Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRS
A Mosquito carrying 2000 lb was at least 20 mph faster than a Spitfire. It was designed that way.
|
Not if we reference RAF performance trials. The maximum speeds in level flight were almost identical, going by test reports of Mosquito MP469 (408mph in January 1943) and Spitfire AB505 (409mph in April 1942). Both test aircraft had Merlin 61 engines.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRS
Its defence against fighters was to fly away from them. I am a structural designer, among other things, and aluminium structures are not lighter than composite wood ones. That is why the Mosquito was made the way it was. The Hornet and the Vampire were of similar construction. I have a lot of experience with modern composites. Homogeneous metals do not even come close to competing with them. As I said, if the aerodynamics are the same, weight is important. They were doing everything they could to find an extra 5 mph.
|
I think he meant that you might have oversimplified the correlation between horsepower, weight, and aerodynamic efficiency.
In March 1944, RAF Mustang FZ107 was tested with a U.S. built Merlin 61 (Packard V-1650-3). The loaded weight of Spitfire AB505 was considerably less, but Mustang FZ107 was about 25mph faster at all throttle settings. I don't know if this Mustang had the standard underwing pylons installed, because that would have reduced top speed by at least 10 mph.