Airco D.H.5

[alfaman100]

Can anyone answer my query on the Airco D.H.5?

I saw a photograph of a D.H.5 yesterday, and I'm struggling to work out what the pod on top of the upper wing is for?

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1305210761062985170mOGbGI

Several interweb searches have confirmed it is a standard feature of the Airco D.H.5, but I've not been able to ascertain the purpose of the pod.

Anyone have any ideas?

Many thanks, in anticipation.

Alfa

[evansb]

Given the visible hose from the "tank", one would logically conclude that it is a gravity fed fuel tank.
The positoning is unusual, but where would you like a fuel tank to be when you crash? The Airco D.H.5 had an endurance of 2.45 hours, which may be attributed to the
outboard tank.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/DH5.jpg

[RETDPI]

I think you will find it is a 5 Gallon Gravity fuel tank IIRC.

[alfaman100]

Thanks guys;

It did cross my mind that it was some kind of tank, but the positioning confused me a little...

Cheers

[jabberwok]

It must have made a good aiming mark.. :sad: