P-40 Warhawk with dirigible tanks... what?

[Scott Rose]

Well this is something different... and new to me.


P-40E-1 Warhawk/41-25074/879 fitted with 2 dirigible wing tanks with wooden sway braces, October 24, 1942.
[Source: Keith Walker Collection via WIX/FB]

[raconnel]

Helium filled for extra lift.

Look at the installation angle - were they assuming that the plane would have to fly at a high angle of attack to compensate for the extra weight?

Richard

[Kyleb]

Helium filled for extra lift.

Look at the installation angle - were they assuming that the plane would have to fly at a high angle of attack to compensate for the extra weight?

Richard

Almost certainly. Max range cruise with that much external drag and weight is gonna be relatively slow, meaning a fairly high AOA.

[Randy Wilson]

Or, perhaps there was a CG issue as the tanks were emptied? Just a thought. Randy

[Mark Allen M]

Spitfire


P-51 American Beauty


P-51C


P-51C


Drop Tank Is Attached To The Belly Of A Republic P-47 At 11Th Combat Crew Replacement Center, England. 8 July 1943

[Archer]

Look at the installation angle - were they assuming that the plane would have to fly at a high angle of attack to compensate for the extra weight?

I would hazard a guess at a ground clearance issue during TO and landing.

[old iron]

Is this how P-47s reached the vicinity of Berlin?