Allied Gold-Match II

[KraziKanuK]

I heard that the Bearcat had explosive bolts on it wings so that it could blow of its outer wing panels to increase roll rate in a dogfight. Is this true?
Was it a secret weapon system designed to fling pieces of wing at the opposing aircraft?

The outer tip was designed to break away when over stressed. Later this 'option' was discontinued.

"It was also fitted with so called "Safety Wing Tips", the outer 40 inches of which were designed to break off cleanly in case of the wing being overstressed in a dive or other maneuver. After several incidents where one or both wing tips tore off, this feature was eliminated from later production Bearcats."

 

[evangilder]

KK has it right, it was not to increase manueverability but to brak off if the wing became overstressed. Interesting idea, but flawed.

 

[Anonymous]

I heard that the Bearcat had explosive bolts on it wings so that it could blow of its outer wing panels to increase roll rate in a dogfight. Is this true?
Was it a secret weapon system designed to fling pieces of wing at the opposing aircraft?

Not exactly. This system was also on some of the earlier Corsairs, but was removed. I suspect it was on the Bearcat as well.

The idea was that if stress in a dive became too high the outer wing panels could be shed rather than having the wings tear off. It was a stupid idea and I think it was removed on both Bearcat and Corsair service aircraft.

=S=

Lunatic

 

[KraziKanuK]

Not exactly. This system was also on some of the earlier Corsairs, but was removed. I suspect it was on the Bearcat as well.

The idea was that if stress in a dive became too high the outer wing panels could be shed rather than having the wings tear off. It was a stupid idea and I think it was removed on both Bearcat and Corsair service aircraft.

=S=

Lunatic

This place has an echo.

That's sort of correct, the Corsair had the outer wing skin fabric rip away, thus easing the strain on the wing. , , ,

 

[Anonymous]

That's sort of correct, the Corsair had the outer wing skin fabric rip away, thus easing the strain on the wing. , , ,

Double check that KK, I think you will find it had break away panels, originally w/o explosive bolts. The problem was that in some hard turning manuvers one panel could break away but the other would not. But it was the whole section, not just the fabric (which only covers the part of the wing rear of the spar).

=S=

Lunatic

 

[KraziKanuK]

That's sort of correct, the Corsair had the outer wing skin fabric rip away, thus easing the strain on the wing. , , ,

Double check that KK, I think you will find it had break away panels, originally w/o explosive bolts. The problem was that in some hard turning manuvers one panel could break away but the other would not. But it was the whole section, not just the fabric (which only covers the part of the wing rear of the spar).

=S=

Lunatic

So breakaway a section at the tip was found to be of no use in 1940, yet Grumman put them on the F8F a few years later. Sure whatever you say. I hope the port tip is not lost since the pilot will have lost his pitot tube.

Such a novel feature would be mentioned, for sure, but never is in any description of the F4U prototype.

 

[Anonymous]

That's sort of correct, the Corsair had the outer wing skin fabric rip away, thus easing the strain on the wing. , , ,

Double check that KK, I think you will find it had break away panels, originally w/o explosive bolts. The problem was that in some hard turning manuvers one panel could break away but the other would not. But it was the whole section, not just the fabric (which only covers the part of the wing rear of the spar).

=S=

Lunatic

So breakaway a section at the tip was found to be of no use in 1940, yet Grumman put them on the F8F a few years later. Sure whatever you say. I hope the port tip is not lost since the pilot will have lost his pitot tube.

Such a novel feature would be mentioned, for sure, but never is in any description of the F4U prototype.

Perhaps I'm mistaken. In any case it was a stupid idea!

=S=

Lunatic

 

[KraziKanuK]

Perhaps I'm mistaken. In any case it was a stupid idea!

=S=

Lunatic

Yes again, perhaps. Yup, the Americans could come with with some pretty dumb ideas, just as every other country.

 

[VA5124]

the bearcat would take the spit anyday more power more aerodynamic and even though the guns arent as good its still better

 

[fubar57]

V VA5124 Its been at least 9 years since any of these member have been on the forum

 

[pbehn]

the bearcat would take the spit anyday more power more aerodynamic and even though the guns arent as good its still better

Would it take a Spitfire Mk21 or 22 any day?

 

[VA5124]

Would it take a Spitfire Mk21 or 22 any day?

yes it would it would sherd a spit

 

[pbehn]

yes it would it would sherd a spit

Is this based on colour scheme or does actual performance matter?

 

[VA5124]

Is this based on colour scheme or does actual performance matter?

the bearcat is just better

 

[pbehn]

the bearcat is just better

In a sort of bluey Bearcatty sort of a way?

 

[VA5124]

In a sort of bluey Bearcatty sort of a way?

no in a higher performecne way

 

[swampyankee]

The Bearcat did have the advantage of a decade of aerodynamics improvements, and was arguably the best piston engine fighter, but there wasn't enough difference in performance to guarantee anything

 

[pbehn]

no in a higher performecne way

How was the maximum altitude performance BTW?

 

[VA5124]

better because of the high hp pratt

 

[pbehn]

better because of the high hp pratt

At 35,000ft?