Douglas A/B-26 Invader

Bomb bay spoilers














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Bomb bay spoilers

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The above photos show what were officially named the "bomb bay spoilers"
 
Several aero-acoustic suppression devices were evaluated at NACA, which were considered feasible for installation on A-26 Invader aircraft for flight test evaluation.
The most promising modification finally consisted of a swing down spoiler mounted in a slot, at the leading edge of the weapon bay and between the aft cockpit bulkhead. 
This device would be extended to a 90 degree vertical position during the bay doors opening sequence.
The spoiler was rotated flush with the fuselage during all other flight conditions. Wind tunnel tests showed that this spoiler improved the aero-acoustic environment within the open weapon bay and improved the weapon separation characteristics over the Mach range.
 
The pilots of early B-26B's without the spoilers, were advised not to open the bomb bay unless the airspeed was 240 mph or less. With the spoilers, the bomb bay doors could be opened at high speeds up to the red-line airspeed limit.
In certain cases the spoilers would remain extended eventhough the bomb bay doors were closed, due to hydraulic issues.
 
Note: On some aircraft, retractable spoilers were fitted to the underside of the fuselage, just forward of the bomb bay in order to induce turbulence within the bomb bay enabling the bomb to fall away, ( Sucking ), thus actually utilising "rough air" through the bomb bay as opposed to "smooth air" to achieve the desired effect.

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The above diagram was sent in by Scott Lindley and the guys at "Spirit of NC"
Thanks Scott
















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