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arejaye In reply to cullyferg2010 [2016-09-21 09:24:50 +0000 UTC]

I don't know about the U.S.A.A.F. forbidding Curtiss from turbocharging it's Allison engine. Curtiss tried many boosting schemes, but had no success with any - any that would fit, that is.
The P-38, on the other hand had excellent high altitude performance due to it's tubochargers. However, if you ever have the chance to look closely at any P-38, you'll discover that those tubochargers are HUGE. There would be no way to incorporate such an enormous booster into the limited confines of the P-40 cowling. Only those (P-40L and P-40N) fitted with Packard Merlins where finally able to hold their own at high altitude.

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cullyferg2010 In reply to arejaye [2016-09-22 01:46:08 +0000 UTC]

I know Curtiss tried fitting a turbocharger in the fuselage behind the cockpit w/o success.  And Lockheed had mixed success with the P-38.  In Europe the aircraft operated great between medium and high altitudes, but only from medium to low altitudes in the Pacific.  And I didn't know the later P-40Ls and Ns carried the Packard-built Merlins.  Thanks.

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