Warbird Philosophy

Difference between revisions of "Common Questions and Answers"

Common Questions and Answers (view source)

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However, in the event of an electric failure, the turret can be operated manually. If this occurs, the Handbook warns: “No fire interruption is provided when the turret gun is fired manually, consequently the gunner must exercise care in pointing the gun so as not to fire into tail and wing surfaces.”<ref name="PHFOITBM" />
However, in the event of an electric failure, the turret can be operated manually. If this occurs, the Handbook warns: “No fire interruption is provided when the turret gun is fired manually, consequently the gunner must exercise care in pointing the gun so as not to fire into tail and wing surfaces.”<ref name="PHFOITBM" />


There is one other scenario in which a gunner could inadvertently shoot his own airplane: ammunition cook off. This refers to the situation in which the heat the guns build up from firing could ignite the powder in the bullet casing. While there was no protection against this in the TBM, the B-25 did incorporate an additional safety feature in the event this occurred. On the top of the fuselage there were two small bumps that were directly in line with the guns from the top turret when it was trained directly rearwards. If cook off occurred, these devices – known as “ricochet generators” – would hopefully cause the bullet from the gun to be deflected away from the airplane. The reason this extra effort was taken in the B-25 and not the TBM was because the tail gunner was in the top turret’s field of fire – and while it is one thing to accidentally hit one’s own plane, it is quite another to accidentally shoot one’s own crew.
There is one other scenario in which a gunner could inadvertently shoot his own airplane: ammunition cook off. This refers to the situation in which the heat the guns build up from firing could ignite the powder in the bullet casing. While there was no protection against this in the TBM, the B-25 did incorporate an additional safety feature in the event this occurred. On the top of the fuselage there were two small bumps that were directly in line with the guns from the top turret when it was trained directly rearwards. If cook off occurred, these devices – known as “ricochet generators” – would hopefully cause the bullet from the gun to be deflected away from the airplane. The reason this extra effort was taken in the B-25 and not the TBM was because the tail gunner was in the top turret’s field of fire – and while it is one thing to accidentally hit one’s own plane, it is quite another to accidentally shoot one’s own crew.


=== How do the wings on the TBM fold? ===
=== How do the wings on the TBM fold? ===
The wings on the TBM are hydraulically folding and controlled by the pilot from the cockpit. However, manpower is necessary to move them the final few inches to allow the tie back cables to be attached.
The wings on the TBM are hydraulically folding and controlled by the pilot from the cockpit. However, manpower is necessary to move them the final few inches to allow the tie back cables to be attached.


When the outer wings unfold they swing out and around until they are in line with the inner stub wing. The hinge is mounted on a diagonal, so that as they move forwards they also “rotate” to be parallel with the ground. A tab on the outer wing fits into a slot on the inner stub wing. A pin then slides through a hole in the tab, locking the wing into place. Simultaneously, red “flags” sticking out of the top of the wing are retracted to let the pilot know the wings are locked in position and he is free to takeoff without fear of them folding up in flight.
When the outer wings unfold they swing out and around until they are in line with the inner stub wing. The hinge is mounted on a diagonal, so that as they move forwards they also “rotate” to be parallel with the ground. A tab on the outer wing fits into a slot on the inner stub wing. A pin then slides through a hole in the tab, locking the wing into place. Simultaneously, red “flags” sticking out of the top of the wing are retracted to let the pilot know the wings are locked in position and he is free to takeoff without fear of them folding up in flight.


Roy Grumman, the TBM’s designer, came up with the idea by sticking two paperclips in a soap eraser.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Thruelsen |first1=Richard |title=The Grumman Story |date=1976 |publisher=Praeger |location=New York |pages=124–126}}</ref> Known as the Sto-Wing, it was used on other Grumman designs such as the F4F Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, as well as the postwar E-1 Tracer, C-2 Greyhound, and E-2 Hawkeye.
Roy Grumman, the TBM’s designer, came up with the idea by sticking two paperclips in a soap eraser.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Thruelsen |first1=Richard |title=The Grumman Story |date=1976 |publisher=Praeger |location=New York |pages=124–126}}</ref> Known as the Sto-Wing, it was used on other Grumman designs such as the F4F Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, as well as the postwar E-1 Tracer, C-2 Greyhound, and E-2 Hawkeye.


