Aerodynamics of Japanese fighters

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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.
 
 
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 ?
 
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).
 
This whole thread has been extremely interesting. I thank everyone who has participated so far! I have a question, if I may:

Where might I find a complete collection of TAIC reports? I assume they are all at the National Archives? I'm interested in the test flights of some of the less covered planes like the Kate and Betty. I've seen photos of them in TAIC liveries so I know they were flown and likely reported on. I'd like to read these reports!

Thanks in advance!
 
All those that I and several others have on hand or from other sources were put in a thread here some time ago from memory.

Do a site search for TAIC and/or Japanese Aircraft and/or Japanese engines and you will probably find them. Unfortunately in many early posts I did not list key words and I am sure many others were equally remiss but those searches should find what you are after.
 
Thanks! These are quite useful. Were there individualized test reports done compiled for each of these captured aircraft or did the fighters alone get that sort of attention?
 
That makes sense because that A6M is not flown anywhere near limits. Does anyone other than Steve, Jr even fly it?
Mostly flown by John Maloney to my knowledge, but Steve Sr and Jr are signed off as is is Kevin Eldridge, I believe. So, if it has to be dispalyed, we can get a pilot to do it that the museum trusts.

Don't take that as gospel. I am NOT on the board and do not fly museum aircraft, but have seen the first three above in the cockpit. Kevin is the museum's chief pilot, so it stands to reason in logic only, not that this has to be logical ...
 
I gave you the Kate stuff a year ago
 
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 ?
On our Zero, when the pilot climbs aboard, he retracts them with his foot as he climbs. There is a spring-loaded latch. Push with the foot and it closes easily. Alternately, the crew chief can easily reach them and close them after the pilot gets into the cockpit.
 
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