Large drop tanks on large aircraft

[PMN1]

The B-50 introduced two wing pylons each able to carry a 700 gallon fuel tank (or a 4,000lb bomb).

Could earlier aircraft such as the Sunderland, B-24, Halifax, Lancaster etc have been fitted with large external tanks and if so would the extra drag etc have outweighed any advantage in the extra fuel?

I'm not thinking for ETO bombing missions, more Atlantic VLR and Indian Ocean/Pacific Ocean operations.

[ChrisMcD]

Could earlier aircraft such as the Sunderland, B-24, Halifax, Lancaster etc have been fitted with large external tanks and if so would the extra drag etc have outweighed any advantage in the extra fuel?


There was the "saddle tank" Lanc

http://www.aviationbanter.com/showthread.php?t=74740

I will try and find a better photo!

[Wuzak]

The B-50 had the R-4360s. The B-29 with its R-3350s I doubt would have managed, let alone B-17s, Lancasters and the like.