F8F Bearcat Ideas

[The Big Gimper]

I was thinking of putting a R-4360 with a Contra-prop up front. Use the 1/72 Valom XF8B-1 resin cowling, engine and props. Pilots called it the Scare-bear. 

[kitnut617]

Or you could use a cowling from one of the Reno Sea Furys, Dreadnought or Furious, they both used R-4360's

[Geoff]

I did a JMSDF one in overall Sea Blue Gloss

[elmayerle]

If I was going to put a R4360 on a Bearcat, I'd add an extension in fron of the tail, much like the difference between the FW-190A and FW-190D, in order to maintain stability and control.

[The Big Gimper]

If I was going to put a R4360 on a Bearcat, I'd add an extension in fron of the tail, much like the difference between the FW-190A and FW-190D, in order to maintain stability and control.

How long should do you think the extension should be Evan?  2'? 3'?

[elmayerle]

It looks like the Fw-190D airframe stretched by nearly five feet (4.99 ft per wikipedia).  That includes the lengthed engine installation as was as the constant-section stretch on the tail.  I'd reckon a similar combination would work with the Bearcat, between the longer cowl for the R4360 and the tail extension for balance.

[The Big Gimper]

It looks like the Fw-190D airframe stretched by nearly five feet (4.99 ft per wikipedia).  That includes the lengthed engine installation as was as the constant-section stretch on the tail.  I'd reckon a similar combination would work with the Bearcat, between the longer cowl for the R4360 and the tail extension for balance.

Doh!!! That is a RTFM. 

Thanks.

[jcf]

Installed dimension comparison, includes induction system.

F8F-2, R-2800-30W
Diameter: 53.00"
Length: 92.75"
Weight: 2560 lbs.

F2G-1, R-4360-4
Diameter: 52.50"
Length: 96.75"
Weight: 3400 lbs.

XF8B-1, R-4360-10(semi-production)
Diameter: 52.50"
Length: 130.75"
Weight: 3785 lbs.

[elmayerle]

Yeah, whatever R4360 installation you used, you'd need the tail farther aft for balance and control purposes.  I think my previous position still holds.

[kitnut617]

Supermarine did it a different way, as the engine weight increased at the front,  they stack counter-weights in the tail on a special frame which is just in front of the tail assembly joint.

That Morgan and Shacklady book is really informative with little details like that.

[elmayerle]

Fascinating.  The thing is, with the larger and longer cowling, you're going to need to move the tail aft anyway for strictly aerodynamic balance purposes (well, you don't have to, but the pilot would definitely appreciate the easier level of control forces necessary if you do).

[kitnut617]

Can making the tailplane bigger still accomplish the same thing Evan,  Supermarine seemed to have different ideas along those lines.  When you compare the tail surfaces on a Spitfire Mk.I to the tail surfaces on the Mk.22/24, the later ones are almost twice as big in area.

[The Big Gimper]

When they put the R4360 in front of the Corsair, was the fuselage or empennage enlarged in anyways?

[kitnut617]

It was made into a bubble top BG so less fuselage, it had enlarge tail surfaces though.  My model of it doesn't seem to be any longer except for the added engine length, which according to wiki, is only 5" longer overall, 33'-4" as to 33'-9" for the F2G

[elmayerle]

Can making the tailplane bigger still accomplish the same thing Evan,  Supermarine seemed to have different ideas along those lines.  When you compare the tail surfaces on a Spitfire Mk.I to the tail surfaces on the Mk.22/24, the later ones are almost twice as big in area.

Well, it will have some of the same effects if I remember the relationships correctly.  Still, I reckon 'twould induce increased loads on the controls.

[The Big Gimper]

Can making the tailplane bigger still accomplish the same thing Evan,  Supermarine seemed to have different ideas along those lines.  When you compare the tail surfaces on a Spitfire Mk.I to the tail surfaces on the Mk.22/24, the later ones are almost twice as big in area.

Well, it will have some of the same effects if I remember the relationships correctly.  Still, I reckon 'twould induce increased loads on the controls.

I bought an 1/72 Art Model F8F for this project from Modelsua. When it gets delivered in a few weeks, I see what can be done to lengthen the fuselage and/or enlarge the horizontal stabilizers. I'll leave the vertical stab alone as the kit is a -2.

[GTX_Admin]

What about a twinned bearcat (swilling style) instead of the Tigercat?

[finsrin]

What about attaching F5F or F7F wings for three engine hot rod ?

[elmayerle]

What about attaching F5F or F7F wings for three engine hot rod ?

You'd probably need a F7F aft fuselage and tail for weight and balance purposes.  Though I'd add a vertical fin strake and use the F8F bubble canopy.

[ysi_maniac]

Jet Bearcat

[Volkodav]

RAN FAA Bearcat supplied from USN stocks to supplement the existing Hellcats for service off Korea in the RANs two Implacable Class carriers.  EDSG over Sky FAA scheme.