bf109 and p47 engines very fragile why

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Originally Posted by bobbysocks

P 47 watercooled??

Negative. The P&W R-2800 Double Wasp was air-cooled - hence the giant cowl flaps, and big open front surface. I believe oil and turbosupercharger were also air-cooled. Historically, lack of dependence on a liquid cooling system is another reason for the ability of the engine to sustain damage and keep going - much like the rest of the P-47.

The DB 601/605, however, was liquid cooled - as was the Merlin. So, damage to the cooling system was just as critical as damage to the engine itself.