 The LePere LUSAC-11
Datafile No. 120
By Colin A. Owers
Albatros Publications, 2006
ISBN 1-902207-86-6
Softbound, 32 Pages
The LePERE LUSAC was destined to be one of the great what-ifs of WWI.
When the US entered WWI, it lacked an air force of any size and immediately
set about expanding its air service. At first they had to make do with
aircraft supplied by their allies, but soon a program of domestic aircraft
was undertaken. The French lent them Capitaine Georges LePere and he designed
a two seat fighter reconnaissance machine fitted with the Bugatti engine.
This design was then modified to use the Liberty engine. The Lepere USA
Combat Model-21 was to be fitted with the Bugatti, while the LUSAC-11
received the Liberty. The war ended with only one machine having flown
with the Liberty.
Ultimately, only 38 LUSACs were delivered, 25 pre-production machines
as well as 13 production machines. Used in postwar development of the
supercharger, one machine reached the indicated height of 41,200' (later
modified to 34,509.5') on September 28th 1921. Colin Owers has given an
excellent overview of the developement and use of this aircraft and also
provided the GA drawings. Front cover art by Robert Karr and side and
top view proifles by Ronny Bar round out this little known aircraft.
To date the only kit I am aware of, is an old 1/72 vacform by Roseplanes.
This was later updated with resin details and in conjunction with this
volume should make a very interesting model, especially in one of the
experimental camouflage schemes.
My thanks to Albatros
Productions Ltd for the review sample. Visit their website for ordering
and subscription information.
|
|