Topspeed:

The P-38 was a fine aircraft and easy to fly but it had a serious limitation in that at the operating altitude of 32-35,000ft it flew nose-high when fitted with the two external fuel tanks. This meant that the camera in the nose was not pointing vertically at the ground, as required for photo-mapping. So Spartan flew them without the tanks which greatly limited their endurance and therefore time ‘on line’ taking photos. In addition, the P-38’s liquid cooling system, with aluminum piping going back to radiators in the tail booms, was prone to leaking following overnight ‘cold soaks’ during operations in the northern latitudes. The intake ducts were also vulnerable to sand abrasion when operating off gravel strips, resulting in loss of engine performance.

The Mosquito reached operating altitudes quicker (25 vs 40 minutes), was faster once ‘on line’ and could carry the required state-of-the-art Wild cameras.

Robert

Ah, the memories. Recall cycling to Coley’s from nearby Whitton, climbing the fence and hiding in a pyramid of Hunter or perhaps Swift fuselages when the watchman was heard approaching. Distictly remember the Hurricane with its exposed tubular fuselage truss and coming upon the TSR-2 fuselage sections during a later visit with their pastel markings and translucent, magenta coloured sealant on the inside of the fuselage skin – something from an another era entirely. I had a piece that included part of the serial XR227 but it’s long since lost.

Another piece of the wonderful, carefree planespotting days that were the 60s.

Rob

Hello All:
I tried the site http://www.linhadafrente.pt but it does not appear to be working. Do you have an updated address?
Would also be interested in knowing who posted the original request in the tabloid.
Regards:
Robert Stitt

Vickers S Gun in Fortress FK185

The ground and flight test reports for the gun were satisfactory and there was no damage reported to the airframe (which had been reinforced in consultation with Boeing). By the time of the tests, Coastal Command had already cancelled the requirement as the more capable Liberator was available in growing numbers and there were already too many weight-building and resource-absorbing mods proposed for the Fortress but for some reason, the Ministry of Aircraft Production still wanted to proceed. FK185 was ex-220 Squadron (‘NR-E’) and the trials were conducted by A&AEE at Boscombe Down. The aircraft was subsequently converted back to standard configuration and served with 251 (Met) Squadron in Iceland in the meteorological reconnaissance role.
Cheers:
Rob Stitt