P-61 with "air brakes"

[bentwings]

Hi,
My son and I are just getting started on a large R/C scale model of the P-61 Black Widow. I have only one very small picture of the P-61 C with the "fighter brakes". We would like to model this rare variant and possible make these really work. The model has 114" wing so it is pretty big. We may actually build two set of outer wing panels one with the fighter brakes and the other with just the spoilers. The spoilers really work and are a proven feature. Several guys have built the plane with just the spoilers and no ailerons at all.

The fighter brake version uses a conventional aileron at the very tip of the wing. The fighter brake replaced the spoilers. I think only 45 of this version were ever built but that's about the limit of my knowledge.

Can anyone help with a couple pictures so I can develope what these really looked like.???

As near as I can tell they looked like an angle iron gate that pivoted at about the center of the wing and they rose up forward from the trailing edge both top and bottom. Obviously hydraulic operation.

thanks

bentwings

[Micdrow]

Here you go, some pictures from squadron signal P-61 and Warbird tech P-61

Hope it helps.

[Wurger]

Hi Micdrow,

Nice pics you've uploaded there.
For sure very helpful for Bentwings.

[Micdrow]

Thanks Wurger

[bentwings]

Micdrow, thanks for the great pictures!!!! I can't wait to get into making these things!!! They are so ugly they are beautiful. haha I'll model them up on Solidworks first to get everything working correctly.

I see how they work too. It looks like the upper acted like a booster for the lower so it didn't take a lot of power to operate them. I'll have to make an internal linkage to do this too. We'll use 150 oz servos on each side to run them. Maybe 2 servos on each side. I sure would hate to see the results if one failed. haha About all you could do is kick dirt over the remains and walk away. haha With a gallon of gas aboard you may not even have to do that...just fill in the smoking hole.

thanks again

[Thorlifter]

I sure would like to see some video of your P-61 flying. Do you think that will be possible?

[bentwings]

Our B-25 will be ready to go in the spring and the P-61 will follow. We'll have video and possibly onboard too. We are making hard points already on the B-25.

[Micdrow]

Your welcome bentwings, glad I could help.

[Downwind.Maddl-Land]

I say! Those so-and-sos will carve off a few knots when they pop! I trust the crews' straps were tight....