TheBoy wrote:
...these same stresses were quite visible in the "Galloping Ghost." I always assumed it was due to a reduction in structure when the radiator & scoop was removed but thinking about it now, NA's "dive test loads" were probably pretty similar to what the Ghost was seeing on the course. I'd still think that there is some structural reduction in the Ghost as the same signs don't show up on the other "super 'stangs." Engineering and aerodynamics is an interesting thing.
This was the first thing I thought of when I saw the photos too.
I suspect the fuselage radiator hole missing on that aircraft actually made the fuselage stronger, rather than weaker. The lower longerons may have been more securely tied together in the Ghost configuration.
Note that at "100% design load" (limit load) all those wrinkles should go away with no permanent deformation once the load is removed.
I like the ammo door load test. Imagine seeing that when pulling out of a dive! No wonder they were strengthened- that is only at 2/3 of design load!