aerodynamically this was bad, for it caused interference drag, premature flow separation at the lower wing, and an extensive vortex region aft that reduced the effectiveness of the tail controls. As Fokker soon discovered, the performance and flying qualities were adversely affected.
The lower centre section was later faired into the fuselage, adding considerably to the fuselage depth, but this did little good. The V.6 had other defects. The long six-cylinder engine made it necessary to place the cockpit well aft: owing to this and the larger wing chord, the pilot's view was inferior to that afforded by the Fok. Dr.I. Being a larger aircraft, the V.6 was less manoeuvrable. It was therefore a poor prospect, even if its aerodynamic deficiencies could have been remedied: it was and remained an ungainly aeroplane. Fokker saw no point in pursuing its development and abandoned the design.
One feature of the V.6 that became a characteristic of later Fokker fighters with water-cooled engines was its nose radiator mounted immediately behind the airscrew. There was nothing new or original about the nose radiator, but it had been almost forgotten in Germany when Platz revived it in the V.6. For those days it was an excellent position for the radiator, and much to be preferred to the then-fashionable radiator installations in or at the wings, which were detrimental to the airflow over the wings.
Описание:
- A.Weyl Fokker: The Creative Years (Putnam)
- J.Herris, T.Phillips Fokker Aircraft of WWI. Vol.4: V.1-V.8, F.I & Dr.I (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 54)
- O.Thetford, P.Gray German Aircraft of the First World War (Putnam)
Фотографии
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J.Herris, T.Phillips - Fokker Aircraft of WWI. Vol.4: V.1-V.8, F.I & Dr.I /Centennial Perspective/ (54)
The Fokker V.6 was an experimental triplane powered by a 160 hp Mercedes D.III. Its first configuration is shown here; to reduce drag the bottom wing was later faired into the fuselage. The larger size and heavier weight of the V.6 compared to the rotary-powered V.5 eliminated the V.5 virtues of excellent maneuverability and low-altitude climb without providing other benefits. The drag and weight of the triplane configuration was the problem; the similar D.VII biplane was one of the best fighters of the war.
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J.Herris - Weird Wings of WWI /Centennial Perspective/ (70)
Fokker explored a triplane with Mercedes engine, the V6. Heavier than the production Dr.I, it lacked both its great maneuverability and sparkling zoom climb and remained a single prototype.
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J.Herris, T.Phillips - Fokker Aircraft of WWI. Vol.4: V.1-V.8, F.I & Dr.I /Centennial Perspective/ (54)
The Fokker V.6 after the bottom wing was faired into the lower fuselage to reduce drag. The nose radiator was significant and Fokker first used it on the V.6. The drag and weight of the triplane configuration was the problem; the similar D.VII biplane was one of the best fighters of the war.
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J.Herris, T.Phillips - Fokker Aircraft of WWI. Vol.4: V.1-V.8, F.I & Dr.I /Centennial Perspective/ (54)
Fokker V.6 components. The early design of nose radiator at left; wing components undergoing structural testing at right.
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W.Green, G.Swanborough - The Complete Book of Fighters
Developed in parallel with the V 5, the V 6 had a larger wing span and area, and a water-cooled Mercedes D III engine.
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