View Single Post
  #14  
Old 04-17-2012, 10:47 AM
Sutts Sutts is offline
Approved Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robo. View Post
R.M.3.S. is stating +12lbs. as Combat Power Rating for the Merlin XII - 1280hp/3000rpm/10500ft/+12 lbs.

+12.lbs was only possible with BCC-O engaged anyway as far I know.

Take-off power was stated as 1175hp/3000rpm/+12.5 lbs

Perhaps they considered the BCC-O as maximum power hence CPR in the manual. I am sure the manual deals with the limits of the usage and reporting / justifying it's use in combat. +12lbs @ 3000rpm was maximum strain you could ever put onto that engine. There are anecdotal stories about Spitfires (I don't know if they were Merlin XIIs or IIIs tbh) scrambling to intercept a raid at some important target in Lodnon. 6 took-off, BCC-O used straight away to climb asap. The result was that some had to turn back with failures and all of them needed overhaul I suppose. I'll try to dig that story as I might be wrong with details.



Agreed completely, that would be great!

Thanks Robo, I'd really like to see that story.

Do you find it strange how they'd allow 12 Lb boost for 3 mins on take off but not in combat when the pilot's life and aircraft were at risk? Am I missing something? Does 12 Lbs boost at ground level put less strain on the engine?
Reply With Quote