Radiator Scoops

[Librarian]

Probably a dumb question but is there an aerodynamic reason for placing a fuselage-mounted scoop by the wing's trailing edge e.g. P-51 or MB5...DB601 designs such as Ki-61, MC202/205 etc. There seems to have been a progression of scoops from the front, centre to the rear although not chronological. Was it just aesthetics on the designers' part or just put it where it fits?

Any info gratefully received .

[wuzak]

I suspect it is about the volume required to house the radiator and the required space for the inlet and outlet ducts. The duct transitions cannot be too abrupt, or poor internal aerodynamics will cause more drag.

And there may be a degree of weight balancing involved.

[dogsbody]

The Meredith Effect:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meredith_effect


Chris

[Librarian]

Many thanks. Fascinating....wondered a lot about the drag caused by those radiators. Something to work with .