Vought-Sikorsky F4U Corsair in the wind tunnel ...

[WIX_Archive]

What the h*ll might as well post these too .... probably just me but these planes in wind tunnel photos are pretty cool. Show some amazing detail as well. Wind Tunnel testing January 1943

Part 1

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Part 2

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Part 3

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Part 4

F4U-1D Wing-Fold Tests February 17, 1945

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Part 5

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Part 6

[CAPFlyer]

I like them. It's interesting to see them testing modifications full-scale in the tunnel versus on scale models and how much work goes into doing it.

Doing something like that today is nearly impossible due to cost.

[bdk]

Tests like this allowed them to compare wind tunnel models to the full sized aircraft, thus validating that the models were sufficient by themselves to determine performance and stability. It also allowed them to validate the mathematical correction factors they were using.

[sdennison]

Awesome stuff!

[Mark Allen M]

Awesome stuff!

Thx, there's a lot more wind tunnel test "Awesome-ness" to post of just about every type of WW2 airplane. Some really amazing detail. I'll post some P-38, P-40 and P-47 photos after the main page clears of my other threads. Gettings a bit busy even for me

Don't want to burn you guys out now ....

[DH82EH]

Leave 'em wanting more, Eh Mark?

Well..........

We want more!!

Some really great stuff. I agree with CAPflyer, that this could not be done nowadays.

Thanks man!

Andy

[WIX_Archive]

No one's yelled "Uncle" yet ... so might as well keep going.

One of the main goals of posting photo threads is that perhaps there's something of value to someone or someone who enjoys old airplanes will learn something new he/she didn't know before. Like me.

[The Inspector]

I'm puzzled as to why the entire airplane is wrapped up like a birthday present with every seam taped or faired yet the 5 gallon bucket of a tailwheel opening is left wide open

[CAPFlyer]

I think they were testing "quick fixes" to reduce drag on the airframe. Also, that's not the tailwheel opening. That's the tailhook opening and I don't think enclosing that is a "quick fix".

[WIX_Archive]

Perhaps the Langley Research Center kept their F4U-1D from the photos I posted in this thread? I'll have to check the BuNo. Kind of cool if this is the case.