Time to climb

[J.A.W.]

Re: Time to climb

Grampi, did you read the official mil-spec test data posted?

Check out the changes in climb rate -with variations in power/weight - on the same aircraft in these charts..

http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/mustang/p-51-booklet-pg15.jpg

& here is a V-1650/9 power graph, showing power available at altitude/speed/boost settings..

http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/mustang/p-51h-powercurve.jpg

If non-stock.. then other variables come into it, as M.440 pointed out..

Simply put, available power/thrust/lift vs weight/drag/critical altitude are the general parameters..
From the Shuttle launch using brute thrust..
.. through wing lift flying - climb angle vs climb speed - as time to height factors.

Compare a couple of R-2800 powered types, P-47 vs F8F, the fat one loses..until non-turbo power drops below ratio..

Like-wise with Merlin power.. lighter Spitfire out-climbs P-51D, but even lighter Buchon/109 out-climbs both..

[J.A.W.]

Re: Time to climb

Grampi,
Officially, the USN listed the standard F8F as capable of a combat climb to 20,000ft - in 5.5min..
..on 2,500hp [ADI] at 2,800rpm - weighing 10,337lbs..

The equivalent [post-war service] USAF F-51H combat climb on 2,200hp - weighing 9,530lbs, was gonna be line ball..

As you can see by the official published documents..

Manufacturers had to guarantee their products did what was written on the can..

Or the Govt. would demand penalties - as per standard purchasing contracts..

[grampi]

Re: Time to climb

Grampi,
Officially, the USN listed the standard F8F as capable of a combat climb to 20,000ft - in 5.5min..
..on 2,500hp [ADI] at 2,800rpm - weighing 10,337lbs..

The equivalent [post-war service] USAF F-51H combat climb on 2,200hp - weighing 9,530lbs, was gonna be line ball..

As you can see by the official published documents..

Manufacturers had to guarantee their products did what was written on the can..

Or the Govt. would demand penalties - as per standard purchasing contracts..

Line ball? What does that mean?

[J.A.W.]

Re: Time to climb

It is a sports term [ & hey - the U.S. Open Tennis is on right now!] meaning a close call, not much in it..

Might have to replay the video - to pick a winner..

If you do the maths on the power-to weight ratios, it will be clear..

Interestingly, at a little over 20,000ft the mil-spec F8F & F-51H were both good for ~1,800hp on WEP..