USAF fighter test

[Chingachgook]

Old magz test of Hellcat, earlyish Corsair, Mustang, and P-47.

Interesting stuff.

 

[Chingachgook]

the rest...

 

[Brain32]

Very interesting, thx for posting

 

[davparlr]

Was there more?

 

[Matt308]

Excellent read! Thanks!

The Roll Performance test really suprised me.

 

[Jank]

"The R-2800 engines in the test aircraft ... all rated at approximately 2,000BHP."

That's fine for the Corsair and Hellcat but way underpower for the R-2800-59 on the D-40 Thunderbolt which developed 2,535hp.

 

[davparlr]

"The R-2800 engines in the test aircraft ... all rated at approximately 2,000BHP."

That's fine for the Corsair and Hellcat but way underpower for the R-2800-59 on the D-40 Thunderbolt which developed 2,535hp.

My info shows that the FG-1D generated 2250 hp.

 

[Jank]

I suppose you might get away with "at approximately 2,000 BHP" when it's 2,250 (it's really stretching it though) but not when it's 2,535.

 

[Chingachgook]

Was there more?

No, that was it.

They all seem a bit detuned for civilian life (?).

 

[Jank]

Yes, but removing a Thunderbolt's turbo-supercharger is like cutting the balls off of a Grizzly.

 

[davparlr]

No, that was it.

They all seem a bit detuned for civilian life (?).

Thanks. It must have been my slow modem. I got it all the next time I opened.

 

[davparlr]

Yes, but removing a Thunderbolt's turbo-supercharger is like cutting the balls off of a Grizzly.

Yes, and testing at low altitude for the P-47 and P-51 is playing in someone else's playground. Still, it was an interesting comparison.

 

[Matt308]

The test was somewhat inconclusive and they knew it. They even admit the test was rather "tongue in cheek".

Good read nonetheless.

 

[Jank]

Indeed.

One thing that surprised me was the cramped cockpit of the P-47. Evaluations of these same aircraft in the Joint Fighter Conference indicated that the cockpit was quite spacious, thereby helping to alleviate the problems associated with long missions.

 

[Matt308]

And the comments on the extremely uncomfortable seat! How could that be overlooked on an airplane that was designed from the outset for escort duties.

AND served in the PTO where long distances were common. Didn't someone address that? I kinda find that hard to believe that the seat was only comfortable for the 30th percentile and offered virtually no thigh support. Christ that must have been 'crampingly' uncomfortable.

 

[Jank]

"I kinda find that hard to believe that the seat was only comfortable for the 30th percentile ..."

I believe it said 20th percentile!

 

[R-2800]

everything i have come across has never said that the P-47 cockpit was cramped This quote was a first impression of the P-47 cockpit by a P-47 pilot in WWII "....I felt if i slipt of the seat i would break my damn leg!" I don't who it was though, and if that is the exact quote

 

[Marshall_Stack]

It would have been nice to have a P-38 in the mix.

 

[Marshall_Stack]

everything i have come across has never said that the P-47 cockpit was cramped This quote was a first impression of the P-47 cockpit by a P-47 pilot in WWII "....I felt if i slipt of the seat i would break my damn leg!" I don't who it was though, and if that is the exact quote

I read something to the same effect. I think it was from a pilot of the US 4th FG when transitioning from the Spit to the P-47.

 

[Matt308]

And keep in mind that an average male was likely 5'5" and 150lbs.