Sorry if this has been covered before but does anyone know what was different about the Packard Merlin that required the bulge in the top of the engine cowling? I heard that this reduced stability and reduced the already poor forward visibility even more?
Also, any truth in the rumour that the Packard engined Spits were grounded for a period during the war due to a series of engine fires?
Ta 🙂
—
Allan
It seems that the ‘Bulged’ top cowling was also used on later IX’s with RR Merlins as well judging by the numerous Wartime photo’s I’ve seen. I’ve never heard about the reduced stability problem and I don’t think it made too much difference to the view, as it was never that good in the first place!
It’s interesting to note that all the airworthy MKIX’s today have this type of top cowling even though they may have had the original ‘Flat’ type. MH434 is a good example. I guess that over the years and even during the war they were changed at maintenance units or when in civilian hands.
It’s also interesting to note that all the wartime pictures I’ve seen of MKVIII’s, regardless of variant, have the ‘Flat’ type as opposed to the ‘Bulged’ type.
Maybe Mark 12 has something to say on this subject! 😉
Cheers
Paul
Sign In