=== Why are the wings on the Corsair “bent”? ===
=== Why are the wings on the Corsair “bent”? ===
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=== Did World War II aircraft carriers have catapults? ===
=== Did World War II aircraft carriers have catapults? ===
All American non-escort class aircraft carriers had at least one aircraft catapult. However, catapults were not as widely used as they are today. Furthermore, some of the catapults were in unusual locations – such as those in the hangar deck that fired perpendicular to the centerline of the ship.
All American non-escort class aircraft carriers had at least one aircraft catapult. However, catapults were not as widely used as they are today. Furthermore, some of the catapults were in unusual locations – such as those in the hangar deck that fired perpendicular to the centerline of the ship.


=== What happened to spent bullet casings and belt links? ===
=== What happened to spent bullet casings and belt links? ===
Before answering this question, it is important to distinguish between fixed and flexible mounted guns. Fixed guns cannot be moved and are aimed by turning the entire airplane. They are usually mounted in the wings or nose. Flexible guns can be moved and are aimed by moving the gun itself. An example of this is the tail gun position on a B-25.
Before answering this question, it is important to distinguish between fixed and flexible mounted guns. Fixed guns cannot be moved and are aimed by turning the entire airplane. They are usually mounted in the wings or nose. Flexible guns can be moved and are aimed by moving the gun itself. An example of this is the tail gun position on a B-25.


During World War II, fixed gun positions on aircraft almost always ejected the bullet casings and links out of the bottom of the aircraft. In rare cases they were collected, such as with the wing gun on the T-6, but this was the exception rather than the rule.
During World War II, fixed gun positions on aircraft almost always ejected the bullet casings and links out of the bottom of the aircraft. In rare cases they were collected, such as with the wing gun on the T-6, but this was the exception rather than the rule.


Similarly, in many flexible gun positions, the spent bullet casings simply fell to the floor.
Similarly, in many flexible gun positions, the spent bullet casings simply fell to the floor.
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Some 76 P-51s, or versions thereof, attended the 2007 Gathering of Mustangs and Legends in Columbus, Ohio.
Some 76 P-51s, or versions thereof, attended the 2007 Gathering of Mustangs and Legends in Columbus, Ohio.


A total of 22 B-25s attended the 2012 Doolittle Raider Reunion at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. It was quite likely the largest gathering of B-25s since World War II – surpassing even the 17 flying airplanes assembled in 1970 for the filming of the movie Catch-22.
A total of 22 B-25s attended the 2012 Doolittle Raider Reunion at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. It was quite likely the largest gathering of B-25s since World War II – surpassing even the 17 flying airplanes assembled in 1970 for the filming of the movie Catch-22.


11 TBMs attended the 2018 TBM Avenger Salute to Veterans in Peru, Illinois.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morehead |first1=Greg |title=3rd Annual TBM Gathering – Avengers and Veterans, Warbirds and Patriots Invade Illinois |url=http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/3rd-annual-tbm-gathering-70-tons-of-turkeys-invade-illinois.html |website=Warbirds News |access-date=13 March 2022 |date=24 May 2018}}</ref> Although only 7 TBMs ended up actually being able to make it, for the 2017 reunion as many 16 airplanes originally verbally committed, meaning the total number of flying TBMs was at least that high.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Conrad |first1=Hank |title=TBM Avenger at the 2017 Gathering |url=http://www.hankconrad.com/tbm-avenger-2017-gathering |website=Hank's Blog |access-date=13 March 2022 |date=20 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=TBM Avenger Gathering Promises To Be Even Bigger In 2017 |url=http://airshowstuff.com/v4/2017/tbm-avenger-gathering-promises-to-be-even-bigger-in-2017 |website=AirshowStuff |access-date=13 March 2022 |date=23 April 2017}}</ref>
11 TBMs attended the 2018 TBM Avenger Salute to Veterans in Peru, Illinois.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morehead |first1=Greg |title=3rd Annual TBM Gathering – Avengers and Veterans, Warbirds and Patriots Invade Illinois |url=http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/3rd-annual-tbm-gathering-70-tons-of-turkeys-invade-illinois.html |website=Warbirds News |access-date=13 March 2022 |date=24 May 2018}}</ref> Although only 7 TBMs ended up actually being able to make it, for the 2017 reunion as many 16 airplanes originally verbally committed, meaning the total number of flying TBMs was at least that high.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Conrad |first1=Hank |title=TBM Avenger at the 2017 Gathering |url=http://www.hankconrad.com/tbm-avenger-2017-gathering |website=Hank's Blog |access-date=13 March 2022 |date=20 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=TBM Avenger Gathering Promises To Be Even Bigger In 2017 |url=http://airshowstuff.com/v4/2017/tbm-avenger-gathering-promises-to-be-even-bigger-in-2017 |website=AirshowStuff |access-date=13 March 2022 |date=23 April 2017}}</ref>
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=== What was the average height and weight of an American airman in World War II? How does it compare to today? (a.k.a. Were people really smaller back then?) ===
=== What was the average height and weight of an American airman in World War II? How does it compare to today? (a.k.a. Were people really smaller back then?) ===
First, it is useful to remember that the military accepted a range of heights and weights. For example, fighter pilots were permitted to be from 5' 4" to 6' tall and weigh 120 to 180 pounds. When it came to bombers, commissioned officers could be between 5' and 6' 4" and 120 to 200 pounds. However, the average airman was 5’ 9” tall and weighed 154 pounds unclothed.
First, it is useful to remember that the military accepted a range of heights and weights. For example, fighter pilots were permitted to be from 5' 4" to 6' tall and weigh 120 to 180 pounds. When it came to bombers, commissioned officers could be between 5' and 6' 4" and 120 to 200 pounds. However, the average airman was 5’ 9” tall and weighed 154 pounds unclothed.


