August 2016: Grumman FF – 43 photos

Each photograph is offered at a 300dpi res/13x8cm size making them available for a very good quality digital print.

This set can be associated to Allied Wings No. 6 – The Grumman FF in which many photos of this set have been published.

Photo 01: Side view of the prototype XFF-1 BuNo 8878.

Photo 02: Grumman XFF-1 seen at Anacostia (DC) for Navy trials during the winter of 1931 – 1932.

Photo 03: View from behind of Grumman FF-1 BuNo 8878. The XFF-1 was modified as FF-1 during the summer 1932.

Photo 04: Three-Quarter view of Grumman FF-1 BuNo 8878.

Photo 05: Rear view of a Grumman FF-1.

Photo 06: Grumman XFF-1 BuNo 8878 in front of the Grumman Corporation hangar.

Photo 07: The prototype XFF-1 was later modified as a conventional fighter and became a standard FF-1 whereupon the X was dropped from the designation.

Photo 08: Another view of Grumman FF-1 BuNo 8878 (see also photo 07 & 09)

Photo 09: After modifications the XFF-1 became the FF-1. It is seen here in flight and shows its landing gear in the extended position. At the beginning of the thirties the USN was looking for new equipment for its aircraft however, in the case of retractable landing gear, the USN was still reluctant to introduce it on its aircraft as it was unsure if it was strong enough to withstand landing on an aircraft carrier.

Photo 10: The first Grumman FF-1 to be assigned to the VF-5B was BuNo 9351, which is seen at the factory, with freshly painted codes 5-F-1 for the Squadron’s leader. But the cwoling has yet to be painted. (see also photo 25)

Photo 11: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9362/5-F-12 of the VF-5B. As with #11 above it belongs to the fourth (Black) section.

Photo 12: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9369 was stored at first before being issued to VF-5B, in January 1934, as replacement aircraft.

Photo 13: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9356 seen here while serving with VF-5B in 1935.

Photo 14: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9358 photographed after its first overhaul and now flying as 5-F-17.

Photo 15: Grumman FF-1 5-F-17 parked with other aircraft at an unknown location.

Photo 16: Grumman FF-1 5-F-13 with all the markings deleted on the fin. Remains only a single ‘F’ on the tail.

Photo 17: The first three sections (Red, White and Blue) of VF-5B flying in close formation over the ocean. Although VF-5B was the only unit to be fully equipped with the FF-1 it must be said that VF-1B embarked on the USS Saratoga, received two FF-1s, BuNo 9366 for one day, and 9376 pending delivery of its SF-1 which arrived six weeks later.

Photo 18: Three sections of the VF-5B flying in opne formation over the ocean.

Photo 19: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9367 was one the 18 FF-1s assigned to VF-5B when the type was introduced into service. It was later converted to an FF-2.

Photo 20: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9361/5-F-11 of the VF-5B is warming up for another training flight. As #11, the colour on the cowling is black

Photo 21: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9468 in 1935. Number 18 was the last aircraft of a USN squadron. Note the large underwings roundels.

Photo 22: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9358 warming up while serving with VF-5B. As aircraft #8, the upper part of the cowling should have been painted blue, but it is not the case here, and the cowling may be a new unpainted one.

Photo 23: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9354 warming-up for another training flight. It was first coded 5-F-4, but this was changed to 5-F-9 after its overhaul in November 1934.

Photo 24: Another view of Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9354/5-F-9. It would be converted to an FF-2 and was stricken in November 1938 with 1,138.5 hours to its airframe.

Photo 25: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9351, the first FF-1 built, taken later wth the VF-5B. The name of the pilot is now written under the cokpit and the cowling has also received its full red paint (see photo 10).

Photo 26: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9361 in August 1933. It was lost in an accident in February 1935.

Photo 27: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9363 just before touching down the deck. It was a phase with which the pilots were not very comfortable as the FF-1 had a tendency to bounce on touch down.

Photo 28: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9365 in flight. Converted as an FF-2 it would be wrecked in September 1938 while serving with NRAB Minneapolis.

Photo 29: A section of Three Grumman FF-1s taken in formation from below.

