P-38 .50 Gun Barrels/Blast Tubes - Aircraft of World War II

ronl · 02-17-2008, 05:44 PM

I have a question regarding the .50 cal gun barrels on the P-38. In later versions of the P-38, the gun barrels appear to be fitted with silver colored, solid blast tubes (similar to those on the P-47). In earlier versions of the P-38, the barrels where exposed (circular cooling holes in the barrel jackets).

Does anyone know why the blast tubes or sleeves were fitted to the .50 cal barrels? I have looked for an explanation in the publications I have on the P-38, but can’t find anything that refers to it.

I have posted this question on a number of Forums and thought I would post it here as well.

Thanks.

Ron

Soren · 02-18-2008, 01:01 AM

They were put on to improve the aerodynamics of the a/c, or clean them up so to say.

ronl · 02-18-2008, 02:18 AM

Soren,

Thanks for your reply. The use of the blast tubes to increase aerodynamics makes sense - although this is the first time I have heard that this was the reason for using them. Where did you come across this information?

Thanks.

Ron

V-1710 · 02-18-2008, 08:55 PM

In addition, I think the P-38M night fighters had some sort of blast tube to hide muzzle flash.

02-17-2008, 05:44 PM	#1
ronl Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 11	P-38 .50 Gun Barrels/Blast Tubes I have a question regarding the .50 cal gun barrels on the P-38. In later versions of the P-38, the gun barrels appear to be fitted with silver colored, solid blast tubes (similar to those on the P-47). In earlier versions of the P-38, the barrels where exposed (circular cooling holes in the barrel jackets). Does anyone know why the blast tubes or sleeves were fitted to the .50 cal barrels? I have looked for an explanation in the publications I have on the P-38, but can’t find anything that refers to it. I have posted this question on a number of Forums and thought I would post it here as well. Thanks. Ron

02-18-2008, 01:01 AM	#2
Soren Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,107	They were put on to improve the aerodynamics of the a/c, or clean them up so to say. __________________ It was like being pushed by an Angel! - Adolf Galland I'm an educated engineer, so I love being technical and appraising of great inventions. So if you think I am being biased about something: Tell me! Then you'll probably find out that I am not

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02-18-2008, 02:18 AM	#3
ronl Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 11	Soren, Thanks for your reply. The use of the blast tubes to increase aerodynamics makes sense - although this is the first time I have heard that this was the reason for using them. Where did you come across this information? Thanks. Ron

02-18-2008, 08:55 PM	#4
V-1710 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 163	In addition, I think the P-38M night fighters had some sort of blast tube to hide muzzle flash.