Here’s a response from my grandfather on the above pic of the P-40 with the “tank track” gear…
I don’t believe it!!! I was project engineer for this modification. This is a one of a kind photo, as well as aircraft. This was taken c. 1943-4 at Wright Field, now Wright Patterson AFB, in Dayton O.
This PIX was taken in the modification hanger. I must have ordered the PIX taken. The plane was a XP-40 No 0004. The purpose of this experimental landing gear, was to try to have a low flotation landing gear, that could be used on sandy beaches, ostensibly in South Asia.
The track was a bunch of fan belts bonded to the tread. It had one flight and 5 of us had to push the plane with it at full throttle, to get it to move an inch, then it sorta loosened up, and started to roll. It took off and landed, me suffering a thousand deaths as it touched to runway. Proof of principle.
Shortly after, a General back from South East Asia, was shown it. His comment: if we want to fly off beaches we call the Navy.
End of story and project.
Amazing ! One photo, and so many memories, you must have fantastic chat with your grand father !!! 🙂 thank you to share those memories with us, keep going whenever you want.
Cheers,
Olivier
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