Photo 30: An unidentified FF-1 of VF-5B taken in flight.

Photo 31: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 8878 seen at Anacostia.

Photo 32: Another view of Grumman FF-1 BuNo 8878.

Photo 33: Grumman FF-1 BuNo 9350, the first production aircraft was used at the Naval Aircraft Factory for two years.

Photo 40: Grumman FF-2 BuNo 9356 taken at the factory after its recent conversion.

Photo 41: At the end of its career, Grumman FF-2 BuNo 9371 served as liaison aircraft # 5 for NAS Norfolk, thence the inscription “NAS NORFOLK” painted on the fuselage. The aircraft was left in natural metal finish.

Photo 42: Grumman FF BuNo 9362 after being converted to an FF-2. Note the rudder stripes of the reserve aircraft, but the FF-2s were rarely painted like this.

Photo 43: After its conversion to Grumman FF-2, BuNo 9356 served at the NRAB Kansas City as #2. The tail and stabilisers are white.

Photo 44: A Grumman FF-2 of an unidentified NRAB unit. Note the black “2” painted on the engine cowling.

Photo 45: Leader of the third (Blue) section was flying this Grumman FF-2 BuNo 9364 with a blue cowling and fuselage band. The tail is believed to be red. Note the Reserve insignia which was painted under the gunner’s seat. The location of the insignia varied from one aircraft from to another.

Photo 46: As with many other Grumman FF-1s, BuNo 9369 was converted to an FF-2 and served as such at NRAB Minneapolis. The Reserve insignia is now located just behind the cowling ring.

Photo 47: Just after their conversion to FF-2, BuNos 9372 and 9376 were allocated to NRAB Minneapolis and were respectively the second and third taken on charge by this NRAB, the first being BuNo 9369. The section colours for reserve units were normally the same as fleet units. This seems to be the case here, and consequently BuNo 9376 should be #3 with its lower part of its cowling painted red.

Photo 48: Grumman FF-2 BuNo 9364 during a public display in the thirties.

Photo 49: Grumman FF-2 BuNo 9371 believed to have belonged to NRAB Glenview in 1937. There is no Reserve insignia painted on this aircraft.

July 2016: Gloster Meteor F.I & F.III – 29 photos

Each photograph is offered at a 300dpi res/13x8cm size making them available for a very good quality digital print, but also for Iphone/IPad, smartphone or computer screen (but should convert the image into a jpeg format for doing so)

This set can be associated to SQUADRONS! No. 15 -The Gloster Meteor F.I & F.III in which many photos of this set have been published.

Photo Meteor 01: Gloster prototype DG202/G in July 1943 with W.2B/23 engines.

Photo Meteor 02: Gloster prototype DG204/G, the third prototype with Metropolitan-Vickers F.2 engines.

Photo Meteor 03: Gloster Meteor DG206/G Halford H.1 engines.

Photo Meteor 04: Gloster Meteor DG204/G seen from another angle.

Photo Meteor 11: Gloster Meteor F.I EE214/G while used as a test bed for ventral fuel tank.

Photo Meteor 12: Gloster Meteor F.I EE212 taken in flight during a flight test.

Photo Meteor 13: Gloster Meteor F.I EE227 fitted with Trent turbo-props. It first flown on 20.09.45.

Photo Meteor 14: A Gloster Meteor F.I, of 616 Sqn, coming in to land at Manston, Kent during the summer 1944.

Photo Meteor 15: A Gloster Meteor F.Is of 616 Sqn, based at Manston, Kent, in flight over the countryside between West Hougham and Dover, ever ready to intercept V-1s.

Photo Meteor 16: Gloster Meteor F.I EE227/QY-Y seen at Manston in September 1944 at a time when the V-1 threat had reached its end.

Photo Meteor 17: Meteor F.Is of 616 Sqn, with EE219/D in the foreground, lined-up at Manston in January 1945.

