pieces under the wings

[João Yazalde]

Now that you mention the Dauntless, I just saw this plane in a Mexican comedy movie that came out in 1947. When I saw it I thought it was an SBD, but when I looked more closely I realized it's not. Obviously it should have been made in the USA, but what is it called?

 

[Wurger]

It's a training plane North American AT-6 (T-6) called Harvard or Texan.

BTW ... nice shots.

 

[João Yazalde]

Thank you, it seemed strange to me that he had no machine guns.

 

[Wurger]

 

[João Yazalde]

One more thing, this plane also appears in the film. Alli is said to fly for 24 hours. I don't know the model of the plane (in the movie they just call it "special"), but I don't think a plane from that time would have enough fuel to fly a whole day, or was it possible?

 

[Wurger]

That's the Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan which served as a light bomber and small transport aircraft for FAM.

Cruising speed about 150 mph
Range - 745 miles

IMHO it couldn't fly all day long although was called "special".

 

[João Yazalde]

I don't think so either. I don't think any aircraft from that era will fly more than a few hours. Fiction.

 

[Wurger]

Yep .. just a magic of cinema.

 

[Greg Boeser]

I don't think so either. I don't think any aircraft from that era will fly more than a few hours. Fiction.

Certain large flying boats and heavy bombers could do it.

 

[GrauGeist]

I don't think so either. I don't think any aircraft from that era will fly more than a few hours. Fiction.

Very few twin engined military aircraft had the range, but quite a few four (and six) engines aircraft had the range to be airborne for considerable lengths of time.

 

[João Yazalde]

I didn't know there were 6 engine planes. The biggest plane I know of is the 4-engine B-29. What is the approximate average time for 6-engine planes?

 

[GrauGeist]

I didn't know there were 6 engine planes. The biggest plane I know of is the 4-engine B-29. What is the approximate average time for 6-engine planes?

The German Blohm & Voss BV222 flying boat had a ferry range of 3,800 miles.
It's cruise speed (on average) was 190mph, so it could remain aloft for about 20 hours.
Maritime patrol missions, where it was carrying weapons and such, would see it's maximum range reduced, but that still meant being airborne for quite a while.

 

[João Yazalde]

yes, it looks huge.

 

[GrauGeist]

yes, it looks huge.

It's wingspan was about 10 feet (3 meters) wider than a B-29.

It was definately a large aircraft.

 

[gumbyk]

Not sure if the holes were to save weight or to create more "disturbance" to the airflow when fully extended?

That far into the flap, I don't think they'd do anything aerodynamically. IMO they're there for lightening and/or access to bolts/rivets.

 

[elbmc1969]

That far into the flap, I don't think they'd do anything aerodynamically. IMO they're there for lightening and/or access to bolts/rivets.

They're not blown flaps, so there's little or no meaningful airflow there.

It's a standard lightening technique for aircraft and many other applications. You can see it in aluminum semi-beams in recent homes and offices.

 

[J_P_C]

Not sure if the holes were to save weight or to create more "disturbance" to the airflow when fully extended?

Just to reduce weight and add stiffness - this features are located in aerodynamic shadow of the flaps - none or neglible effect for aero performance

 

[gwmunn]

I don't think so either. I don't think any aircraft from that era will fly more than a few hours. Fiction.

I can think of at least one single engine airplane that could stay aloft for over 33 hours. From 1927...

 

[Christopher Tarana]

The Ryan NYP!

Christopher Tarana