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Holtzauge,
While not 102A from the TAIC, attached is an Intelligence Summary dated June 3, 1943.
FWIW
Eagledad
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.
Yes, the crewman that helped strap the pilot in, would push the pegs back in as they dismounted the aircraft.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 ?
You are welcome!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?
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.That makes sense because that A6M is not flown anywhere near limits. Does anyone other than Steve, Jr even fly it?
I gave you the Kate stuff a year agoThis 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!
Yes sir you did, I appreciate that! I'm looking for more reports on things like the Val and Betty as well.I gave you the Kate stuff a year ago
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.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 ?