Fulmar in 1941/42/43: feasible and/or plausible upgrades?

• Dec 4, 2013

• #221

R

RCAFson

Master Sergeant

2,918

1,188

Jan 29, 2010

I just discovered that the Merlin 30 was cleared for 16lb boost in late 1941/early 1942:

so my chart with Fulmar II:

(and others) performance at 16lb boost was probably correct to about 4000ft and it would then gradually join the curve for 12lb boost performance.

 

• Dec 4, 2013

• #222

W

wuzak

Captain

8,316

2,839

Jun 5, 2011

Hobart Tasmania

Interesting that those documents specify MAP in inches of mercury (inHg) rather than the usual, for British aircraft, PSI boost. Was that because the RN operated a number of US types?

 

• Dec 4, 2013

• #223

R

RCAFson

Master Sergeant

2,918

1,188

Jan 29, 2010

wuzak said:

Interesting that those documents specify MAP in inches of mercury (inHg) rather than the usual, for British aircraft, PSI boost. Was that because the RN operated a number of US types?

Click to expand...

It appears to be a UK MAP report, and I suspect that it is being written for US consumption.

 

• Dec 4, 2013

• #224

W

wuzak

Captain

8,316

2,839

Jun 5, 2011

Hobart Tasmania

I don't have access to my books, but wasn't the Merlin 30 a 2 speed unit?

If that is the case, where is the advantage of the Merlin 45?

 

• Dec 4, 2013

• #225

R

RCAFson

Master Sergeant

2,918

1,188

Jan 29, 2010

wuzak said:

I don't have access to my books, but wasn't the Merlin 30 a 2 speed unit?

If that is the case, where is the advantage of the Merlin 45?

Click to expand...

The Merlin 30 had a single speed SC but with a smaller rotor and lower gearing than on the 45, so it produced a bit more power at the same boost levels (because of lower losses to the SC), but it could only maintain 16lb boost to ~4000ft on a Fulmar versus 16lb boost at ~13000ft for the 45 on a Spit V.

 

• Dec 4, 2013

• #226

W

wuzak

Captain

8,316

2,839

Jun 5, 2011

Hobart Tasmania

Still, a XX series would be better than the 45.