Author Topic: Anyone have more info on this B-24 hermaphrodite? (Read 568 times)

DiabloTX · « **on:** May 02, 2007, 09:46:07 PM »

B-24 with a B-17G nose grafted on?

Serenity · « **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2007, 11:39:41 PM »

It was an experiment fusing a B-17 with a B-24. Crews were more fond of the layout of the B-17's nose section, and it provided better airflow, which means more effiency. So, they wanted to see if they could mix the B-24 and all of her attributes with that nose. It was completely unsuccesful. Or so I remember it...

Krusty · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2007, 11:48:22 PM »

It was more aerodynamic, but due to the b24 fuselage it swayed perilously at high alts, and wasn't worth pursuing, or some such end result.

Serenity · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2007, 11:53:02 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Krusty
It was more aerodynamic, but due to the b24 fuselage it swayed perilously at high alts, and wasn't worth pursuing, or some such end result.

Ah, thank you. I was close, lol.

DiabloTX · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2007, 11:57:41 PM »

Yeah my fist thought was about the change to the CG with that longer nose.

Bodhi · « **Reply #5 on:** May 03, 2007, 12:40:17 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Krusty
It was more aerodynamic, but due to the b24 fuselage it swayed perilously at high alts, and wasn't worth pursuing, or some such end result.

While it was decided that the idea was not worth pursuing, it was not due to "swaying perilously at high alts". The aircraft was not able to climb above 18k owing to cylinder head temperatures soaring and the subsequent requirement of opening the cowl flaps. Furthermore, "mild tail buffeting" was encountered at 18k after the cowl flaps were opened. It was thought that the new nose was responsible for disrupting the airflow over the engine nacelles sufficiently to reduce the effectiveness of the engine nose bowl in cooling. The project was deemed "operationally unsuitable" and cancelled.

Bodhi · « **Reply #6 on:** May 03, 2007, 12:44:25 PM »

Here is another shot of the aircraft:

devild0g · « **Reply #7 on:** May 03, 2007, 07:19:43 PM »

Lol looks like a big spear in the front

MiloMorai · « **Reply #8 on:** May 03, 2007, 07:26:09 PM »

Quote

It was thought that the new nose was responsible for disrupting the airflow over the engine nacelles sufficiently to reduce the effectiveness of the engine nose bowl in cooling.

Hard to believe over the wart that is usually the nose

Spikes · « **Reply #9 on:** May 03, 2007, 07:35:44 PM »

Geez, I'd hate to be in that and have an enemy come up on my six saying "WTF is that"?

DweebFire · « **Reply #10 on:** May 03, 2007, 08:13:13 PM »

LOL i'd love it, for in their short moment of confusion and absolute pants-wetting fun, my gunners can get em!