Quote:
Originally Posted by Thorlifter  Wiki has the wing loading for many of the ww2 planes, but not all. For example:
(from wikipedia)
P-51D Mustang
* Drag area: 3.80 ft² (0.35 m²)
* Aspect ratio: 5.83
Performance
* Maximum speed: 437 mph (703 km/h) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
* Cruise speed: 362 mph (580 km/h)
* Stall speed: 100 mph (160 km/h)
* Range: 1,650 mi (2,655 km) with external tanks
* Service ceiling 41,900 ft (12,770 m)
* Rate of climb: 3,200 ft/min (16.3 m/s)
* Wing loading: 39 lb/ft² (192 kg/m²)
* Power/mass: 0.18 hp/lb (300 W/kg)
* Lift-to-drag ratio: 14.6 |
You are right of course but important to note that the wing loading given here is for one weight condition - a gross weight of about 9165 pounds which was about right for a 51D with internal fuel, oil, pilot and ammo.
That same 51D over Posnan Poland with all wing tanks, all fueslage tank and some internal wing fuel burned off would have a lower wing loading like maybe 34 (or therabouts) #/SF wing loading.. and on takeoff with two 110 gallon tanks plus all internal fuel is 'sluggish' and closer to 10,800 pounds is closer to 45#/Ft>>2.
So, the closer to home a Mustang was on the return trip, the more dangerous it would be from a pure performance point of view (ignoring a tired pilot).. in acceleration, climb, turn and dash speed.
Linear Mode
