Inverted flight.

[Johan4668]

I think it is already told or ask, but couldn't find it..

Why is the engine going out when inverted (upside down) it is injection and  couldn't starve of fuel..

Is this intended like this for a reason?

 

Thanks..

[razo+r]

It will eventually die, either because no fuel reaches the fuel pump or it wont get lubricated anymore. 

[Art-J]

Indeed. The injection pump or even pressure carb doesn't mind being oriented upside down, but fuel tanks do have a problem with it ;). None of the late WWII fighters could fly inverted for more than a dozen or two of seconds and even today only aerobatic planes with complete fuel system spec-designed for this very purpose can do it.

[grafspee]

@Art-J is right none of ww2 fighters were designed to fly neutral or negative G for longer periods, fuel tanks sumps were located on the bottom as well as oil sumps were located on the bottom of the engine.

Direct injection or injection carbs prevented engine cutting out instantly when 0 or negative G was applied, which happened with float type carbs. IIRC P-51 is cleared for 10s or 15s of that flight.

Even modern fighters aren't designed to fly inverted for longer time because it brings no advantage, you can't fire any weapons being at negative or neutral G what so ever.

Only aerobatics planes and not all of them are designed to operate inverted for long periods.

 

Edited February 21, 2023 by grafspee