Aerodynamics of Japanese fighters

[nuuumannn]

While I cannot hope to match the sophistication of all your answers here, which I have enjoyed reading, I can add a bit of information about the A6M and measures designed into it for streamlining. For a 1939/1940 design it was very much state of the art. It was fully flush rivetted and where necessary measures were taken to cover any protrusions in the aircraft's surface. An example of this is the pilot's entry into the cockpit. This was achieved by retractable spring loaded pegs that sat flush with the fuselage side until a button was pressed that ejected them to enable the pilot to climb into the cockpit.

Detail fuselage centre section

Even the latch for unlocking the canopy had a streamlined acorn fairing fitted to it.

NX712Z 21

In lieu of leading edge anti stall devices, the Zero did have washout incorporated into the wing. Also noteworthy is the attachment of the underfuselage drop tank, which Mitasol has already covered, so no need to go into that.

 

[eagledad]

Holtzauge,

While not 102A from the TAIC, attached is an Intelligence Summary dated June 3, 1943.

Researcher@Large - 1943 Air Information Summary 12

FWIW

Eagledad

 

[Holtzauge]

Holtzauge,

While not 102A from the TAIC, attached is an Intelligence Summary dated June 3, 1943.

Researcher@Large - 1943 Air Information Summary 12

FWIW

Eagledad

Did not have either those performance charts or that report so thanks for posting it.

 

[tyrodtom]

While I cannot hope to match the sophistication of all your answers here, which I have enjoyed reading, I can add a bit of information about the A6M and measures designed into it for streamlining. For a 1939/1940 design it was very much state of the art. It was fully flush rivetted and where necessary measures were taken to cover any protrusions in the aircraft's surface. An example of this is the pilot's entry into the cockpit. This was achieved by retractable spring loaded pegs that sat flush with the fuselage side until a button was pressed that ejected them to enable the pilot to climb into the cockpit.

View attachment 807372Detail fuselage centre section

Even the latch for unlocking the canopy had a streamlined acorn fairing fitted to it.

View attachment 807373NX712Z 21

In lieu of leading edge anti stall devices, the Zero did have washout incorporated into the wing. Also noteworthy is the attachment of the underfuselage drop tank, which Mitasol has already covered, so no need to go into that.

 

[tyrodtom]

How were those retracted back flush ?

I can't see that the pilot could reach them once he was in the cockpit.
Maybe the ground crew did it ?

 

[GrauGeist]

How were those retracted back flush ?

I can't see that the pilot could reach them once he was in the cockpit.
Maybe the ground crew did it ?

Yes, the crewman that helped strap the pilot in, would push the pegs back in as they dismounted the aircraft.

To release the pegs, they'd push in the release (the round depression by the pegs).

 

[eagledad]

Did not have either those performance charts or that report so thanks for posting it.

You are welcome!

By the way I enjoyed your book on World War One Aircraft Performance and your paper on the P-40 and Zero.

Any plans on doing more?

 

[Holtzauge]

You are welcome!

By the way I enjoyed your book on World War One Aircraft Performance and your paper on the P-40 and Zero.

Any plans on doing more?

Thanks!

Currently I'm working on a book project in line with the WW1 aircraft performance book, only this time it will be about the Spitfire Mk I and Bf 109E during the Battle of Britain time period.