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Answer: NO

Posted by Joe on Wed Oct 17, 2001 09:03:24 PM

In reply top Warbird powerplants can they be built from scratch? posted by Tony on Tue Oct 16, 2001 02:33:02 PM

: With the warbird population of the world getting older, an
: d powerplants getting more scarce, would it be viable, to
: start building powerplants from scratch?
:
: Chiefly Merlins of course? Would their be a market? what s
: ort of cost, would make the exercise viable?
:
This has been studied by all of those involved in Warbirds from one time or another and the facts around this are rather startling. There are several myths...
Myth 1, Modern materials will make a better product, easier.
Untrue because in many cases the original alloy was chosen for both workability as well as durability, elasticity ect. Modern metals are not as easily worked and the original casting methods dont work with them. Because the engine block of the merlin is so complex machining it out is not an option when the ultimate yardstick is how much does an original cost.
Myth 2 There will be new merlins at a fraction of the cost of an original. No way. Look at what type of engines unlimited money builds, F1 automotive racing. Could Ferrari for instance or RR reproduce the Merlin given that budget? Of Course, but there is no economic incentive. Is that engine comparable to the Merlin, well its probably 4 times as complex, but that still leaves a 25M pricetag.
Myth 3 There is a NEED. There are 300 extant 51's and 100 Spitfires that could fly or are flying within 10 years. Most have engines. Assuming a replacement rate of 5 per year that makes 100 in 20 years, a good breakeven point? It is more of a stretch to believe that we will have 100LL fuel by that time. I doubt we will have cheap avgas in the US in 10 years.
Sorry

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