 American
DH4
Windsock Datafile No. 101
By Jon Guttman
Albatros Productions, 2003
ISBN 1-902207-56-4
Softbound, 32 Pages
L9.75 from Albatros'
Website
Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl
Starting out a new century of Datafiles is this title on the American
DH4. The only American-built land plane to see action in WWI, the American
DH4, also known as the "Liberty Plane", mated the Liberty engine
to the proven and solid de Havilland DH4. This book follows the fascinating
history of the whole American DH4 project, including the small design
changes that resulted in the plane getting the nickname "Flaming
Coffin."
In addition to the development coverage, Guttman also provides an excellent
overview of the operational record of the DH4. The American DH4 found
its way into observation and bomber squadrons, each of which had a very
different experience with the type. The observation units, for the most
part, were content with their DH4s. Although some of the pilots were familiar
with better types such as the F.2B, the DH4 still performed its missions
solidly.
The same could not be said for the bomber units, though. Many felt that
they were not given the best equipment for the mission. Some of this was
a result of the massive propaganda surrounding the American DH4, which
resulted in some early missions being flown as high-altitude fighter escorts.
This quickly proved impractical as the bombers that they were supposed
to escort flew faster than the DH4! The personal anecdotes scattered throughout
the text bring flavor to the book and help place the reader in the DH4.
Like other titles in this series, there are many great photos throughout
the pages. Over 80 photos cover every aspect of the DH4, including color
photos of the restored example at the National Air and Space Museum and
detail shots. Complementing the photos are scale drawings by Martin Digmayer,
done to his usual exacting standards and presented in both 1/72 and 1/48
scales. In addition to the scale drawings there are a handful of sketches
showing various construction details. Finally, on the rear cover are three
color profiles by our own Bob Pearson.
When it comes to non-mainstream WWI aircraft, the Datafiles are often
the last word on the subject. It is unlikely that we will see another
book detailing the American DH4, but luckily this one does an outstanding
job in covering the type. If you have a desire to build an American DH4,
this is an essential reference.
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