fw 190a5 flight model

[K_Freddie]

Originally Posted by Oryx

Wing loading is measured in kg/m^2 - it is mass divided by area, not force divided by area. Unless you live in a different universe than us, throttle setting cannot change either the mass of the aircraft or the area of the wing.

Wouldn't weight be effected by mass + G-loading with is dependent on AOA, coupled with speed, which is controlled by throttle setting ?

Something a pilot would know instinctively..

Edt: Terminology correction.. 'Mass effect' not being consistent as weight changes. =>> Wing loading = Force / wing area (for want of a basic formula)

[JtD]

No, mass does not change with g. Weight does.

[K_Freddie]

Ja, you're right.. Sorry, I forgot for a moment

[K_Freddie]

I got a bit curious seeing that we're on about the Spit-vs-FW190. decided to have a look at the specs on wiki (if you can trust such a source - no smoke without a fire)

2 specs I find interesting are loaded weight and max takeoff weight. In both case on wiki, the Spits (Vb and XIV) loaded weight is only around 250Kgs below max takeoff weight. whereas the FW (A8 and D9) is a whopping 500Kgs. This is for a heavier aircraft with a weaker engine ??

This make me think that the Spit when loaded is simply flying closer to it's limit of staying in the air, than the FW even with it's higher wing loading. Which might encourage Spit pilots not to get happy about tight dogfights and rather use hit and run, which seemed to be the norm in the latter part of the war.

Something to think about

[JtD]

Maximum take off weight has nothing to do with the ability of the plane to 'just stay in the air'.

Additionally, figures on wikipedia are wrong, for instance loaded weight (8488 lbs) is used for the stated Spitfire XIV maximum take off weight (9278 lbs with 90 gal drop tank).

[K_Freddie]

You'll find an airline pilot will not take off if his a/c is too heavy (close or beyond recommended takeoff weight)... there must be a reason for this.

[JtD]

Yes, there is. In fact there are several.