Photo Meteor 18: Another view of Gloster Meteor F.I EE227 (see photo 13)

Photo Meteor 19: Another view of Gloster Meteor F.I EE227 (see photo 13 &18)

Photo Meteor 31: A Gloster Meteor F.III, of the 616 Sqn detachment, takes off from B58/Melsbroek, Belgium, shortly after joining No. 84 Group of 2 TAF in the air defence role. In the foreground a mobile Chance light stands parked by the main runway and, as can be seen, the Meteors were painted white to aid in their identification.

Photo Meteor 32: Ground crew pushing Meteor F.III EE239/YQ-Q. Now painted white, the only remaining markings are the national insignia and the letter ‘Q’ painted on the nose wheel door. This Meteor would also eventually become an instructional airframe.

Photo Meteor 33: Gloster Meteor F.III EE239/Q having its cannon serviced.

Photo Meteor 34: Ground crew refuelling Gloster Meteor F.III, EE236/YQ-H. It served as an instructional airframe from January 1945.

Photo Meteor 35: Another scene of 616 Sqn’s Meteors in January 1945. These are Meteor F.Is and Welland-powered F.3s, with EE235/P (a F.III) and EE229/W (a F.I) just behind. A further F.III, EE234/YQ-O, can be identified facing the opposite direction to the other Meteors. Just behind YQ-W, and partially obscured, is EE239/Q which would later be painted white while stationed on the Continent.

Photo Meteor 36: Gloster Meteor F.III EE278/YQ-G was also delivered in March 1945 and would serve with various squadrons – 263 (ex-616), 257, 222 and 1 – and ended as an advanced trainer at 206 AFS. Withdrawn from use in June 1953, it became an instructional airframe in December 1954.

Photo Meteor 37: Gloster Meteor F.IIIs (EE354 XL-H nearest) of No. 1335 (Meteor) Conversion Unit taxi to dispersal after a demonstration flight for the Brazilian Air Minister and his party at Molesworth, Huntingdonshire. EE354 was issued to 1335 CU in July 1945.

Photo Meteor 38: Gloster Meteor F.III EE317 taken in flight wearing the codes of 1335 CU (XL-Y). It was issued directly from Glosters to the CU in June 1945 along with EE316 (XL-U) and EE318 (XL-Z).

Photo Meteor 39: A line-up of Gloster Meteor F.IIIs of 74 Sqn at Colerne in the summer of 1945. Meteor 4D-Z in the foreground is EE346 and was delivered to the squadron
in mid-July 1945.

Photo Meteor 40: Gloster Meteor F.III EE341 of No. 74 Sqn in the summer 1945.

Photo Meteor 41: When the war ended in September 1945, 124 Sqn was about to begin conversion to the Meteor F.3. Leading two other F.3s of the squadron, EE393/ON-J was taken on charge on 22 September.

Photo Meteor 42: Gloster Meteor F. III EE426 of Sir D. Evill July 46.

Photo Meteor 43: Gloster Meteor F. 3 EE464 was issued to No. 124 Squadron in February 1946 and coded ON-F.

Photo Meteor 44: Gloster Meteor F.3 EE401 personal mount of Wing Commander M. Kellet WinCo Middle Wallop Wing in 1947. It was coded ‘MK’.

Photo Meteor 45: Gloster Meteor F.3 EE419 ‘MR-V’ of 245 Sqn in 1945.

Photo Meteor 46: Gloster Meteor F.3 EE275 ‘YQ-Q’ of 616 Sqn in 1945.

June 2016: Boeing Fortress Mk. I – 35 photos

Most of those images have been published in SQUADRONS! No. 4 – The Boeing Fortress Mk. I

pdf, Epub and Kindle versions are available in this site: 978-2918590-32-3

Photo Fortress 01: Various photos of Boeing Fortress Mk. I taken in the US before delivery. Here ‘AM528’.

Photo Fortress 02: see above, same aircraft.

Photo Fortress 03: see above, same aircraft.

Photo Fortress 04: see above, same aircraft.

Photo Fortress 05: see above, same aircraft

Photo Fortress 06: Boeing Fortress Mk. I ‘AM521’ seen at the US before delivery.

