Quote:
Originally Posted by aerohead
We did this in Vietnam for the Douglas A1-E Skyraiders. It's demineralized and de-ionized water with methanol alcohol which is introduced during heavy loads ( take-off for the airplane ) to prevent destructive detonation. Quite an octane enhancer.
|
...also used in the turbo-compound R3350's on our USN/Lockheed EC-121 "Warning Star" airborne early warning planes. Trying to lift 145,000 lbs off an 8,000 foot runway in Chu Lai, RVN, at 95+degrees and 80% humidity meant METO power almost always.
...thing people "forget" is that it was ONLY used in emergency situations (combat, takeoff, etc.), not during normal cruise. And we all (A1-E, EC-121, etc.) used
purple AVGAS with 115/145 octane...containing LOTs of lead which left white lead oxide exhaust residue all over wings!
...the methanol provided extra oxygen and the water provided steam for dissociation (steam is compressible, but water isn't).