REPUBLIC AVIATION PERFORMANCE DATA - P-47 "M" and

[FLYBOYJ]

Originally Posted by wmaxt

I belive a fuel "Cell" is lined with a compound to make it self sealing/more resilient to leakage while a welded metal tank is just that a "Fuel Tank". Not trying to be nitpicky but at this level of discussion its an important destinction.

wmaxt

You're on the money wmaxt - cells are also intergrated into the structure as a wet wing and can even include a "bag" which is attached to the structure.

When I was 25 years younger and 30 pounds thinner I was a fuel tank (or cell) inspector...

[wmaxt]

Originally Posted by FLYBOYJ

You're on the money wmaxt - cells are also intergrated into the structure as a wet wing and can even include a "bag" which is attached to the structure.

When I was 25 years younger and 30 pounds thinner I was a fuel tank (or cell) inspector...

In my Dads Squadron (B-47s), they thought a man had gone AWOL, later checking a thunking noise in the foward fuel tank they found him and a ladder. Apparently he passed out, nobody checked well enough and so on.

wmaxt

[FLYBOYJ]

Originally Posted by wmaxt

In my Dads Squadron (B-47s), they thought a man had gone AWOL, later checking a thunking noise in the foward fuel tank they found him and a ladder. Apparently he passed out, nobody checked well enough and so on.

wmaxt

Got stuck in a P-3 tank. Managed to get out by relaxing and slowly going back the way I came. Was black and blue all over my back!

[evangilder]

Yikes! Not a job if you are claustrophobic.

[Sal Monella]

So then it sounds like if the P-47-N had been utilized in the European theatre, it would not have had to have its big internal tanks filled up at all times. I think the P-47-N would have had P-47-M like performance without all that extra fuel weight and larger surface area wing.

[GregP]

Let's not forget an old adage about Republic aircraft. Later, when the F-105 was being built, it was suggested that if someone made a runway that went all the way around the work and joined itself, Republic would build an aircraft that couldn't take off from it on a hot day.

The old Thud would take every bit of 9000+ feet to get airborne when loaded to its maximum weight. Me thinks the P-47N was much the same.

In point of fact, the F-105's maximum weight was determined by the nosegear retraction hydraulic pump. It didn't have the poower to retract the nosewheel against the airflow if the airspeed was greater than 225 mph, so the max weight that could be carried and still retract the nosegear after liftoff was the limit! Go figure!

[Lunatic]

Originally Posted by FLYBOYJ

You're on the money wmaxt - cells are also intergrated into the structure as a wet wing and can even include a "bag" which is attached to the structure.

When I was 25 years younger and 30 pounds thinner I was a fuel tank (or cell) inspector...

What I recall is that the fuel cells on the P-47N had no self-sealing properties. They were rather small and the idea was to have a re-routing system that allowed a damaged cell to be bypassed. It was felt this would result in better surviablity and higher fuel capacity.

Yes C02 is hazardous, but it is perfectly suitable as a fire retardant. It's just dangerous to the crews working on the planes, and those dealing with the stored gas.

=S=

Lunatic