Max bomb loads to distances for BC 4 engine bombers

[mongoose44]

Does anyone know how to go about calculating this for the Lanc and Halifax in particular?

[Graham Boak]

Start by obtaining the Flight Manuals with the aircraft performance included, particularly the cruise section. This last part might be more difficult to obtain. Then you'll be able to calculate the fuel consumption at particular weights throughout the flight, remembering to include allowances for start-up and taxi, take-off, climb/descend and a comfortable reserve.

Be careful regarding which variant, particularly of the Halifax, you are considering.

[paul peters]

Fuel load for the Lancaster is 200+trackmiles/0,94 gallons.
All-up-weight of Lanc III=65.000lbs, tare weight=36.000lbs, service load+oil=3800lbs.
Bomb load=65.000-36.000-3800-fuel load.

[mongoose44]

200+trackmiles/0,94 gallons. Lost me a bit there. I assume not 200mpg but 200 gals + 0.94 gals per track miles?

Fuel weight is 6lbs/gal; correct?

I am thinking that the top load to Berlin was ca. 4.5 tonnes which was 500+ mi. direct so probably at least 6-700 according to flight plan and weather?

[Kutscha]

An American gallon is 6lb but a British Imperial gallon is 7.2lb.

[Jim Oxley]

A fairly standard bomb load carried by the Lancaster of Main Force to Berlin in '44 was 1 x Cookie (4,000 lb) and 8 x 500 lb.

Don't have any info on what the Halifax may have carried.

[Kutscha]

Lancaster bomb loads
http://www.lancaster-archive.com/Lanc-bombs-Loads.htm

This is the bomb load of Halifax III, MZ906, AL* H from Leeming, Yorkshire to Essen.

- 6 x 500 lb MC bomb
- 1 x 2000 lb HC bomb
- 5 x 1000 lb SAP bomb

[paul peters]

This mathematics is not too difficult!
200 gallons reserve
Berlin is 1836 miles: needed 1836/0,94 gallons=1954 gallons. Full fuel load=200+1954=2154 gallons.
Fuel weight: 2154x7,2 lbs=15.509lbs. (Fuel density is 7,2lbs per gallon)

[paul peters]

Another completion: fuel consumption of 0,94 miles per gallon.

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by paul peters

Berlin is 1836 miles

From where? From Bomber Command's bases in eastern England it is more like 550 miles each way (on a straight line). You would have to take a lot of diversionary legs to get to your figure.