X-Mozilla-Keys:                                                                                 
Gaddy, Robert G wrote:

For Jeff Sptizer,

I think that was me (Paul Lamar) Robert and not Jeff.

In the Air Force, I flew a non-pressurized jet (strange thing when you think
about it) and was not allowed by regulation to fly above 24,000 feet.  The
danger of the bends and hypoxia is great at this altitude, and gets worse
very quickly.  There were also rules about going to altitude within 24 hours
after compression diving.  I know from experience that it is very
uncomfortable to be at that altitude for over about 1 hour.  The AF
automatic breathing system was scheduling essentially 100% O2 at that
altitude, another scary thing.

I would think that a design point goal of 24,000 feet or less would be
better than 30,000.  The difference is relatively great (standard pressure
at 24,000 ft is 5.70 psi and at 30,000 ft is 4.37).

Paul Yaw was kind enough to share with me (off line) some suggestions about
turbo size, based on his experience with a turbo engine for an amphib (shown
on this web site). I plan to depend on his expertise when my time comes,
however nothing beats getting in the books and doing the math.

Rob Gaddy

Thanks. I had forgotten about that. I guess I will have to use 24,000
feet as my
goal instead. On the other hand I would also like to set some rotary
engine 
altitude records.

BTW most WW II fighter planes would go to 40K or so. What was done
in those days at those altitudes? I guess the bomber stream never got
that
high on second thought.

Paul Lamar
 
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