Photo Fortress 07: Part of the Fortress fleet in natural metal but with the RAF markings painted on. The Boeing mechanics made a mistake in painting tye serials, the Fortresses having received the letters “AM” later corrected to “AN”.

Photo Fortress 08: Boeing Fortress AN529 seen in UK after its long trip over the Atlantic.

Photo Fortress 09: Side view of Boeing Fortress AN531 shortly after its arrival in the United Kingdom in April 1941. All the Fortresses made the flight in temporary American camouflage Olive Drab on the upper surfaces and Light Grey on the lower surfaces.

Photo Fortress 10: Boeing Fortress AN528 seen in flight after having been re-painted.

Photo Fortress 11: Boeing Fortress AN526 taken in flight shortly after receiving the new camouflage scheme. AN526 was also used by the Colerne Station Communication flight for five months after the disbandment of No. 90 Squadron in February 1942. It had become an instructional airframe by autumn 1942.

Photo Fortress 12: Boeing Fortress AN531 was the only Fortress Mk.I to have served at the A&AEE, and was with this unit between 15 April 1941 and 26 August 1941. The A&AEE pilots are waiting to start the engines in preparation for another test flight. The Fortress was painted Dark Green/Dark Earth on the upper surfaces and Sky on the under surfaces. AN531 was one of the few, and possibly the only aircraft of its type to have received this camouflage scheme.

Photo Fortress 13: Boeing Fortress AN530/WP-F in flight. This was captained by Wing Commander J.McDougall on the two Berlin raids in July 1941. The results of three months of bombing were unsatisfactory as almost half of the operational sorties had to be cancelled for one reason or another.

Photo Fortress 14: Another view of the photo 13 above

Photo Fortress 15: Even the first B-17 variants looked massively impressive. This Fortress is beginning to taxi out with a full bomb load and fuel tanks. From this angle no one would have imagined that the Fortress Mk.I would prove so vulnerable.

Photo Fortress 16: With engines warmed up this Fortress Mk. I is ready to taxi out and line up on the runway for another high altitude operation against Berlin, the German capital. This photo was taken on 23 July 1941, as were many others, as it was the day the Prime Minister planned to make a speech in the House of Commons. Had the attack succeeded the raid would have been highly publicised and this would have required many good photographs.

Photo Fortress 17: One Boeing Fortress taking-off for another mission over the Continental Europe.

Photo Fortress 18: Boeing Fortress AN521/WP-K undergoing an engine change in June 1941. It was one of the first to be allocated to No.90 Squadron, which in all, used 19 of the 20 Fortress Mk.Is. Indeed AN524 was never issued, having suffered a flying accident during delivery.

Photo Fortress 19: A No.90 Squadron’s crew arriving at their aircraft for another mission over Occupied Europe. At least one Bf109 could have been claimed as damaged off Norway, on 8 September, 1941, but the crew was lost before it could be reported.

Photo Fortress 20: ‘Ready to go’. The crew is about to release the breaks and to taxi for a take-off.

Photo Fortress 21: A crew coming up in his Fortress Mk. I.

Photo Fortress 22: A crew posing for the photograph in front of Fortress AN529/WP-C.

Photo Fortress 23: Two members of the crew of AN530/WP-F, at Polebrook. This aircraft, captained by Wing Commander McDougall, was being prepared for the attack on Berlin on 23 July 1941.

Photo Fortress 24: RAF crewmen arriving at dispersal.

Photo Fortress 25: Boeing Fortress AN521/WP-K parked on the grass at Polebrook airfield prior to being readied for another sortie.

Photo Fortress 26: P.M. Winston Churchill looking at a Fortress heading towards its target over Continental Europe.

Photo Fortress 27: The remains of Boeing Fortress AN528 after it burned on the ground on 3 July 1941.

Photo Fortress 28: Boeing Fortress AN531/WP-O seen on its arrival at Nutts Corner (Northern Ireland). No. 90 Squadron had now been disbanded and the aircraft began a new life with No. 220 Squadron, a Coastal Command unit.

