Question for the Mosquito experts

[nrshida]

I was hoping one of the Mosquito gurus could supply some more information on this feature of the Mosquito's controls:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd2M21nlw0w&feature=player_detailpage#t=706

Kermit's a bit vague and unsure what they did. I've looked in two books but nothing. It's not actually AH related but for a design project. I'm curious especially if they were an assistance device.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Karnak]

My understanding is that it increases the heaviness of the elevators as G forces increase, but I don't recall where I read that.  If that is correct it would certainly be to prevent the excessively light elevator problem that the Spitfire had, a problem that caused the loss of a number of Spitfires.

[Cthulhu]

My understanding is that it increases the heaviness of the elevators as G forces increase, but I don't recall where I read that.  If that is correct it would certainly be to prevent the excessively light elevator problem that the Spitfire had, a problem that caused the loss of a number of Spitfires.

This is how I understand it too. The bob weights increase control forces as "g's" increase.  It makes it difficult for the pilot to over stress the airframe.

[morfiend]

 shida, I wasnt sure if you meant the elevator bob or the hydralics and fluid container.


   The bob is pretty much been explained but I searched around and couldnt find much on the other stuff,my guess would be for the tailwheel and possibly de-icing.


   That smell is likely both the wood and glue used to bond it,with a wee bit of BO added to enhance the flavour......



     

[nrshida]

Thanks fellas, that's what I wanted to know. A very clever bit of design I think.

 

[bozon]

This is how I understand it too. The bob weights increase control forces as "g's" increase.  It makes it difficult for the pilot to over stress the airframe.

IIRC in one of the mosquito tactical trials as a single-seat day fighter they removed this weight so the pilot will have an easier time sustaining high G. The mosquito controls were said to be quite heavy at high speeds and pilots often used both hands on the stick. In reality I suppose that each pilots could adjust the weight on his own plane to suite his taste.

[Cthulhu]

IIRC in one of the mosquito tactical trials as a single-seat day fighter they removed this weight so the pilot will have an easier time sustaining high G. The mosquito controls were said to be quite heavy at high speeds and pilots often used both hands on the stick. In reality I suppose that each pilots could adjust the weight on his own plane to suite his taste.

I'm not sure that would be advisable, or even allowable by DeHavilland. One of the reasons it's there is to prevent the pilot from over stressing the airframe, although some small amount of adjustment might have been available. Of course in a real emergency, like "Hey look, the ground!", I doubt the weight would have stopped ANY pilot from pulling until the controls hit the stops.

[bozon]

I'm not sure that would be advisable, or even allowable by DeHavilland. One of the reasons it's there is to prevent the pilot from over stressing the airframe, although some small amount of adjustment might have been available. Of course in a real emergency, like "Hey look, the ground!", I doubt the weight would have stopped ANY pilot from pulling until the controls hit the stops.

I was only citing the trials report. I haven't read anywhere else about it being adjusted or any real concerns about stick forces. Generally the controls were praised as well harmonized, even if a little stiff at high speeds.