WIX Archives
Extrusions, not forgings...
Posted by bdk on Sun Feb 29, 2004 07:22:50 PM
In reply top Re: Pacific Fighters TP-51B/C ready for flight testing. posted by Rob Mears on Sun Feb 29, 2004 01:12:23 PM
Mustang longerons are extruded I-beams that are bent and machined to final shape. There are four main longerons. that form a box section (more or less) from the firewall to where the tailcone bolts on.
The big problems with longerons is the cost of a mill-run to get the basic shape extruded. I would suspect that the basic extrusion shape is the same as for a D-model, but I don't know for sure. In any case, there should be enough raw extrusion left over for many more.
Replacement longerons were first produced for the D-model back in the early to mid-eighties.
Still, as you indicate, creating an entire Mustang fuselage from scratch (B or D-model) is a major accomplishment.
: His primary source of pride for the center section was the
: new longerons he had febricated from scratch. These are
: the two thick forged strips that run from the firewall all
: the way back to the tail area. These apparently form the
: primary building blocks of the fuselage that all of the s
: heet metal bulkheads and skins are attached to. My guess
: is that his ability to produce these substantial parts now
: gives him the ability to produce fuselages at will.