Some of you may have read the Axis of Time trilogy by John Birmingham. The series was about a fleet of warships from the year 2021. Due to a freak accident, they get sent back through time to June 2, 1942. Just before the battle of Midway. Their arrival changes the entire course of World War II. Among other things, Germany and the USSR make peace, and Japan decides to invade Australia. Profound cultural and scientific changes result from the 'emergence.'
Meanwhile, the military personnel from the 21st century agree to co-operate with the Allys, in order to bring the war to an end sooner. Among other things, the 'downtime' Americans immediately begin working on the B-52 bomber program. They make such rapid progress that a handful of prototypes are ready within 24 months. This didn't arouse my suspicions the first time I read the trilogy, years ago...
But now, this plot point strikes me as highly unfeasible! Since I'm not an expert on aircraft design, I'd like to get opinions from the posters here. My question to you is this: Would it be possible (from an engineering standpoint) for the Americans to begin work on the B-52 program in June of 1942? And to get combat ready prototypes in time for D-Day?
In my opinion, full blue-prints for the aircraft and its engines would undoubtedly be a big help for these guys. But the crude manufacturing technologys of the early 40's might not be up to the task... After all, the heavy press program was crucial in enabling the designers to utilise the most efficient wing shape possible. Without those huge forging machines, it would be alot harder.
Meanwhile, the military personnel from the 21st century agree to co-operate with the Allys, in order to bring the war to an end sooner. Among other things, the 'downtime' Americans immediately begin working on the B-52 bomber program. They make such rapid progress that a handful of prototypes are ready within 24 months. This didn't arouse my suspicions the first time I read the trilogy, years ago...
But now, this plot point strikes me as highly unfeasible! Since I'm not an expert on aircraft design, I'd like to get opinions from the posters here. My question to you is this: Would it be possible (from an engineering standpoint) for the Americans to begin work on the B-52 program in June of 1942? And to get combat ready prototypes in time for D-Day?
In my opinion, full blue-prints for the aircraft and its engines would undoubtedly be a big help for these guys. But the crude manufacturing technologys of the early 40's might not be up to the task... After all, the heavy press program was crucial in enabling the designers to utilise the most efficient wing shape possible. Without those huge forging machines, it would be alot harder.