Posted by 1361223210115WoDcbm [75.196.81.91] on Saturday, June 08, 2013 at 17:32:59 :
In Reply to: Re: Dad was test pilot posted by Doc Dave [70.192.194.89] on Saturday, June 08, 2013 at 13:30:55 :
I read about that.
Big problem was that the engine casing were magnesium. When the overloaded engine overheated or would break on takeoff, the casing would light off. They couldn't put out the magnesium fire and it would burn through the wing spar before they could get enough altitude for the crew to jump.
Overheating was a big problem with all the aircraft in WWII. It was especially bad in the early B29s. The trick I heard about was when taking them off in the Pacific islands, they would, once they were airborne, drop them close to the surface of the water to let the cool moist air cool the engines before doing the climb up to cruise altitude.
I love all those old WWII aircraft. Neat neat neat stuff!
-jim lee
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