Reno Air Races 2008

[Cthulhu]

Wow, I thought Czech Mate was really closely cowled till I saw this view of September Fury. Really gotta wonder how they keep this beast from melting. Do any of these guys use evaporative cooling?

[xNOVAx]

Most of the unlimiteds have ADI systems to keep them cool..

"ADI stands for anti detonation injection. ADI serves two primary purposes; firstly it reduces the charge temperature, via evaporation, as it is sprayed into the intake system. A lower charge temperature increases the density of the charge and reduces the onset of detonation. Secondly, once ADI enters the combustion chamber, it reduces the flame front temperature, again delaying the onset of detonation. ADI fluid is introduced at the intake elbow, colloquially referred to as the Horse's bellybutton because that's what it looks like..!!! ADI fluid is made up of a 50/50 mix of distilled water and ethanol or methanol. Engines with the aftercooler removed are referred to as 'tube engines.' by the racers."

http://www.supercoolprops.com/articles/gwhitegearheads.php

This article is a very cool read for the gearheads out there.. 

[Cthulhu]

Most of the unlimiteds have ADI systems to keep them cool..

"ADI stands for anti detonation injection. ADI serves two primary purposes; firstly it reduces the charge temperature, via evaporation, as it is sprayed into the intake system. A lower charge temperature increases the density of the charge and reduces the onset of detonation. Secondly, once ADI enters the combustion chamber, it reduces the flame front temperature, again delaying the onset of detonation. ADI fluid is introduced at the intake elbow, colloquially referred to as the Horse's bellybutton because that's what it looks like..!!! ADI fluid is made up of a 50/50 mix of distilled water and ethanol or methanol. Engines with the aftercooler removed are referred to as 'tube engines.' by the racers."

http://www.supercoolprops.com/articles/gwhitegearheads.php

This article is a very cool read for the gearheads out there.. 

Water injection has been around a long time as a method to preclude detonation and allow higher boost, but it's not the primary cooling mechanism for the engine is it?

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

No, it isn't. They're still cooled the way they were when they were built, for the most part. Some are water cooled, some air cooled.

[Cthulhu]

No, it isn't. They're still cooled the way they were when they were built, for the most part. Some are water cooled, some air cooled.

Hence my original question. Look how closely cowled this monster is. Aren't you guys a little surprised they can get sufficient airflow to that big radial to do the job? These things run 3000+ rpm @ insane boost.

[xNOVAx]

They also have oil cooling spraybars that spray water directly over the oil cooler.. See the left wing on September Pops..



Its on both wings for Dreadnought, but you can see it bottom left of this pic..

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

That's why the engines blow up. Cooling is sacrificed for speed. So is reliability. More so than most motorsports, with the exception of maybe Top Fuel and Funny Car in drag racing.

[Cthulhu]

That's why the engines blow up. Cooling is sacrificed for speed. So is reliability. More so than most motorsports, with the exception of maybe Top Fuel and Funny Car in drag racing.

Thanks, that's what I expected. I knew that TF & Funny Cars had no cooling systems per se. In the good old days, they could have just mounted a spray bar ahead of the cylinders and sprayed R-12 during the course of the race. You'd still need sufficient airflow to evacuate the engine compartment though.

[dentin]

I think Rare Bear and September Fury have been 500+ or very very close..

I was disappointed that Dago Red wasnt at the races last year, but it will this year.. 

Here's the list of 2008 entries..

http://www.airrace.org/2008%20Registered%20Pilots-Website%20Copy%208-7-08.pdf

FYI:
Race:    Unlimited Breitling Gold    Date:    2007-09-16    Laps/Distance:    8 laps, 67.29 mi
Pilot Name:    Penney, John    Aircraft:    Rare Bear - Race 77    Type:    F8F-2 Bearcat
Time:    08:26.365    Speed:    478.394    Place:    1



 

[xNOVAx]

FYI:
Race:    Unlimited Breitling Gold    Date:    2007-09-16    Laps/Distance:    8 laps, 67.29 mi
Pilot Name:    Penney, John    Aircraft:    Rare Bear - Race 77    Type:    F8F-2 Bearcat
Time:    08:26.365    Speed:    478.394    Place:    1



 

Thats average speed over the 8 mile course.. In a straight line these planes do over 500mph..

Rare Bear had an average lap of 495mph in 2003.. Check the records page.. 

http://www.rarebear.com/

[dentin]

Thats average speed over the 8 mile course.. In a straight line these planes do over 500mph..

Rare Bear had an average lap of 495mph in 2003.. Check the records page.. 

http://www.rarebear.com/

Ist place in 07...holds a few records for prop driven aircraft..to wit: " Closed Course World Speed Record (528.3 mph) and 3000 Meter Time-To-Climb Record (91.9 seconds).