B-17G Top Speed Too Low

[funked]

Joe Baugher says 300 mph at 30,000 feet with WEP.  http://home.att.net/~jbaugher2/b17_16.html

I tested the aircraft at this altitude with the normal load (100% fuel, 6000 lb bombs) and I got only 290 mph.  Pretty close, but not quite there.  I wonder if the WEP is missing?

[Fishu]

Well, B-17 doesn't have a WEP, superchargers only..
Though, doesn't really matter that much, when you consider that it would just cause more those 100% throttle dweebs  
B-17 engine would overheat from constant 100% throttle....

[juzz]

In AH the B-17G runs at 48" MAP forever.

Military Power/Takeoff Power of 1200hp on the real B-17G was at 46" MAP, limited to 5 minutes.
War Emergency Power was 1380hp, I don't know the MAP figure though.

[funked]

OK sounds like it's either a small drag error, or my load was too large, or it's just good old measurement error (most likely).  Or (what a concept) HTC have a better source than some guy's webpage.

[This message has been edited by funked (edited 04-15-2001).]

[Widewing]

 

Originally posted by funked:
Joe Baugher says 300 mph at 30,000 feet with WEP.  http://home.att.net/~jbaugher2/b17_16.html

I tested the aircraft at this altitude with the normal load (100% fuel, 6000 lb bombs) and I got only 290 mph.  Pretty close, but not quite there.  I wonder if the WEP is missing?

It's not what's missing, it's what's added that makes the difference. All maximum speeds quoted for the B-17G are for an empty bomb bay. You have added three tons of bombs.

My regards,

Widewing

[Ripsnort]

FYI, Boeings (inside the firewall) B17 webpage shows a top speed of 287 MPH at 30,000. Not arguing, just reporting.

[funked]

Widewing I did not know that, thank you for the info!