Often, this question arises in reference to the ability of airmen to fit inside confined spaces – especially ball turrets. The Army Air Force was not unaware of this issue during the war and research in the field of anthropometrics, or the study of measurements of the human body, was carried out. The subject of anthropometrics in relation to gun turrets was already being discussed as early as the summer of 1940 and by December 1941 planning for a survey was underway. Based on this research, in January 1943 an upper limit of 70 inches and 170 pounds was set for gunners.
Often, this question arises in reference to the ability of airmen to fit inside confined spaces – especially ball turrets. The Army Air Force was not unaware of this issue during the war and research in the field of anthropometrics, or the study of measurements of the human body, was carried out. The subject of anthropometrics in relation to gun turrets was already being discussed as early as the summer of 1940 and by December 1941 planning for a survey was underway. Based on this research, in January 1943 an upper limit of 70 inches and 170 pounds was set for gunners.


Interestingly, one of the bigger problems that was encountered was not just the size of the individual person, but also the bulk of the flying clothing and equipment they were wearing. Early enclosed gun turrets were designed at a time when airplanes operated at lower altitudes. This meant that relatively little protection was needed from the elements as the temperature there was warm enough and the air was breathable. However, as technological advanced pushed aerial combat higher and higher, the temperature dropped and the air thinned, making heavy clothing and oxygen masks a necessity. Yet turrets were still being designed without consideration for the amount of space that these new provisions were taking up. As an example of bulk of this equipment, the standard uniform, electrically heated suit, and oxygen system alone added just under 30 pounds.
Interestingly, one of the bigger problems that was encountered was not just the size of the individual person, but also the bulk of the flying clothing and equipment they were wearing. Early enclosed gun turrets were designed at a time when airplanes operated at lower altitudes. This meant that relatively little protection was needed from the elements as the temperature there was warm enough and the air was breathable. However, as technological advanced pushed aerial combat higher and higher, the temperature dropped and the air thinned, making heavy clothing and oxygen masks a necessity. Yet turrets were still being designed without consideration for the amount of space that these new provisions were taking up. As an example of bulk of this equipment, the standard uniform, electrically heated suit, and oxygen system alone added just under 30 pounds.


An interesting demonstration of the importance of anthropometrics comes from the experience of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). When they joined there were no women’s uniforms available and as a result they had to make due with oversized men’s mechanics coveralls they nicknamed “zoot suits” after the popular fashion trend of the time.
An interesting demonstration of the importance of anthropometrics comes from the experience of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). When they joined there were no women’s uniforms available and as a result they had to make due with oversized men’s mechanics coveralls they nicknamed “zoot suits” after the popular fashion trend of the time.
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=== Did the Doolittle Raiders replace the tail guns in their B-25s with broomsticks? ===
=== Did the Doolittle Raiders replace the tail guns in their B-25s with broomsticks? ===
Not exactly. Some of the B-25Bs used on the raid did have twin broomsticks placed in the rear of the airplane as a ruse. However, stock B-25Bs did not have tail guns installed, so the broomsticks did not replace existing guns, but added them where there had not been any before.
Not exactly. Some of the B-25Bs used on the raid did have twin broomsticks placed in the rear of the airplane as a ruse. However, stock B-25Bs did not have tail guns installed, so the broomsticks did not replace existing guns, but added them where there had not been any before.


