History

The 180/200hp D.IIIaü was introduced in late 1917, the D.IIIaü was a standardized refinement of the D.III and D.IIIa design and the ü designation was never official. This engine changed the pistons again, this time to a domed profile that further increased the maximum compression – the ü was for "über", meaning "overcompressed". Additionally, a new altitude-compensating carburetor was added, which improved performance at higher altitudes. To support operations at these altitudes, water from the radiator was used to heat the air intake and prevent icing in the carburetor. The aü model, which included upgraded D.III and D.IIIa engine blocks, was the most prolific German fighter engine of 1918 and designed into most fighter designs from late 1917 on. This included most of the entries in the First Fighter Competition at Adlershof in January 1918, notably the Fokker D.VII. In British post war evaluation the D.IIIaü demonstrated 200hp according to the British standards.

The increased use of Benzol / Benzine in German aviation fuel helped this upgrade of power, its higher octane rating being better suited for the higher compression ratio. As mentioned the late war developments allowed that the carburetor system became water cooled and thus the reason the induction pipes leading to the cylinders appear thicker.

Barracuda Studios has also added representations for the asbestos wrappings that kept the induction pipes from absorbing the heat from the engine. Water became a vital component for the late war high performance Daimler. While the cylinders had always employed water jackets it was found that if you wanted to avoid vapor lock (where the liquid water vaporizes and causes heat to rise) then insulation was just as important. This came in the form of asbestos fabric in either chords or wraps. These items were usually dipped in a liquid tar then wound around the induction pipes and an addition all metal half shell was strapped to the horizontal arms of the induction pipes where they enter the tops of the cylinder jackets. This half shell was a guard against sparks or flash from the pilot’s left side machine gun. Remember the function of the induction pipes was to carry the fuel / air mixture to the spark chambers.

The Kit

This simple two part resin upgrade set replaces the kit intake manifolds for the following kits:
•Roland D.VIa
•Late Pfalz D.III
•Pfalz D.IIIa
•Late Albatros D.V and all D.Va
•Pfalz D.XII
•Fokker D.VII
The parts are designed specifically for the above listed WNW kits in 1:32nd scale, but will work with Roden and others with a small amount of modification. The manifold has been detailed to include the asbestos fabric insulation wrapped around the intake pipes. The sheet metal shielding has also been modelled and the mounting clamps are petitely reproduced. Casted couplings, and additional details round out this simple upgrade. Once removed from its casting block, it is a drop fit for the original kit part. A quick and easy upgrade that will add a lot of detail to the already beautiful engine in these amazing kits.

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