WIX Archives

Re: Mosquito redesign

Posted by bdk on Thu Sep 26, 2002 04:18:02 PM

In reply top Re: Mosquito Moulds posted by dumaresqc on Thu Sep 26, 2002 09:01:10 AM

Not a dumb question, but here are some answers...

1. Making a Mosquito out of another material entirely (like fiberglass or carbon fiber) would require significant design work to ensure adequate structural integrity.

2. There is nothing wrong with wood- the problem is related to the protection of the wood from the elements and the resistance of the glues used to moisture. Imagine what a carrier-borne DH Hornet had to go through. The best corrosion control methods always come from naval aviation!

2a. In modern times, aircraft such as these will not be stored outdoors for decades at a time (at least not a restored one).

2b. Modern varnishes that don't deteriorate over time (at least not noticeably) are commonplace.

2c. Adhesives that are highly resistant to moisture are also now available.

With an original Mosquito airframe, all you can do is protect what you have. You can do local repairs, but if significant deterioration is in evidence on the entire airframe, you are stuck with a static display.

A Mosquito airframe built to the original specifications will last indefinitely with appropriate storage. Any airframe, wood or metal, will not last indefinitely outdoors. A new build Mosquito airframe will likely use more modern varnishes and adhesives, more for availability and convenience sake than for any other reason.

My experience with wood comes from restoring the wings on a Stinson L-5B that I used to own. I must have done something right since it has yet to fall out of the sky. :0)

: Dumb question to some perhaps, heresy to others, but I kee
: p reading about problems keeping Mosquitos flying because
: of the difficulty maintaining the wood, which is completel
: y understandable. Especially given the fact that there we
: re problems even in wartime, particularly once they moved
: Mossies into India and the heat and humidity started getti
: ng to them. My thought doesn't relate to original Mossies
: , but rather to the suggestion of an airworthy replica.
:
: Would it be heresy, would it work, if someone tried making
: a replica Mosquito out of fiberglass and other composite
: materials? Someone's probably thought of this before, tho
: ugh I don't know if anyone has actually tried it. The end
: product would be an excellent replica, close in weight to
: the real thing, but much easier to maintain. And it seem
: s to me that some of the original arguements in favour Mos
: quito production would come into play here to, i.e. that l
: ess skilled labour could be used than for the construction
: of a metal airplane, and with simpler tools.
:
: Of course, due to its contruction this replica would be si
: gnificantly different than the original, unlike the replic
: a FW 190s for example. But it would be a tremendous tribu
: te to those that flew the Mossie into combat. It would al
: so be an amazing addition to the airshow circuit. And onc
: e in the air, what it was made of would not matter any mor
: e, it would still be a Mosquito flying by.
:
: Besides, if Mr. DeHavilland was alive today, would his dre
: am of a fast unarmed bomber able to reach Berlin be born i
: n wood, or in fiberglass and other modern materials? I th
: ink I know what his answer would be. I think he'd be very
: envious of the materials we have access to for the constr
: uction of lightweight aircraft.
:
: Just a thought, and I'd love to heard what others have to
: say.
:
: Charles
:
: P.S. donations gladly accepted if anyone wants me to get s
: tarted on this!!! I'm sure my wife wouldn't mind at all.
: And the kids would love it! I'd have it done in time for
: retirement!

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