In a message dated 6/24/2009 7:13:51 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
rotaryeng@earthlink.net writes:

The  hard  part may be in finding the Sun to Planetary gear that is the
same
ratio,  and gives counter rotation, but it appears to have the  fewest
physical  obstacles to the  desired modification. I willl  also ckeck out
AIRMASTER
AND VESTA.

About the "one engine out"  thing - the P-38 has  two rudders (directly in
the prop thrust line),  and there is always  "cheating" and building them a
little over-size.  This is the case with the  cockpit that came out 21 3/4"
wide
at  60%. I will have to cheat there to  get a minimum of 24" width. At 6'
7"
and 280 lbs, I think I will have to do  a wood mock-up, just to be  sure.

I knew I could count on super-terrific  ideas from you guys!  Already a
wealth of stuff in just 7 replies so  far!     Bernie.


Bernie,

It is not simply a matter of where  the rudder(s) is(are) located. When you
loose an engine, there is severe  asymmetric force put on the airframe.
Although  a rudder directly in  back of the prop blast will mitigate the
problem
somewhat, I doubt that it  will have the  curative effect you think. If
this were the case, the  selection of counter rotating props in the 38 would
have  been a moot  point as the increased expense (Not in $ but in
maintenance
and   parts). When you loose an engine, the drag created by the "bad" side
as
well as  the prop must be counteracted. Perhaps a knowledgeable  aero
engineer
type can  chime in.

Rich

I think the P38  pilots were told to bail when they lost an engine :)

Paul Lamar

Paul,

I think that there was a big problem in bailing out of the 38. Pilots would
eject but would be hit by the horizontal stabilizer. (similar to the
bailout of  a pusher aircraft) I heard, but cannot be sure, that there were
explosive  charges which would go off, severing the tail booms to allow for a
semi-safe  bailout.

Rich

Quote P38 POI


"EMERGENCY EXIT:

Recommended Method:

Slow down as much as possible (below 200 mph) and trim the
airplane in an approximately level attitude. If time permits
head airplane towards an unpopulated area. Pull the emergency
hatch release control (fig. 23-4) to release the top hatch,
crank or push either side window down, crawl out and slide
off the wing head first.

Alternate Method:

If it is still possible to control the airplane, turn
the airplane upside down, unhook the safety belt and fall out."


Paul Lamar