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Did Japanese planes have self-sealing fuel tanks?
At the beginning of World War II, Japanese planes lacked armor and self-sealing fuel tanks. The explosion would blow the plane out of the air. With a self-sealing fuel tank, however, a rubber bladder would immediately seal any leaks. Self-sealing fuel tanks worked by having two layers of rubber.
How does self-sealing work?
Self-sealing tanks have multiple layers of rubber and reinforcing fabric, one of vulcanized rubber and one of untreated natural rubber that can absorb oil and expand when wet. When a fuel tank is punctured, the fuel will seep into the layers, causing the swelling of the untreated layer, thus sealing the puncture.
Who invented the self-sealing fuel tank?
chemist James Merrill
Goodyear chemist James Merrill filed a patent in 1941 (published in 1947) for refining and successfully testing his method for manufacturing self-sealing tanks using a two-layer system of rubber compounds encased in a metal outer shell or the wing lining of the aircraft.
Did the Spitfire have self-sealing fuel tanks?
By 1942 Fireproof Tanks had developed the first flexible fuel bladders as range extender tanks for the Mk IX Spitfire. These tanks were flexible containers, made of a laminated self-sealing material like vulcanized rubber and with as few seams as possible to minimize leak paths.
How does a self-sealing fuel tank work?
When did Japan stop using foreign-made tanks?
In 1929, Japan also ordered its last batch of foreign-made tanks: 10 Renault NC-27s. From then on, everything would be Japanese-made. Although Japan started out with less experience in armored warfare than its Western counterparts, that changed during its invasion of China.
When was the first tank unit in Japan?
On May 1, 1925, the Japanese armored force came into being with the formation of the 1st Tank Battalion in Kurume and the Infantry School Tank Battalion in Chiba. But the two battalions—each consisting of five now-outdated Mk A Whippets and Renault FT-17s—were experimental units not capable of actual combat.
Why did the Japanese abandon so many aircraft in New Guinea?
The Japanese had to abandon many aircraft during advances or retreats that easily could have been repaired at rear areas. Poor repair also denied them the opportunity to use worn-out aircraft in a training role. Aviation fuel in New Guinea was of poor quality and resulted in engine problems.
What was the maintenance like for Japanese planes in WW2?
The aircraft received excellent maintenance. Zeroes, for example, underwent a thorough overhaul every 150 hours of flight. As Japanese forces moved south, air units occupied, repaired and exploited captured enemy bases. Real problems developed, however, when those units reached undeveloped territories.