W.Green, G.Swanborough The Complete Book of Fighters

BERKMANS SPEED SCOUT USA

   In 1916, the brothers Maurice and Emile Berkmans began design of a single-seat fighter known as the Speed Scout. Powered by a 100 hp Gnome Monosoupape nine-cylinder rotary engine, the Speed Scout was of conventional wooden construction but featured a circular-section laminated monocoque fuselage. Like the contemporary Curtiss S-2, the Speed Scout employed a rigidly-anchored cross-axle undercarriage to which a measure of shock-absorbency was imparted by the use of Ackermann spring wheels, these featuring curved spring-steel spokes which served as shock absorbers. Proposed armament comprised two synchronised 0.3-in (7,62-mm) machine guns. The fighter commenced its test programme in the spring of 1918, and demonstrated a high standard of manoeuvrability and excellent climb performance, attaining an altitude of 22,0 ft (6 706 m) on one occasion, but ground handling proved poor. The Speed Scout was demonstrated for the Army Aviation Section, which, having no need for a new single-seat fighter with World War I virtually at an end, procured the prototype for stress analysis of the monocoque construction.

Max speed, 115 mph (185 km/h).
Initial climb, 1,100 ft/min (5,59 m/sec).
Endurance, 2.5 hrs.
Empty weight, 820 lb (372 kg).
Loaded weight, 1,190 lb (540 kg).
Span, 26 ft 0 in (7,92 m).
Length, 18 ft 8 in (5,69 m).
Height, 7 ft 10 in (2,39m)