This is an important distinction because in the 2001 movie Pearl Harbor it is suggested that the guns were replaced to lighten the weight of the airplanes. In addition, it is presented as a decision that was made on the spur of the moment, when it fact it was actually made at Eglin Air Force Base – long before the B-25s were ever aboard the USS Hornet. To further confuse matters, the movie depicts the guns being replaced as the waist guns, not those in the tail.
This is an important distinction because in the 2001 movie Pearl Harbor it is suggested that the guns were replaced to lighten the weight of the airplanes. In addition, it is presented as a decision that was made on the spur of the moment, when it fact it was actually made at Eglin Air Force Base – long before the B-25s were ever aboard the USS Hornet. To further confuse matters, the movie depicts the guns being replaced as the waist guns, not those in the tail.


=== Did the phrase “the whole nine yards” really come from the length of machine gun belts in World War II? ===
=== Did the phrase “the whole nine yards” really come from the length of machine gun belts in World War II? ===
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The Norden bombsight was actually compromised before World War II ever began. Herman W. Lang, an inspector in the Norden factory, passed blueprints to the Germans in 1938.
The Norden bombsight was actually compromised before World War II ever began. Herman W. Lang, an inspector in the Norden factory, passed blueprints to the Germans in 1938.


As a matter of fact, it is likely that the secrecy surrounding the Norden bombsight stemmed more from Carl Norden’s desire for exclusive government contracts then any attempt at preventing the device from falling into enemy hands. By ensuring the bombsight’s secrecy, he made sure that his competitors – mainly the Sperry company – could not obtain a license to build it. Eventually, the secrecy “took [on] a life of its own” and mushroomed into the myth that is common today.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hart |first1=Dan |title=The Politics, Pickle Barrels, and Propaganda of the Norden Bombsight |url=http://www.museumofaviation.org/blog/the-politics-pickle-barrels-and-propaganda-of-the-norden-bombsight |website=Museum of Aviation |access-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20190423145610/http:/www.museumofaviation.org/blog/the-politics-pickle-barrels-and-propaganda-of-the-norden-bombsight |archive-date=23 April 2019 |date=23 April 2016}}</ref>
As a matter of fact, it is likely that the secrecy surrounding the Norden bombsight stemmed more from Carl Norden’s desire for exclusive government contracts then any attempt at preventing the device from falling into enemy hands. By ensuring the bombsight’s secrecy, he made sure that his competitors – mainly the Sperry company – could not obtain a license to build it. Eventually, the secrecy “took [on] a life of its own” and mushroomed into the myth that is common today.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hart |first1=Dan |title=The Politics, Pickle Barrels, and Propaganda of the Norden Bombsight |url=http://www.museumofaviation.org/blog/the-politics-pickle-barrels-and-propaganda-of-the-norden-bombsight |website=Museum of Aviation |access-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20190423145610/http:/www.museumofaviation.org/blog/the-politics-pickle-barrels-and-propaganda-of-the-norden-bombsight |archive-date=23 April 2019 |date=23 April 2016}}</ref>


It is important to note, however, that despite the excessive secrecy, the security measures during the war were taken seriously and sincerely believed by most servicemen.
It is important to note, however, that despite the excessive secrecy, the security measures during the war were taken seriously and sincerely believed by most servicemen.
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It is the equivalent of using a hand crank to start a car. While it is generally regarded as old fashioned in both the aviation and automobile worlds, it is much more common to come across an airplane that need to be hand propped, than it is a car that needs to be hand cranked.
It is the equivalent of using a hand crank to start a car. While it is generally regarded as old fashioned in both the aviation and automobile worlds, it is much more common to come across an airplane that need to be hand propped, than it is a car that needs to be hand cranked.


It is important to note that as soon as the propeller starts turning the airplane will want to move forward. Not fast enough to take off, but often fast enough to make it impossible to get back in the cockpit. Therefore, before hand-propping an airplane, the pilot must take one of two precautions. If flying alone, they will tie down the tail in such a way that it can be released after entering the cockpit. If flying with another person, that person will simply hold down the brakes with their foot.
It is important to note that as soon as the propeller starts turning the airplane will want to move forward. Not fast enough to take off, but often fast enough to make it impossible to get back in the cockpit. Therefore, before hand-propping an airplane, the pilot must take one of two precautions. If flying alone, they will tie down the tail in such a way that it can be released after entering the cockpit. If flying with another person, that person will simply hold down the brakes with their foot.


