Interesting video

[gecko]

Came across this rather interesting video about B-17 performance and finish:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=420fO_-u0nE

In addition to fascinating and surprising info about the effect of paint vs bare metal finishes on performance, the first part of the video will be of interest to painters with some more data for the debate over how shiny aluminum aircraft skins should be.

 

[mongoose]

I assume all the same arguments for the 3 or so US fighters which also were wholly or partly unpainted, and other US bombers.

 

[Threedp]

Fascinating stuff! Answers some long standing questions of mine. Thanks for posting.

 

[MajorMagee]

Mid-war fighter construction techniques were along the same lines as the B-29 (butt joints and flush rivet heads), so bare finish would have been a net benefit.

 

[NachtPiloten]

How much faster were

flush rivets vs rounded?

 

[hairyspin]

flush rivets vs rounded?

I dunno, some aircraft used both types and you’d think they all flew at the same speed?

 

[sixstrings5859]

Thanks for sharing. Something i wondered about. Regards,Scott