Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Robe

The Bf-109's landing gear arrangement was barely adequate as it was. It's not clear how it could have been beefed up given that it had to retract outward into a fairly thin wing. Many Bf-109's suffered collapsed landing gears -- especially when operating from rough airfield in the East.

A better choice would have been the FW-190A. It had a wide-track landing gear that folded inward. Plus, it had a radial engine for ease of maintenance -- an important consideration for carriers. Folding wingtips, similar to the Zero could have been added.

Much is made of German aircraft designs making it to Japan. I guess German pride would have prevented the adoption of the A6M Zero.


43 posted on 07/26/2006 5:31:28 PM PDT by Tallguy (The problem with this war is the name... You don't wage war against a tactic.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies ]


To: Tallguy
Many Bf-109's suffered collapsed landing gears -- especially when operating from rough airfield in the East.

BF-109 also had weak wings. A little bit of damage and a tight turn could snap the wing. Wings were also unable to house high velocity 20mm cannon.

50 posted on 07/26/2006 5:51:24 PM PDT by fso301
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson