In article ,
ost (Chris Mark) wrote:

From: Guy Alcala

in 1941,
they started to see just how much they could safely stretch the fuel economy
of the Zero, individually and then in larger groups. Ten hour missions
became routine, then 11 and eventually they were able to stay in the air for
12. Okumiya describes this in "Zero!", with average fuel consumption
dropping to 21 gal./hr. and Saburo Sakai holding the record at only 18
gal./hr.

Interesting. The Wright R-2600 engine burned about 75gph at 60 percent
power.
Any details on how the Japanese achieved such frugal fuel consumption
figures?
What was "normal" fuel consumption for the Zero?



Chris Mark


They achieved thos numbers by cutting back to 20%-30% power and
aggressive leaning. Lindbergh taught the same concepts to USAAF P-38
pilots -- this technique is part of what enabled the Yamamoto shootdown.
The P-38s were operating way outside their expected normal combat radius.