Caudron G-4 generator?

[mike furline]

For years I've wondered what the green bracket mounted on the leading edge, upper wing, outboard of #2 engine, was for on the Caudron G-4 at Udvar-Hazy.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/25236440@N ... 1/sizes/o/

Today I found this picture. Is this a generator? Did the G-4 have some type of electrical system? The aircraft at Udvar-Hazy doesn't appear to have any electrical type equipment installed.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchi ... otostream/

[Fred41]

Some planes were equipped with radio. It was used for artillery settings.

[Baldeagle]

Might have been an air pump to pressurise the fuel tanks for fuel flow, in lieu of an engine driven pump. Similar air pumps were used on Salmson 2A2s. It could indeed also be for an electrical generator, Nieuport 28s had mounts on the upper right wing near the center for a generator, I think for use with electrically heated flying suits.




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[Randy Wilson]

Hi Mike - I tend to agree that looks like a generator, and I've found a reference (below) that the Caudron G.4 A2, which was designed for reconnaissance and artillery spotting, was fitted with a wireless set. Sorry but no further details or photos. Source: French Aircraft of the First World War by Dr. James J. Davilla and Arthur M. Soltan.

Randy