Quote:
Originally Posted by Kutscha
Both the Hurc and Centaurus were sleeve valves. Are you saying they could have been re-designed with poppets?
The Soviets did not leave the P-39s stock (as shipped from the USA).
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No: I am saying that if Fedden had not gone down the route of sleeve valves then powerful British radial engines could have been made available sooner. On the other hand, Napier could not have debugged the Sabre without the Bristol experience.
The Soviets did not make major changes to the P-39s, mainly removing wing-mounted weaponry. Where the P-39 did differ from other Lend-Lease types was that strenuous efforts were made to maintain the supply of fuel additives so that the P-39 units operated with 100 octane fuel. Perhaps somewhat higher opinions would have been held of the Hurricane had the higher boost usable with 100 octane been available.