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[Ukrainian Ranger]

I am planning to propose that:

12. Design a new  engine for use only in fighters
(feel free to sub this with details engines is not something I know well)

13. Start modernization of Sparrow (Sparrow MK3)
a) Try to use newer, lighter materials, even if that will raise the cost of the fighter considerably. We value pilots more than money
b) Work on improving aerodynamics and fixing flaws noticed by pilots
c) Try to adapt to the new engine (If one of acceptable quality designed) by either lengthening the hull or making it smaller depending on what dimensions the new engine will have. Should it be not possible use the old one
d) Add two 15mm machineguns in wings to double firepower

MK2 should be the one with engine designed this turn

[evilcherry]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_liquefaction

thoughts?

Well, I mean, with our horrendous lack of fuel, and a surplus of coal, we need to do something.

[3_14159]

On the engine: Maybe add that compatibility with the Sparrow airframe is not necessary. Just like the Sparrow Mk. III does not need to have a new engine refitted if it won't fit.
Therewith, we'd basically trade a bit higher combat power now for higher combat power with a new fighter.

@evilcherry: Looks like we can do that. I'm not sure whether we need so research it or can just build it, though.

[Funk]

Yes let put a small team on that and see if we can run Ethanol or Methanol in our trucks and tanks.
Our aircraft need the maximum amount of energy per kg from there fuel, and there most likely to have aluminum engines which are corroded by Methanol.

Methanol can be produced from biomass gasification and catalytic hydrogenation.
Let not miss out wood gas generators which are cheap, easy to build and fit the time frame.

As all the technologys i have listed were in use by 1920 so the odds are our engineers understand them.

fuel's equivalent energy

[evilcherry]

I personally think a new fighter similar to the Sparrow is unnecessary, at least at the moment. We can just upgrade it bit by bit, but I doubt it would be practical to use it with our (albatross?) big strategic bomber (which design should be top priority this turn), for range and ceiling considerations.

OTOH, while usually I hate heavy fighters, but we might need an escort fighter, capable of actually protecting the Albatross, with range and ceiling as main considerations. This means it might be necessary for it to be two-engined (or even worse twin-bodied like the Twin Mustang) to carry all the fuel needed for the trip.

Luckily as Ebbor definitely valued engine power much in aircraft capability calculations they won't be too shabby.

[Patrick Hunt]

We can use external tanks to give it the range and just drop them over enemy territory, with Crow as a midway launching point if we built an airfield on it.

[kahn1234]

I still think we need a Squad automatic weapon that can be serviced by one man, whilst also being lighter and more accurate/deadly with a higher rate of fire. We do not have one at the moment (and no, Taricus, the 2 man LMG does not mean 'we already have one'....).

[Ukrainian Ranger]

And I think that we need weapons that are useful in our current situation....

[Patrick Hunt]

Zeta.1 ok UR?

I just wanna make sure high altitude will get them through before we start risking lives on real runs.

[evilcherry]

Kahn I guess you really wanted something akin to the BAR right?

[Funk]

Lets have it use 8x54mm bullets in 80 round pans.
Aim for say 900 rpm, the barrel should have multiple aluminum fins to help with cooling as well provide a handle to help with the barrel changes.
im thinking of some thing like a MG 34 crossed with a  Degtyaryov machine gun.
a BAR copy will not be able to put out the volume we need.

[Taricus]

Kahn, We ALREADY have a SAW. As I said, we just aren't producing it yet.

[evilcherry]

Kahn, We ALREADY have a SAW. As I said, we just aren't producing it yet.

I guess he hated the fact that it cannot be crewed by a single man. Personally, though, I would think anything we made would either be an SMG, a full-sized LMG, or a BAR.

In addition I have to say mounting large caliber cannons on fighters hardly works. Our 15mm gun is not bad at taking out lightnings (actually who thought of such a positive name for enemy fighters in the first place...), but our inability to move fighters into firing positions is self-evident.

In theory once we outspeed them they would be sitting ducks.

[3_14159]

Well, I'm against mounting the 40mm gun on the Sparrow, too, mostly due to the fact that it weights two tons, nearly as much as the fighter.

But thanks for proposing the electronic expert... I knew I had forgotten something.

[Taricus]

Yeah, After thinking about it, I may just try and design a bomber instead. But an air search RADAR system for our sparrows., Who thinks that it's a good idea?