Photo Fortress 29: Only two Fortresses were equipped with racks for depth charges for anti-submarine patrols, AN537/NR-L was one of these. Note that the censor has retouched the photo to erase “NR” from No.220 Squadron’s code and aerials. AN537 is probably seen later on when it was performing trials with the CCDU.

Photo Fortress 30: A nice shot of Boeing Fortress AN532/J in Egypt early in 1942. This Fortress was flown to India in July 1942 and transferred to the USAAF on 1 December of that year. It was then allocated the USAAF serial number 40-2079.

Photo Fortress 31: Boeing Fortress AN529/C lying in the Libyan desert after it ran out of fuel.

Photo Fortress 32: In February 1942, with the disbandment of No .90 Squadron, the detachment had to alter its squadron code from “WP” to “MB”. According to No.220 Squadron’s records, the official date seems to have taken place on 1 February. Consequently AN518 became MB-B.

Photo Fortress 33: Four Fortresses were sent to the Middle East and were based at Shallufa in Egypt. However, as in Europe, the results were unsatisfactory.

Photo Fortress 34: A close-up of the nose with its American 0.30-in light machine gun, totallly obsolete and inefficient.

Photo Fortress 35: View of the waist gun position with its 0.50-in gun (left and below left). This heavy machine gun was new to the RAF which appreciated its hitting power.

May 2016: 86 Movement Cards – H.P. Halifax Mk. I (& prototypes)

AMF 78 (RAF Movement cards) on pdf of all Handley Page Halifax Mk. Is including the two prototypes:

L7244, L7245, L9485-L9534, L9560-L9584, L9600-L9608 (86 aircraft)

in all 148 pages

(big file – over 200Mo)

April 2016: Hawker Hart – 39 photos

Hawker Hart 01: Hawker Hart K1438 was retained by Hawker for conversion to Audax prototype.

Hawker Hart 02: Hawker Hart J9936 of No. 33 Sqn in 1930.

Hawker Hart 03: Hawker Hart K1423 of No. 12 Sqn in 1931. This airframe was struck off charge in June 1940. No. 12 Sqn was the first squadron to receive the Hart.

Hawker Hart 04: Hawker Hart K1426 of No. 12 Sqn in 1931. K1426 served in front-line units until March 1938.

Hawker Hart 05: Hawker Hart K2119 of No. 11 Sqn in India in 1932.

Hawker Hart 06: Three Hawker Harts of No. 11 Sqn based in India, K2104 leading.

Hawker Hart 07: Hawker Harts K2096 and K2098 of No. 39 Sqn in 1938.

Hawker Hart 08: Formation of No. 33 Sqn’s Hawker Harts in 1931, K1430 leading.

Hawker Hart 09: Hawker Hart K2121 of No. 11 Sqn.

Hawker Hart 10: Line-up of Hawker Harts of No. 1 SFTS (I) in 1938.

Hawker Hart 11: Hawker Hart K2427 of No. 12 Sqn.

Hawker Hart 12: Hawker Hart K2435 of No. 605 Sqn in 1933.

Hawker Hart 13: Hawker Hart K2443 of No. 33 Sqn.

Hawker Hart 14: Hawker Harts of No. 57 Sqn flying in formation in 1933.

Hawker Hart 15: Hawker Hart K2456 of No. 24 Sqn in 1933. This aircraft would be victim of an accident on 25.06.35 and would be converted to an instructional airframe.

Hawker Hart 16: Hawker Hart K2456 of No. 24 Sqn seen in flight.

Hawker Hart 17: Hawker Harts of No. 57 Sqn flying in formation. The 57 was equipped with Harts between October 1931 and May 1936.

Hawker Hart 18: See above.

Hawker Hart 19: Hawker Hart K2966 of No. 601 Sqn in 1933.

Hawker Hart 20: Hawker Harts of No. 601 Sqn in flight, K2989 being on the forefront.

Hawker Hart 21: Hawker Hart K2985 of No. 600 Sqn. This Hart crashed on 18.07.35.

Hawker Hart 22: Hawker Hart K3001 of No. 24 Sqn in 1935.

Hawker Hart 23: Hawker Hart K3859 of No. 603 Sqn in 1934.

