Question about the Lancaster flight model

[RTHolmes]

I think you missed my point - my 2nd test at 71,000lb shows an absolute ceiling of 24k, which is consistent with the test data. the only references I can find to the test weights for speed and absolute/service ceilings are at 65,000lb.

the AH lanc in the film only had 3 bombs left and probably had hardly any fuel left like my 1st test at 25% at 51,000lb (could have been alot less - you can glide a long way home from 30k+).

thats at least 30% less weight ...

[caldera]

That may be how it is programmed in AH, but absolute ceiling is only acheived in testing with optimal conditions (certainly not with a full crew, ordnance, ammo and other supplies aboard), not in combat.  If the article states that 24,671 is the absolute ceiling, then by definition that is as high as the plane can go.

Aside from the altitude question, what about the max speed question?  AH itself claims top speed is 277 at 14k.

[RTHolmes]

the RAF pilot notes, test data, my 2nd offline test and (I assume) the AH charts are all figured at ~65,000lb and are consistent.

the lanc in the film and my 2nd test are tested at 40-50,000lb, at least 30% lighter, and are consistent.

...

[Karnak]

The Lancaster in AH is a Mk III, not an early Mk I.  That may be playing a role as well.

[RTHolmes]

Aside from the altitude question, what about the max speed question?  AH itself claims top speed is 277 at 14k.

thats a fair point - whats the IAS for 330TAS @34k in AH?

[caldera]

Looking at the AH climb rate chart, the Lanc's climb drops dramatically from around 14k to practically nothing at 23k.  Doesn't that have something to do with the way the superchargers are geared?  They engines make less power after the plane reaches peak altitude (14k).  I'm not saying you are wrong RT, but doesn't engine performance factor into this?  The plane in the film may weigh a lot less, but at 34k it is also making less power.

The Lancaster in AH is a Mk III, not an early Mk I.  That may be playing a role as well.

I checked out various sources and used specs for Late B. Mark I and MarkIII (which are nearly identical performance) and sent them to Skuzzy. 

thats a fair point - whats the IAS for 330TAS @34k in AH?

Don't have the patience to find out. 

[caldera]

From the update:

Fixed some potential plane performance issues that could occur above the normal service ceiling.

WOOOOHOOOO!   No more uberspeed high alt Lancs.  WTG HTC! 


It flies loaded (61,000 lbs) 279 mph at 25k.  Climb rate at that weight at 25k is @333 fpm.

[Babalonian]

Yeah, but it wasn't just the good ol' Lanc, any guesses/ideas as to all the other aircraft that got adjusted?