Warbird Information Exchange

While it's pretty widely known that the Germans used nitrous oxide in some of their fighters and bombers, I'd be curious to know if that was something specifically engineered for them (initially), or if a clever mechanic-type tinkered with it until all of the bugs got worked out. Does anyone know for sure?

Either way, that's a pretty solid form of "hot rodding."

Gary

It is mentioned, in the Osprey Aircraft of the Aces series, vol. about the Fokker DR.I Aces, pertaining Josef Jacobs, from Jasta 7, that the Oberursel engine original to the DR I were wearing out in time and he liked the plane so much that he offered a case of champagne to the frontline troops nearby for any good rotary engine they brought from allied aircraft shot down nearby. And he is quote by "I never lacked engines after that"

The injection of nitro and water in german engines was, if I'm not mistaken, due to their lack of turbocharger technology. I would call it series hotroding (and shorting those engines life considerably. Truly "live fast, die young").

best!

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rreis

If you want pictures, see rreis@flickr

The nitrous oxide systems in some German fighters was engineered and installed in production. Another reason it was used is because Germany couldn't produce high octane aviation gas. There gas was at best 87 octane which is not high enough to avoid detonation at the pressures and temperatures needed so the nitrous system was devised.

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"I can't understand it, I cut it twice and it's still too short!" Robert F. Dupre' 1923-2010 Go With God.