05.02.2009, 03:33
Yes, hydraulic systems are indeed most common way nowadays. But using 'em during ww2 when aircraft we're much lighter and didn't require hydraulics to operate every surface makes lots of sense.
Pneumatic brakes had lots of shortcomings, but most fighters needed compressor for gun loading and some instruments so using same supply would make an easy choise.
Then there was the constant weight issue.. imagine barrel filled with hydraulic fluid vs same thing filled with compressed air. Also minor leakages would hurt less pneumatic system since compressor replenishes reservoir.
Anyways the mod would also require some research to apply it for correct aircraft. All US. had hydraulic systems I think. Gladiators, hurris, spits, lancs.. all britis had 'em I suspect. Falco & freccia from Italy.. suspecting all macchis too. French moranes had 'em. I-16/153 and yak-3 from russians. Since yak-3 had, I'm suspecting whole yak family had.. likely all soviet fighters knowing their aim for lightness.
>>>-H-K--->
Pneumatic brakes had lots of shortcomings, but most fighters needed compressor for gun loading and some instruments so using same supply would make an easy choise.
Then there was the constant weight issue.. imagine barrel filled with hydraulic fluid vs same thing filled with compressed air. Also minor leakages would hurt less pneumatic system since compressor replenishes reservoir.
Anyways the mod would also require some research to apply it for correct aircraft. All US. had hydraulic systems I think. Gladiators, hurris, spits, lancs.. all britis had 'em I suspect. Falco & freccia from Italy.. suspecting all macchis too. French moranes had 'em. I-16/153 and yak-3 from russians. Since yak-3 had, I'm suspecting whole yak family had.. likely all soviet fighters knowing their aim for lightness.
>>>-H-K--->