High altitude Lancaster

The Rat · January 30, 2021, 11:00:16 AM

I'm sure that this has been thought of before, maybe even modeled, but I haven't seen it, so here's the idea: Inspired by the 14,000 ft increase in altitude offered by the B-17, Avro gets to work on a Lancaster variant that can attain a similar altitude. To my mind (such as it is

) the obvious mod would be the same as what spawned the Lanc from the Manc; another rectangular section, this time outboard of the inboard engines. This obviously increases the span, giving more lift and a lower induced drag due to the higher aspect ratio. A (very) crude bash of a 3-view gives us this:

High altitude lancaster by Dave Bailey, on Flickr

Fuselage extensions may also be possible, so long as the increased weight does not compromise the quest for altitude. The supercharger would need to be modified for such an altitude, as the standard Merlin one was calibrated to operate best at 19,000 ft., if my sloppy research is accurate.

Since I'm rather technically challenged, to put it mildly, I'm probably missing some obvious things, so if anyone wants to improve, criticise, laugh (but not too loudly), go ahead.

chrisonord · January 30, 2021, 11:58:20 AM

My avro Kittleton is going to be a high altitude bomber with 6 Griffon engines, to help overcome problems with thin air at altitude it would have nitrous oxide tanks in the fuselage to give the engines a helping hand. Maybe this could be used on your Lancaster Rat?
Chris

McColm · January 30, 2021, 12:58:34 PM

Shackleton wings could help with Merlin engines , although a bit of work needs to be done to get the engines to fit on the undersides of the new wings.

PR19_Kit · January 30, 2021, 01:29:51 PM

IIRC The Wooksta did one like this some years ago, in blue and grey.

zenrat · January 30, 2021, 04:38:35 PM

How about a fifth engine (as in the prototype Pe-8), mounted in the fuselage over the bomb bay driving a compressor supplying compressed air to the ~~rotor tips~~ wing engines and a pressurised crew capsule?

The Wooksta! · January 30, 2021, 04:50:17 PM

Avro type 684

https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=23413.msg339502#msg339502

Developed version:

NARSES2 · January 31, 2021, 12:08:24 AM

Ah yes I remember that now

We obviously had a nice little "cellar" behind the What If banner as well

The Rat · January 31, 2021, 01:21:31 AM

Quote from: The Wooksta! on January 30, 2021, 04:50:17 PM
Avro type 684

https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=23413.msg339502#msg339502

Developed version:

LUVERLY!

PR19_Kit · January 31, 2021, 05:25:08 AM

That's the one I was thinking about, yes.

VERY impressive.

And huge with it!

McColm · January 31, 2021, 06:11:46 AM

Is that a Avro Vulcan canopy with what looks like a Avro Lancastrian nose?

The Wooksta! · January 31, 2021, 06:59:10 PM

Revell new tool Lancaster, with Lancastrian nose and tail cones. Deep bomb bay (a Tallboy dropped from 40,000 is going to go through ANYTHING!), underside turret & fairing. Lincoln rudders. Wings and engines from a Shacklton. Yes, Vulcan canopy.

jcf · February 02, 2021, 10:12:27 AM

Do one up high-altitude Wimpy style, Mk. V type of course as its longer more streamlined
fairing is more attractive. Turbosupercharged Merlins or Hercules, of course.

The Wooksta! · February 02, 2021, 11:02:16 AM

Erm, I did, if you click the link in my earlier post...

jcf · February 02, 2021, 01:55:38 PM

Quote from: The Wooksta! on February 02, 2021, 11:02:16 AM
Erm, I did, if you click the link in my earlier post...

Yes, I saw your post, and I remembered the build, but I'm speaking more explicitly resembling
the high-altitude Wimpy by also using a cylindrical pressure cabin.

kitnut617 · February 02, 2021, 02:09:18 PM

The real Avro Type 684, it had a fifth Merlin behind the fuselage scoop. Used for pressurization and turbo-charging the other four engines.