Bruce,
I can forward a couple of references on the subject.
In "Nitrous-Oxide Injection" (published by S-A Designs, Brea CA), David
Vizard gives a brief history of the early days of nitrous. He attributes the
first successful application to be British, on a high altitude
reconnaissance version of the Mosquito. The Germans developed their nitrous
systems in parallel and initially introduced them on both the FW 190 and the
Messerschmitt BF 109. We followed with some P-51s modified for nitrous.
Nitrous was generally used to compensate for thinning of the air at high
altitude, and only used at altitude. Therefore the engines could develop sea
level HP at 40,000 to 60,000 feet of elevation. They did not need to worry
about burning pistons or slinging rods as they generally did not produce any
more power at altitude with nitrous, than at sea level without it.
The only application he provides specifics on was the Mercedes DB600
inverted V12. It could use 12 lb. of nitrous per min. for up to 30 min.
duration, providing 350 additional HP (over the de-rated HP some specific
altitude).
In "High Performance Automotive Fuels and Fluids"(published by Motorbooks
International, Osceola WI), Jeff Hartman provides a similar brief history of
the first applications for nitro. He attributes the first use of oxygenated
fuels to the Alfa, Mercedes, and Auto Union grand prix cars of the 30's.
Those fuels were nitropropane, nitrobenzene, and others. I suspect that
those fuels fell out of favor due to the nitrogen content, requiring huge
fuel tanks for the long distance races. Nitromethane was originally used as
a monopropellent rocket fuel by the Germans in the 40's.
Both books are excellent, in print, and can be ordered by any bookstore.
I would like to hear of any other references that others on the list may
have.
Greg
----- Original Message -----
From: <FastmetalBDF@aol.com>
To: <landspeedracer@email.msn.com>
Cc: <land-speed@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2000 6:19 PM
Subject: Re: Mercedes 300 SLs and several related items
> John, Thanks ! You are probably quite correct . This is one of
> those
> " I heard that ...... this - that - etc " ...... things that has been
popping
> up in conversations for over four decades or more now ! I have never
> actually done
> any research into it ....... could spend a lotta time doing that ! I,
> myself, have
> only heard the Nitromethane Version , but always thought that it was only
> used in an ALL OUT emergency situation, such as the Luftwaffe pilot had a
P
> 51
> Mustang breathing down his neck ! I do not think an aircraft could
carry
> enough
> nitromethane needed to feed those huge aircraft engines for any sustained
> usage ,
> even if it only injected, say, 5 to 15 % , and seldom doing that
........
> Any of you pilots / aircraft buffs out there able to shed a little
(
> accurate )
> light on this ??? I agree with John ...... it was probably Nitrous
> Oxide, and
> even then, ONLY for all out bursts of aerial acceleration when REALLY needed
> !
> Bruce, counting the days now ...... like most of us !
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