Twin-Whirlwind & Catalina…

[Tophe]

On the TGplanes forum, Wuzak objected to my tractor 3-engined P-38:
Would one of the disadvantages of using a 3 engined version of a twin be the reintroduction of a torque effect, or the increasing of the torque effect on twin engined aircraft whose props turn in the same direction?
My answer:
I've been told once (on this forum I think) that countra-rotating propellers were uselessly complicated, only for French unskillfull pilots of the 1930s... So, if classical 4-engine planes had 4 propellers rotating in the same direction, why not 3 on a 3-engine?
But anyway, I try to answer the objection... The danger of torque is asymmetry at take off, so one way to counter it is to have an opposite lift asymmetry: thus the P-38-3-improved below, simply... Still uncomfortable? Well, let we install on the central engine a contra-rotating double propeller (P-38-3best below) and the torque specificity from the 3rd engine simply disappears... Acceptable?

[B777LR]

Tophe, you remember that streamlined P-38 without wings you did some time ago?

[Tophe]

Amazing! nice!
but ... am I a sad realist  without realizing it?  

[Tophe]

The danger of torque is asymmetry at take off, so one way to counter it is to have an opposite lift asymmetry

The TGP member nick-named Lightning objected:
The problem with using aerodynamic measures (e.g. more lift on one side than the other) to offset the effects of torque and "P-Factor" is that it only works for one power-airspeed combination. Adding a wing with more lift on one side would be even worse since its lift would become more and more out of balance with the other wing as airspeed increased. This might offset torque at the lower takeoff speed, but what about during climb-out, transition to cruise, or when flying at maximum speed?
I answered:
You are right, Lightning, but a solution does exist: variable geometry, adjusting the lift to the need. Of course, a variable sweep would not change the lift but variable span and variable chord do. Thus the P-38-3v layout. Its engines have been moved forward, for the retracting wing to find room...

[B777LR]

Twin-stuka

[Tophe]

This twin-Ju-87 is great!  Uh, today September 11th in the USA (already 12th morning here), I won't say "lovely" reminding that the Stuka was so dreadful to attack civilians... fortunately, with your angle, there is no evil swastika, and this may be a peaceful racer 1946. ^_^  

[Tophe]

For the 3-engined P-38, the TGP member Read Admiral said about torque countering:
"Reggiane used an asymmetric tail."
I answered:
"And here is the slight asymmetry of a starboard extended tailplane on 3-engined P-38. This is more moderate, but this is rather sad... I know these days were not smiling and maybe this was the right way. Not built either, anyway"

[B777LR]

Have a look at this french twin-boom UAV
http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2006/...electronic.html

[Tophe]

I knew it, thanks.

[B777LR]

[B777LR]

[B777LR]

A twin-boom lancaster might be coming soon

[B777LR]

They are here now...    

[B777LR]

[Tophe]

They are here now...  

They are much welcome, what beauties...
Question: what is the last one, called V1.jpg as file name? a Lancaster twin-boom? (Glenn has built a twin-fuselage Lancaster, but this would be the first twin-boom Lanc I think...)