World War two aircraft wing loading

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Panda-Ball

Recruit
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Feb 13, 2008
Does anyone know a good site with information on World War two aircraft wing loading or as anyone out there already done the research. Thanks
 
Wiki has the wing loading for many of the ww2 planes, but not all. For example:

(from wikipedia)
P-51D Mustang

* Drag area: 3.80 ft² (0.35 m²)
* Aspect ratio: 5.83

Performance

* Maximum speed: 437 mph (703 km/h) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
* Cruise speed: 362 mph (580 km/h)
* Stall speed: 100 mph (160 km/h)
* Range: 1,650 mi (2,655 km) with external tanks
* Service ceiling 41,900 ft (12,770 m)
* Rate of climb: 3,200 ft/min (16.3 m/s)
* Wing loading: 39 lb/ft² (192 kg/m²)
* Power/mass: 0.18 hp/lb (300 W/kg)
* Lift-to-drag ratio: 14.6
 
Wiki has the wing loading for many of the ww2 planes, but not all. For example:

(from wikipedia)
P-51D Mustang

* Drag area: 3.80 ft² (0.35 m²)
* Aspect ratio: 5.83

Performance

* Maximum speed: 437 mph (703 km/h) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
* Cruise speed: 362 mph (580 km/h)
* Stall speed: 100 mph (160 km/h)
* Range: 1,650 mi (2,655 km) with external tanks
* Service ceiling 41,900 ft (12,770 m)
* Rate of climb: 3,200 ft/min (16.3 m/s)
* Wing loading: 39 lb/ft² (192 kg/m²)
* Power/mass: 0.18 hp/lb (300 W/kg)
* Lift-to-drag ratio: 14.6

You are right of course but important to note that the wing loading given here is for one weight condition - a gross weight of about 9165 pounds which was about right for a 51D with internal fuel, oil, pilot and ammo.

That same 51D over Posnan Poland with all wing tanks, all fueslage tank and some internal wing fuel burned off would have a lower wing loading like maybe 34 (or therabouts) #/SF wing loading.. and on takeoff with two 110 gallon tanks plus all internal fuel is 'sluggish' and closer to 10,800 pounds is closer to 45#/Ft>>2.

So, the closer to home a Mustang was on the return trip, the more dangerous it would be from a pure performance point of view (ignoring a tired pilot).. in acceleration, climb, turn and dash speed.
 

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