Amerika Bomber

[ysi_maniac]

A possible contribution for future Alternative Luftwaffe:

http://www.luft46.com/prototyp/me264.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Me_264
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focke-Wulf_Ta_400
http://www.luft46.com/fw/fwta400.html

[ysi_maniac]

Thinking about this project: unconnected ideas

Mission flight would be about 20 hours going and 20 hours returning. This means double crew and beds in cabin.
Strategic recon needed too with the same constraints.

More comments?

[batmancustoms]

Awesome idea. Im erking on somthing wich based on the bomber , but wont look anything like orginal and might be more scifi than reality.

[MAD]

I have always liked the idea of a 'what if' evolution of the Do19 or Ju89 heavy bomber if either had of been put into production!
Would be great if we (forum members!!!) had a crack at doing some progressive 'what if' profiles...........more powerful engines; longer wing span; refined aerodynamics; more advanced defensive armaments / turrets; long-range maritime patrol variants; Eastern Front cammo and markings etc...........


M.A.D

[ysi_maniac]

What if Amerika Escort Fighter?
A common airframe for this role and Strategic Recon.

The point of this thread is:
Was it really possible, with the technology of early 40s, to perform proper global -without airbases all around the world- bombing operations?
From Germany or Norway maybe, not only US, but Persian Gulf, beyond Urals, ...

Answering batmancustoms:
This approach could be considered scific in 40s, no?

[sequoiaranger]

>Was it really possible, with the technology of early 40s, to perform proper global -without airbases all around the world- bombing operations?<

Yes. The Boeing B-15 and the Convair B-36 were "intercontinental bombers". But what was the point? The necessary huge size meant easy targets and slow speed. The main obstacle seemed to be fuel. The Junkers Ju-390, Me-264, etc. could not have taken off with the weight of fuel necessary to span the Atlantic and return, much less carry a bombload.

The advent of in-air refueling meant that smaller, faster craft could be used.

[famvburg]

      As I understand the B-36, it had the altitude to evade fighters, especially as it burned off fuel, it could climb even higher, even to evade MiG-15s & other early jets.

>Was it really possible, with the technology of early 40s, to perform proper global -without airbases all around the world- bombing operations?<

Yes. The Boeing B-15 and the Convair B-36 were "intercontinental bombers". But what was the point? The necessary huge size meant easy targets and slow speed. The main obstacle seemed to be fuel. The Junkers Ju-390, Me-264, etc. could not have taken off with the weight of fuel necessary to span the Atlantic and return, much less carry a bombload.

The advent of in-air refueling meant that smaller, faster craft could be used.

[ysi_maniac]

Planes designed for long range use to have big wing.
What is the matter, increasing wingspan or increasing wing area?

Thanks

[sagallacci]

For things like the B-36, a bit of both. Ideally, a high aspect (long, thin) wing gives you the best long range, and higher altitude needs more area and/or more speed to keep aloft. The most extreme example would be the Lockheed U-2, which had huge sailplane like wings, and at altitude was fly just under Mach 1 and just over stall speed. The B-36, in the various featherweigth versions especially, wasn't flying nearly as high or as fast, but was above most interceptors and could do so for hours on end. An extra advantage to higher altitude ops is the simple practicality of less drag/better speed/range, providing you could get there to begin with.

An early to mid WWII type would be hard pressed for that kind of performance, mostly due to engines not up to the task. Very long range would be possible, but only at moderate altitude and speed, and likely a sitting duck as previously noted. However, even then there was the suggestion of over the target boosting, with jets or rockets, for extra speed and/or altitude for a short attack dash.