Ad: This forum contains affiliate links to products on Amazon and eBay. More information in Terms and rules
Which Spitfire? The later Griffon engines Spitfires had a considerable amount of weight placed in the tail to balance the weight of the longer and heavier engine, without that it would sit on its nose. The 109 sat heavy on its tail because it was short, it isnt a question of being German its a question of weights, forces and loadsOkay. The P-47 in itself is quite large so it might need a large tailwheel.
But just compare the Spitfire, P-51, Bearcat G.55 Centauro, La-7 etc. with Me 109G and Fw 190.
The Griffon Spits had smaller tailwheels than the Me 109.Which Spitfire? The later Griffon engines Spitfires had a considerable amount of weight placed in the tail to balance the weight of the longer and heavier engine, without that it would sit on its nose. The 109 sat heavy on its tail because it was short, it isnt a question of being German its a question of weights, forces and loads
For the reasons I explained, and there may be others, for example the Hurricane would go into a tail spin without its rear wheel.The Griffon Spits had smaller tailwheels than the Me 109.View attachment 786481View attachment 786473
The Griffon Spits had smaller tailwheels than the Me 109.
Spitfire Mk. VB has smaller tailwheel than contemporary Messerschmitts.The Bf109B/D had a tail wheel size of 260x85
The Bf109E/F/G had a tail wheel size of 290x110 (early G variants)
The Bf109G/K had a tail wheel size of 350x135 (mid to later G variants)
Notice as the Bf109 grew heavier, the tail wheel got larger?
Some examples for comparison:
the A6M's tailwheel was 203x76, the Spitfire Mk.VB tailwheel was 260x80, the MC.202 tailwheel was 300x100 and the Fw190A's tailwheel was 380x150.
Even if so, on fotos of most fighters mentioned prior you just can see that German fighter tailwheels are larger.Your Bf 109 pic is at least 125% oversize compared to the Spit pic. Bf 109 G is a metre shorter than that Spit!
Eng
It should make for a well rounded argument.I think this might be an internet "first". Bf 109 v. Spitfire tailwheel. I hear keyboard warriors worldwide, typing furiously.
In the quest for more performance details matter.I think this might be an internet "first". Bf 109 v. Spitfire tailwheel. I hear keyboard warriors worldwide, typing furiously.
In part the size of a wheel is determined by the condition it is running on. Anything solid that sticks up more than the wheel radius will rip it off. Less than that even half the radius will cause it to jolt. On soft ground the weight on the wheel and the contact area determine if it will sink and become bogged down or not.In the quest for more performance details matter.
It should make for a well rounded argument.
Even though they have no bearing on the matter.The jokes keep rolling along.
Even though they have no bearing on the matter.
The 'tale' is dragging on.
Ain't "tyred" more appropriate?I never get tired of it...