Is an open radiator more vulnerable to damage than a closed one?

[illegalBeagle]

Flak/gunfire damage that is. I seem to recall that closed cowl flaps/radiator does protect the engine. Anyone know for sure?

[EJGr.Ost_Caspar]

If any, it depends on the plane type. Radiators and radiator flaps are offen designed differently.

In game: I'm not sure, but as long as they are modeled as collision object, they would have impact on bullet energy. Much probably its varying all through the planes in game.

[WTE_Galway]

They also have a significant effect on performance of some aircraft.

A case in point is the Lagg 3 that flies like a pregnant sow at lower speeds if the radiator cowl is open.

[EJGr.Ost_Caspar]

Yes, they increase drag.

[Treetop64]

They also have a significant effect on performance of some aircraft.

A case in point is the Lagg 3 that flies like a pregnant sow at lower speeds if the radiator cowl is open.

The LaGG-3 flies like a pregnant sow, period. Just less so if the radiator cowl is closed. :mrgreen: