Glider
Captain
syscom3 said:The plane was built solid. I'm sure you remember that back in the days of slide rules (you do know what a slide rule is dont you?), the engineers fudged a lot of calculations to make sure they were stronger than figured "just in case".
And I'm sure you do realize that the design methodology in aircraft have changed a bit between 1940 and 2000?
Unlike you and most, if not all the people on the thread, I have used a slide rule to do my stress analysis calculations. Still keep it and use it to confuse my son when he gets a bit too big for his boots. Suggest you don't insult those engineers of any nation, who used such tools to design such capable aircraft by accusing them of fudging things
As I recall, my instructors were not that keen on fudging things, so don't belittle those of us who have used them for serious work. Remember we flew in the planes that we fixed and I am very confident that anyone who has flown off the back of a small frigate during heavy weather in a single engined Wasp will tell you that fudging things wasn't a basis to work on.
Design methodologies have actually stayed pretty constant Syscom, its the materials that have changed. As I said earlier the rules of Physics haven't changed, unless you know better.
In case anyone is wondering just how old I am in case you think I am all Grey hair and false teeth, I joined the RN as an Artificer Apprentice at 16 in 1973 and am just the right side of 50. I took and passed the entrance exam at 15 but had to wait, my mother didn't know if she should hug me or deck me when I asked her to sign the release.
It wasn't a Junior Unit and I was the youngest in the unit by two years, no favours were granted and it wasn't easy keeping up with the others at work or at play.