davparlr
Senior Master Sergeant
I assume you are talking about a P-51 with the R2800. That would be a entirely new aircraft.
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There is really something about the R-2800
Now, how about P-51 with those useful 2000 HP in early 1943...750 km/h perhaps?
I assume you are talking about a P-51 with the R2800. That would be a entirely new aircraft.
Or get the 1650-9 w/150 octane, 90" hg and WI out sooner!
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, dad was in the Death of the Luftwaffe series. He said it was pretty accurate. There have been a lot of magazine and newspaper articles about him. He is probably America's last ace in that he was officially recognized by the American Ace's Association for the last 2 planes he shot down. He is doing well. He is 87 and is going to help me put some brakes on his car tomorrow. I hope to do as well at his age. Any questions are welcome. We need to never forget these great patriots.
Or get the 1650-9 w/150 octane, 90" hg and WI out sooner!
I assume you are talking about a P-51 with the R2800. That would be a entirely new aircraft.
Data on the climb rate of the F4U-4 varies with the source. The one you quote does not match other flight test data or Dean's America's Hundred Thousand. Looking at other flight test data and correcting for horsepower variables, I calculated the climb at SL of the F4U-4 at about 4430 ft/min which is also about the number Vought arrived at (4380 ft/min at 12400 lbs). Dean had less, but I think it is in error, possibly listing Mil power performance as Combat power. I think the 4800 number is high.
Ironically, 4430 ft/min at SL is also the flight test results for the P-51B at fighter weight.
The numbers i quoted were based on this performance test:
http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/f4u/f4u-4.pdf
If you look at the performance table at the top of page 2, the number (2) represents a combat configuration with a 12480 lb load and engine at max power.
Its kind of hard to find at first but in the first table, its on the bottom half just under (1) which represents the drop tank configuration.
top speed 393 knots (452 mph) and best climb 4770 ft/min. there are corresponding graphs below.
I think that sources vary because data can be averaged, for example time to climb to 20k ft was 4.9 minutes. That averages out to 4081 ft/min.
Furthermore, some books are decades old which still have great information but in that time more material has been declassified and other conclusions can be drawn.
You Dad flew the P-51, right? What would be his answers to the same questions?
1. What kind of preparations did he have as far a intelligence on the German fighters and their performance against the P-51 as he was assigned to the ETO, i.e., for the Pacific, I am sure the main theme was don't turn with the Japanese planes?
2. What was the requirements for boost levels at his squadron and how did he personally feel about using boost power.
3. What kind of confidence did he have in the P-51 in dogfighting the German aircraft? Of course I understand the loyality of a pilot to a plane that took him into combat and brought him back?
What would that have required technology wise and how much sooner could it have been accomplished.
Wow, drgondog...you tell the story better than my father! ha. I think you are correct on all answers. Dad can't quite remember the boost levels, but I am sure your analysis is correct. Well said sir! Dad said he would be happy to answer any questions.
Dad was in the 352nd (the BlueNosers) under Col. Meyers. They were first in England and then transfered to Asche Belgium right before Christmas 1944.
No problem. I'll answer some of your questions and get answers to the others when I can.
Dad was a bit concerned about the German air offensive in that he was caught on the ground on Jan 1, 45 when the Germans bounced their field. He and the other 11 pilots got off the ground and ended up shooting down 23 German planes. Dad got 4 that day. Google Y-29 and you can read all about it.
Dad flew mainly escort missions. He had the greatest respect for bomber crews. He has never felt so helpless, though, as when he would sit off to the side and watch bomber after bomber go down from flak.
I don't know his opinion of the gunsight, but his bulb burnt out after his first kill on Jan 1, 45 and he had to shoot the rest down without the gunsight. The second plane he shot down was at quite a long distance, too.
Dad got the Silver Star for shooting down 3. It was later confirmed that he actually got 4, so missed out on the DSC at the time. Moats got 4 that day, I think, and was awarded the DSC.