The Barracuda Project

[klingon]

Yeah-can't run a Merlin on static without blades-puts all sorts of strange stresses on the engine and may end up with a mouthful of V12 if you do!

[Mike Bull]

We could make do with one of those dinky-sized cut-down blades that the ground-running Merlin guys use, though perish the thought that we'd ever make the Fairey Barracuda look daft!

[quicksilver-wsr]

We could make do with one of those dinky-sized cut-down blades that the ground-running Merlin guys use, though perish the thought that we'd ever make the Fairey Barracuda look daft!

One of our technical sponsors, Oliver Valves, has a Merlin-on-a-trailer set-up with one of these cut-down sets of prop blades to which you refer. I watched it running last year and it runs very well indeed with it - even up to full power.

Such a set-up would, however, look well-weird if the engine was in an aircraft ...

Spare a thought for the old "Barra" - it wasn't such a bad aeroplane! With the wing-folding mechanism in full working order, yours will look simply amazing.

[Mike Bull]

Of course, I'm messing; as if we'd accept anything less than the correct blades!

[klingon]

MMM! just thought- how high is a Barra with the wings folded, and how wide?-and how tall is the workshop-and how wide and tall is the door?-

[Renegadenemo]

We'd not get it in the workshop in one piece, I don't think. But it'll have to be worked on in sections anyway so we'll manage.

[WLK]

Hello there - I would like to become involved in the Barracuda project.
Alongside a sentimental attachment to the aeroplane from grandfathers stories, I am very interested in the aeronautical design stage which developed this first stow-folding cantilever wing; for me it’s ugly beauty is found in its utilitarian potential capabilities.
Whilst the Barracuda has had plenty of disparaging reports; for a three crew, all metal, mid-range dive bomber it is a fascinating subject - no doubt why you have all taken an interest in the challenge !
By no means am I an expert historian, aviation designer, pilot or one to tell others with clearly far greater experience, what is what.
I am a thirty year old architect with, practical fabrication experience in metal work, engineering knowledge and CAD draughtsmanship skills.
This type of project is what I have been looking to get involved in for quite some time and I hope in some shape or form my skills can be applied.
Look forward to being in touch.
Lewis

[Renegadenemo]

Lewis, we're still in the early stages of planning our Barra' project and we still have a tin boat to fettle but stick around and you may find yourself hitting tin with hammers in the future.

[Mike Bull]

...after you've swept up and made the tea, of course!

[Ice Blue Spriget]

Bill it may be that there's already an interested party in the Barra at FAAM. Please see at bottom of page on this link.
http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/aircr ... racuda.htm