Ground crew members carefully load .50 caliber M2 ammunition into the wings of a P-47 Thunderbolt, the legendary U.S. fighter of World War II. Each of its eight wing-mounted guns could hold up to 425 rounds, making the “Jug” a fearsome force in air-to-air combat and ground attack missions, built for durability and intense aerial battles in 1944.
I always wondered how the hell those old land planes held thousands of round of ammo.
Turns out the answer is “that’s what wings are for”
But where‘s the tank then?
Mostly, they stay on the ground.
uff
Mostly, not the Russian ones in Ukraine though
Under the seat
edit: side view where you can tell the shape
In these single engine WW2 era fighters, generally between the engine and the cockpit. So, basically right up against the pilot’s knees and above their feet.
The Spitfire specifically had two tanks, a smaller lower one to make room for the rudder pedals.
I developed a basic understanding of how weight works in flight based on too much time in Kerbal space program. It’s fascinating how much it makes sense to put stuff in the wings. Putting stuff in the actually body that you intend to lose during the flight would throw off the weight distribution way too much.
The whole nine yards?
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No, you see he’s got a metal stick shoved in there, so it would blow out the back of the barrel and leave him without a scratch! Haven’t you ever seen Looney Tunes?
I deleted my comment but apparently you were quick enough to get your reply in time! I realized after leaving my comment that only his hand is in front of the barrel.