=== What is the benefit of a variable pitch propeller? ===
=== What is the benefit of a variable pitch propeller? ===
On a variable pitch propeller the angle of the blades can be changed – usually in flight. This is contrasted with a fixed pitch propeller, on which the angle of the blade is fixed.
On a variable pitch propeller the angle of the blades can be changed – usually in flight. This is contrasted with a fixed pitch propeller, on which the angle of the blade is fixed.


A variable pitch propeller performs much the same function as the transmission on a car, with each different angle being similar to a different gear. Therefore, flying an airplane with a fixed pitch propeller would be like driving a car with only a single gear.
A variable pitch propeller performs much the same function as the transmission on a car, with each different angle being similar to a different gear. Therefore, flying an airplane with a fixed pitch propeller would be like driving a car with only a single gear.
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=== What is the difference between a rotary and radial engine? ===
=== What is the difference between a rotary and radial engine? ===
Rotary and radial engines are often confused and their names interchanged incorrectly. Simply put, in a rotary engine the entire cylinder block rotates around a fixed crankshaft, while a in radial engine the cylinder block is fixed and the crankshaft rotates.
Rotary and radial engines are often confused and their names interchanged incorrectly. Simply put, in a rotary engine the entire cylinder block rotates around a fixed crankshaft, while a in radial engine the cylinder block is fixed and the crankshaft rotates.


=== Why do radial engines leak oil? ===
=== Why do radial engines leak oil? ===
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== Specifications ==
== Specifications ==
=== How many rounds did planes carry?/How long could the guns fire? ===
=== How many rounds did planes carry?/How long could the guns fire? ===
The most common gun used on American aircraft during World War II was the Browning AN/M2 .50 caliber machine gun. It had a fire rate of 750 to 850 rounds per minute. The number of rounds carried varied based on the type of aircraft and mounting. The P-51D, for example, carried 400 rounds on each of the inboard guns and 270 rounds for each of the center and outboard guns. So a P-51D pilot had a maximum firing time of 30 seconds (400 rpg / [800 rpm / 60 s]) – although four of the six guns would only last just over 20 seconds.
The most common gun used on American aircraft during World War II was the Browning AN/M2 .50 caliber machine gun. It had a fire rate of 750 to 850 rounds per minute. The number of rounds carried varied based on the type of aircraft and mounting. The P-51D, for example, carried 400 rounds on each of the inboard guns and 270 rounds for each of the center and outboard guns. So a P-51D pilot had a maximum firing time of 30 seconds (400 rpg / [800 rpm / 60 s]) – although four of the six guns would only last just over 20 seconds.


In the Pacific, pilots complained when the new “-4” variant of the F4F was introduced. Compared to the “-3” variant it added two additional guns, bringing the total to six. The additional guns reduced the total number of rounds per gun, and therefore the total firing time. Noted pilot Jimmy Thatch argued that, “the pilot who will miss with four .50-caliber guns won't be able to hit with eight.”
In the Pacific, pilots complained when the new “-4” variant of the F4F was introduced. Compared to the “-3” variant it added two additional guns, bringing the total to six. The additional guns reduced the total number of rounds per gun, and therefore the total firing time. Noted pilot Jimmy Thatch argued that, “the pilot who will miss with four .50-caliber guns won't be able to hit with eight.”
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== Other Questions ==
== Other Questions ==
=== How long does a dogfight last? ===
=== How long does a dogfight last? ===
Most dogfights, as aerial battles between two airplanes are known, happen very quickly. In fact, according to one study, “roughly 80% of all fighter victims in war are shot down unaware of their attacker”. In other words, 80% of all fighter combat has an effective duration of 0 seconds.
Most dogfights, as aerial battles between two airplanes are known, happen very quickly. In fact, according to one study, “roughly 80% of all fighter victims in war are shot down unaware of their attacker”. In other words, 80% of all fighter combat has an effective duration of 0 seconds.


It must be remembered that aerial combat is extremely physically exhausting. Fighter combat often involves pilots “pulling” multiple Gs that multiply their body weight many times over. In addition, before the invention of boosted controls, the only force the pilot had to move the control surfaces was his own brute strength.
It must be remembered that aerial combat is extremely physically exhausting. Fighter combat often involves pilots “pulling” multiple Gs that multiply their body weight many times over. In addition, before the invention of boosted controls, the only force the pilot had to move the control surfaces was his own brute strength.
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