Photograph:
Squadron Aviation SE.5a 10-3469 (c/n DP001) at Kyneton, VIC in 2006 (Phil Vabre)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Single-seat light sporting biplane
Power Plant:
One 26 kw (35 hp) Cuyuna UL-II-02 air-cooled geared engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 7.31 m (23 ft 11 in)
- Length: 4.88 m (16 ft)
- Fuel capacity: 19 litres (4.2 Imp gals)
- Economical cruising speed: 83 km/h (52 mph)
- Stalling speed: 30 km/h (18 mph)
- Weight: 113 kg (249 lb)
History:
Squadron Aviation in Ohio in the United States produced a number of scale replicas of World War I fighters, including the Spad XIII, Fokker D.VII and the RAF SE.5a. The series was marketed in this part of the world by Wade Malho of Forbes, NSW in the 1980s. Externally the aircraft looked very much like the original designs, pre-moulded plastic being used for the engine cowlings. Kits were available and these ‘provide just about everything that is required to complete the aircraft, including the dope finish of the squadron chosen by the builder’. All models were similar in construction and performance and mainly only varied in the external look of the aircraft.
Power to the aircraft in the series was provided by the Cuyuna UL-II-02 engine with a 3:1 reduction gear. Squadron Aviation was founded by William McDermitt and ex-World War II pilot Mark Savage. They provided kits to interested builders of World War I replicas in the minimum category (known as ultralights in the US). The Company operated as Squadron Aviation from Columbus, Ohio.
Examples completed and registered under RAA regulations in Australia include 10-0442, a Squadron Aviation Fokker D.VII scale replica which was fitted with a Rotax 503 engine and was registered on 18 July 1988. A Squadron Aviation SE.5a was registered as 10-0927 in August 1988 and was fitted with a Cuyuna UL-II-02 engine, and another SE.5a replica was registered as 10-3469 (c/n DP001) on 21 December 2000.