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[greybeard]

Hi Rebels!

Lately I experienced with Zero 52 some aborted missions during dynamic campaigns, caused by lack of fuel when RTB.

I think the 1400 km range given in flight model for all variants is excessive for late models and allows the mission generator making "impossible" missions. Also the 400 kg (540 liters) fuel weight for early variants and 427 kg (580 liters) for late ones I think is inaccurate.

I did some research, finding what follows, and I plan to update accordingly the "buttons" I make for personal use, but so far also included in SAS 4.09, courtesy of Epervier. I would be glad to know your opinion, as well as any pertaining evidence:

Code: [Select]

sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_A6M_Zero
http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/zerofacts.htm*
Nohara, Shigeru: A6M Zero in action; Squadron/Signal Publications, 1983**


Internal fuel capacity in liters (all variants feature one 330 liters detachable fuel tank); range in kilometers:

A6M2 Model 11 : 518; range with detachable fuel tank: 3105 - internal only: 1867*
A6M2 Model 21 : 518; range with detachable fuel tank: 3105 - internal only: 1867*
A6M3 Model 32 : 470; range with detachable fuel tank: 2066** internal only: 1210 [estimated]
A6M3 Model 22 : 570; range with detachable fuel tank: 2320 - internal only: 1460 [estimated]
A6M5 Model 52 : 540; range with detachable fuel tank: 1920*- internal only: 1190 [estimated]
A6M5 Model 52c: 610; range with detachable fuel tank: 2115*- internal only: 1370 [estimated]

A6M2N: 518; range with +335 liters in auxiliary tank in float: 1780 - internal only: 1150*
A6M7 Model 62: 540; range with two 150 liters under-wing drop tanks: 1850 - internal only: 1190 [estimated]
A6M7 Model 63: 610; range with two 150 liters under-wing drop tanks: 2050 - internal only: 1370 [estimated]
Cheers,
GB

[Epervier]

I trust you for values. 
If you patch I'll add to that already waiting (20 Apr. 2014: revised flight model of Spitfire XIVc. Corrected default aileron trim of early Spitfire XII) ! 

[greybeard]

OK! Thank you!

I'll send you a PM as soon as the work is done.

I edited my previous message adding figures for A6M2N floatplane and A6M7.

Regards,
GB

[Epervier]

Update buttons for 4.09 Rebels !

See last buttons !
https://www.sas1946.com/main/index.php?topic=23404.0

[crimar]

Many thanks to all involved !

[Yeager_1946]

I notice that all ranges on internal fuel were estimated using the fuel economy achieved with external tanks. In reality the range on internal fuel only will result in better fuel economy than with external tanks.
In other words you will fly further per liter on internal fuel than you will on external tanks. There are two obvious reasons for this... First, you don't need to carry the extra weight of the drop tank & its fuel, and secondly it cuts down on aerodynamic drag.
Therefore estimating the range on internal tanks by using the range with drop tanks as a guide will result in a shorter estimated range than reality.

Here are the ranges of some of the A6M variants, including actual ranges on internal fuel only.
Source:  Aero Detail 7, Mitsubishi A6M Zero Fighter

A6M2:
518L internal only = 2220km
518L (internal) + 330L (external) = 3350km

A6M3 model 32:
470L internal only = 1800km
470L (internal) + 330L (external) = 2380km

A6M3 model 22: No data given for the model 22, but the extra 100L as compared to the model 32 should give the A6M3 model 22 considerably longer range.

A6M5 model 52:
570L internal only = 1550km
570L (internal) + 320L (external) = 1920km


From the A6M5 onwards the external tank design was changed from metal to wood, which might account for the slightly different fuel capacity.
The external tank design was changed again from the A6M5c onwards to a design using four support points.
The A6M5c and A6M7 could in addition to a centerline tank also carry drop tanks underneath the wings, extending range further.


All speed & climb performance data below was achieved using military power (without WEP) as per Japanese Navy convention.
For the range data (red arrows) the first value is range on internal fuel only, while the second value is range with drop tanks. Max Range for the A6M5c & A6M7 is with multiple drop tanks.

[greybeard]

Thanks for the competent comment and for valuable information.

I agree about inaccuracy about internal fuel range estimate. Unfortunately, there's an even major cause of big approximation: as far as I know, those historical ranges like the ones you report were obtained at 230 km/h cruising speed, which is unmanageable in game. At the cruising speed I set for Zero, 300 km/h, range is virtually halved. Data you provided help me to rethink the matter to set new figures, fitting better game environment.

[Yeager_1946]

Glad to be of help where possible.   

The normal economic cruising speed of most A6M variants is given as between 296km/h - 333km/h. So, 300km/h falls within the lower end of the typical speeds Zero's were cruising at on long range missions.



From your experience with running out of fuel during missions, it sounds like the fuel burn of the Sakae engine might be higher in the game at these speeds than it was in reality? Historically the Sakae had very good fuel economy, especially at cruising speeds.

Although not ideal, another option you have is to reduce the distance of Japanese carriers from their target in Campaigns...
The shorter distance might not be historically acurate, but at least you will be able to complete the mission at a cruising speed of 300km/h, making the missions playable.

[greybeard]

The normal economic cruising speed of most A6M variants is given as between 296km/h - 333km/h.

Indeed, checking my source, they were 230 mph... Sorry, hope this doesn't destroy my credibility.

From your experience with long range missions, it sounds like the fuel burn of the Sakae engine might be higher in the game at these speeds than it was in reality? Historically the Sakae had very good fuel economy, especially at cruising speeds.

Undoubtedly. What I saw is that after three hours of mission, using latest SAS 4.09 "buttons", I was low on fuel (perhaps still 15-30 minutes of flight). Roughly computing to have flown at 300 km/h, that means 900-1000 km of range (perhaps a bit more taking in account some minutes of fight at full power). Less than 1190 km I set for A6M5 and even worse in respect of historical 1550.

Although not ideal, another option you have is to reduce the distance of Japanese carriers from their target in Campaigns...

I already did by default for "Hawaiian Operation", was unable for "Battle of the Philippine Sea" (Marianas1), since mission generator crashes on "Blue0" mission. At any rate, with current settings, I'm able to end all missions; although, after data you provided, would remain an historical inaccuracy for in-game range of all A6M variants.

My campaign is close to be fully tested, but I would be glad to get your opinion before release, if you like. Just PM me you e-mail and I'll send you the basic files.

[Yeager_1946]

My campaign is close to be fully tested, but I would be glad to get your opinion before release, if you like. Just PM me you e-mail and I'll send you the basic files.

Gladly. Please check your PM.