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Aviation History
1946
1946 - 1666.PDF
E1O FLIGHT AlitJLTjT 2QTIJ, 1045 full speed. Normally the guns can be brought to bear for only two seconds or so. Three Tempests and a Spitfire were selected to show the effect (both moral and material) of rocket projectiles. The K/Ps were released singly and in salvo and one hit a tank squarely. The rockets had normal 60-lb heads and it was generally re- gretted that on this occasion newer and heavier weapons of this class could not have been fired. The attacks were made in a dive of about 30 degrees and the R/P released at about 600 yards. Visitors not familiar with rocket attacks were impressed by the terie whine of the R/Ps, their velocity and flat trajectory. Much has been heard of the terrible effect of fire-bombs, and two Centaurus-engined Tempest II s showed that the reputation of these weapons is well founded. Each aircraft carried two containers (similar to 100-gallon drop tanks) filled with a mixture of naphtha and fuel oil, " detonated " by hand grenades; these they released at about 50 ft, be- cause the tanks have virtually no ballistics and-cannot be aimed like a normal bomb. Although effective—the wood selected as the target blazed in an alarming manner—this type of attack is dangerous against targets heavily defended by light flak. By arrangement with tire manufacturers of the various aircraft a Supermarine Spiteful, Gloster Meteor and de Havilland Vampire were brought over for demonstration. A D.H. Hornet was to have been included but while en route to Westdown the pilot called up to say that a small fire had started in the cockpit. The Spiteful came over at a speed which must have approached its "maximum level" figure of 470 m.p.h. Turning, the pilot demonstrated its rolling capabilities and finally lowered the flap? and undercarriage to pass the en- closure at low speed and low level. Meteor Performs A Meteor IV was to have performed but the aircraft which materialized in its place was a short-nacelle Mark III carrying a 180 gallon ventral tank. The comparatively low-powered Derwents and the extra drag of the tank did not prevent the pilot from giving a commendable exhibi- tion of climb and speed. There is no doubt that the Meteor, even though of this dated Mark, will prove an outstandingly effective close-support weapon. The pilot's view and the concentration of armaintnt are important OFFENSIVE SUPPORT assets in this connection.The Vampire gave just ihe — show which one has come to associate with this amaz- ingly manoeuvrable single-jet fighter. The high-speed, low- altitude banks enabled spectators to glimpse the interior of the cockpit, though no one dared claim to have recog- nized Mr. Geoffrey de Havilland. He was, in fact, the pilot. Twenty Lined ns Weight and power, suitably demonstrated, can be as impressive as speed, and all eyes turned as twenty Lincolns approached with open bomb doors. Their target—2,700 yards away—had been marked by Mosquitoes with 250-lb T.I.s and to the right, and ahead, of the markers they were to place their bombs. Approaching in an open line-aster^, the Lincolns disgorged showers of 500-pounders and a sprinkling of 4,000-lb "cookies," the flash and dark smoke of which showed fiercely amid the swirl of lighter smoke and debris. The Master Bomber kept up his commentary throughout and added a word in praise of the accuracy of the attack, which was echoed by all. A "Long Stop" Mosquito had been circling to ensure that no bombs fell near friendly troop positions, and another* Mosquito put down a yellow marker which signified "cease bombing." Army students and visitors appreciated the demonstra- tion of "air briefing" and the use of a "cab rank" of Spitfires, which strafed positions as requested. It was shown how a Contact Car reduces the period between re- quest and execution. The work of the F.C.P. (forward control post) was also exemplified. W/T communication ended with a snatch of conversation (air-to-air) which sounded like "Slow up a bit Dickie; I can't catch up." Not the least interesting feature of this demonstration was the jinking of the Spitfires as they ran up to their target and the way in which they " hugged " the contours of the ground as they finally broke off. Perhaps the most significant item was bombing by four Mosquitoes undeT radar control. The directing set is known as an MRCP and is used when the target is obscured. The order for release was given from the ground (from a point 25 miles distant) but one understood that a bomb aimer was carried as a precaution. The aircraft were flying at 10,000-12,000 feet. Having witnessed this comparatively unspectacular event the distinguished onlookers dispersed—impressive, and im- pressed. LR1EIADY ^°R R^D?rE": Rolls-R°yce Nene jet-propulsion units are being installed in the outboard positions on anAvro Lancastrian wnich will form on? of the most interesting exhibits at th- S.B.A.C. Show on September 12-13
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