Fatfire - a spitfire variant

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AmtrSpitfireBuilder
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Fatfire - a spitfire variant

Post by AmtrSpitfireBuilder »

I have been thinking about a two-seater Spitfire, not in the style of the "Grace Spitfire", but a side-by-side "Fatfire". I am just building a rather rough and ready paper and card model of one just to see if it would look right. What do you think? Too fat? I haven't finished building the model yet but you can get a feel for what it would look like. I was just thinking that if you can keep the essence of a Spitfire (full size, Merlin/Allison engine, flight characteristics) but be able to properly share your experience with a buddy......... How cool would that be?
2013_0918_235825.JPG
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planecrazzzy
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Re: Fatfire - a spitfire variant

Post by planecrazzzy »

Seems "longer" not wider...

Aerodynamically it would have less drag ...

Plus... Keep the "look" more true...
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Just "My" two cents...
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Gotta Fly...
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Sometimes you just have to take the leap
and build your wings on the way down...
                Gotta Fly...
AmtrSpitfireBuilder
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Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2013 5:40 am

Re: Fatfire - a spitfire variant

Post by AmtrSpitfireBuilder »

Yes, I know what you mean about it seeming longer. I think that is a function of taking a picture of it at fairly close range. The wings look fatter too don't they? Also, why less drag with the fatter fuselage? Is it because the sides of the plane are filling the negative turbulence-causing pressure created when the air hits the front of the plane thus reducing the turbulence? Also, what do you think, if the radiator was behind the pilot I could keep the underside of the wings "clean". With the wider fuselage there would be plenty of room not that that was a problem for the P51D.
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planecrazzzy
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Re: Fatfire - a spitfire variant

Post by planecrazzzy »

I didn't say it "looked" longer...

I was saying instead of making it WIDER...

Make it LONGER... put the co pilot behind the pilot...

This way... The fuselage stays SKINNY...

If you make it wider... it will have MORE DRAG...
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What radiator ?
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Are you building a Scale plane or full size...

a scale plane probably has a smaller air cooled engine ...

Do you realize the cost of a full version ?

Just a 50% scale would cost over $30,000 ( Probably more )
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Gotta Fly...
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PS I'm sure you could find radiators that would fit...

If you spread them out... just adding more weight .

Just my two cents...
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Sometimes you just have to take the leap
and build your wings on the way down...
                Gotta Fly...
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