|
Cap Mandrake -> RE: More G4m's. (1/25/2009 4:39:44 PM)
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: wwengr
The wingspan of the Betty is 25 meters and the length is 20 m, so by some simple visual metrics, you can conclude that the aircraft are flying in "Ground Effect". This occurs when the aircraft is less than a Wing Span from the surface. Look at the water and it is clear that the air is near calm. The surface is smooth.
In ground effect, the aircraft gets additional lift as the wingtip vortices are disrupted, making the wing more effective. As a pilot, I can assure you that over a level surface, it is quite easy to fly in ground effect without hitting the ground. Typically, if the aircraft is not trimmed well, the flying response in ground effect is to rise away from the surface, if the pilot were to stop control inputs. At torpedo release, the aircraft becomes lighter, so it will tend to rise.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but these aircraft are flying fairly clean at high speed. It would take deliberate control inputs to get the aircraft to hit the surface (either that or a serious compromise to the integrity of the wings or airframe). All of the pilot's concentration has to be spent keeping the aircraft from rising.
Yes..there are several amazing things about that pic. The flak bursts are right down on the deck. Some of the rounds are even going into the water. Plus there had to be a ship in that position to take the pic (unless it was taken from another bomber)
I don't even think they could release the torp safely at that altitude. The splash would damage the aircraft, I think.
|
|
|
|
