Hi to all
I wonder if someone could help me with the following.
I was reading the Apendix IV “Production, Allocation and History of Hurricanes” of the Hawker Hurricane book by Manson (page 245) when I found the following:
Quote
LB891: Mk IIC (target tug conversion; guns removed) N° 73 OTU, 1944
LB893: Mk IIC (target tug conversion; guns removed) N° 73 OTU, 1944
Unquote
I have never hear about a Hurricane converted to a target tug aircraft. I imagine that they had suffered some kind of modification in the rear part of the fuselage (below?).
I posted this issue on another Forum and they told me that it is probably that wartime target tug Hurricane were fitted with a hook under the fuselage for attaching the drogue as Postwar Tempests.
Another interesting point is that 73 OTU was based at Fayid, in Egypt (it was the Thunderbolt OTU).
It would be great if we can get the information to build one of these target tug Hurricane.
Many thanks in advance
Kind regards
Santiago
By: diamant - 9th February 2009 at 16:52
Thanks Steven. I have that book and it is really good. I will try to contact him.
I have also contact The Hurricane society and they kinldly offer help us. I have asked him about others Hurricane.
Many thanks Tim. It is very interesting what you posted. Please tell me if I understood well, Did the No.286 AAC converted Hurricane as target tug too?
Do you know which aircraft (serial) or have pictures of these aircraft?. I really want to do one of this.
Many thanks in advance
Kind regards
Santiago Hrubisko
By: No.2 A.A.C.U. - 8th February 2009 at 19:14
This sytem was not only used by No.73 OTU but by a number of the Anti Aircraft Co-opertion Squadrons. It is perhaps easier to relay the technique as described by F/O Bill Flemming of No.286 AAC Sqn ‘B’ Flight operating out of RAF Exeter in 1944.
“The Hurricane being a single seat fighter did not have a winch. The cable and drogue were loosly coiled on the runway and attached to a spring loaded catch at the tail of the plane. The pilot took off using 15 degree flap to get airborne as quickly as possible and to climb away at a steep angle. A member of the ground crew held the drogue off the ground, making sure that the cable did not get snagged, and released the drogue as soon as the length of the cable had pulled off the runway. Upon conclusion of the tow, and returning to the aerodrome, sufficient height had to be maintained to prevent the drogue fouling any obstruction. It was usual to fly across the airfield at 1500 – 2000 feet and then release the drogue by a pulling lever within the cockpit which severed the cable. This operation usually being lined up along the runway.”
Trust this is of some interest.
Tim
By: StevSmar - 4th February 2009 at 13:57
I bet the person who could help with this question is the fellow who helped write “Hawker Hurricane, a comprehensive guide for the modeller” by Richard A Franks.
There are lots of sketches showing variants of the hurricane which I have never heard of.
You could also inquire with the Hawker Hurricane society (see sticky at the front of the forum).
I would be interested to see how you make our.
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February 4, 2009 at 11:57 am