Hawker Hart 24: Hawker Hart K3865 of No. 602 Sqn.

Hawker Hart 25: Hawker Hart K3875 of No. 602 Sqn.

Hawker Hart 26: Hawker Hart K3881 of No. 610 Sqn.

Hawker Hart 27: Hawker Hart K3894 of No. 604 Sqn.

Hawker Hart 28: Hawker Hart K3900 of No. 15 Sqn in 1934. This Hart was used by the CO.

Hawker Hart 29: Hawker Hart K3972 of No. 15 Sqn.

Hawker Hart 30: Hawker Harts of No. 6 Sqn with K4483 leading.

Hawker Hart 31: Hawker Hart Trainer L7226

Hawker Hart 32: Hawker Harts of No. 18 Sqn with K2451 in the forefront

Hawker Hart 33: Hawker Harts of1 FTS with K3892 in the forefront and K3890 behind

Hawker Hart 34: Hawker Harts of No. 12 Sqn with K1425 in the forefront

Hawker Hart 35: Hawker Hart K1426 of No. 57 Squadron

Hawker Hart 36: Hawker Hart K2101 of No. 1 SFTS (India)

Hawker Hart 37: Hawker Hart J9934, No. 33 Sqn

Hawker Hart 38: Hawker Harts K3864, K3876 and K3859 of 603 Sqn

Hawker Hart 39: Hawker Hart K1428, K1429 and K1446 of No. 12 Sqn

March 2016: Aircraft of the USN ‘BT’ Class – 32 photos

More details about this aircraft can be found in the publication USN Aircraft 1922-1962 Volume 4 for the paperback version, but the e-books are available in this site.

Photo XBTC-2 – 01: The two Curtiss XBTC-2s Nos. 31401 & 31402 were both delivered to the Naval Air Test Center at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, in July 1946 for Flight Test and Service Test. BuNo 31402 is seen here in flight.

Photo XBTC-2 – 02: Curtiss XBTC-2 BuNo 31401 was damaged in an accident in March 1945 but was repaired.

Photo XBTC-2 – 03: Curtiss XBTC-2 BuNo 31401 with markings of Service Test at NATC in November 1946. The codes ‘ST’ were for ‘Servive Test’ and ‘86’ as Aircraft #86.

Photo XBTC-2 – 04: (see above)

Photo XBT2C-1 – 11: Curtiss XBT2C-1 BuNo 50888 taken during a test flight in 1947. Its connection with the SB2C Helldiver is here obvious.

Photo XBT2C-1 – 12: The Curtiss XBT2C-1 on the ground.

Photo XBT2C-1 – 13: Three views of the Curtiss XBTC-1 in flight, airframe No. 3 being BuNo 50881 which was accepted by the Navy in May 1946.

Photo XBT2C-1 – 14: (see above)

Photo XBT2C-1 – 15: (see photo 13)

Photo XBT2C-1 – 16: A side view of the Curtiss XBT2C-1 on the ground.

Photo BTD-1 – 21: A rare color photo of a Douglas BTD-1 Destroyer taken in 1946.

Photo BTD-1 – 22: This Douglas BTD-1 Destroyer is believed to be BuNo 04967, taken while during a flight test. It was accepted by the Navy on 04.04.45 and was stricken on 28.02.46.

Photo BTD-1 – 23: View of the first Douglas BTD-1 BuNo 04959 in December 1943. Long test flown by Douglas, it was accepted by the Navy on 30 July 1945. It was test flown at NAMC (Naval Aircraft Maintenance Center). It was the very last BTD-1 to be stricken, on 31 August 1949.

Photo BTD-1 – 24: This Douglas BTD-1 Destroyer is believed to be BuNo 04967, taken while during a flight test. (see also photo 22)

Photo BTD-1 – 25: Douglas BDT-1 Destryer BuNo 04963 while assigned to the NATC (Naval Air Test Center) in June 44. Note the surname ‘Destroyed’ painted on the fin and the letters ‘FT’ for Flight Test and the new Curtiss 4-blade propeller.

Photo BTD-1 – 26: Douglas BTD-1 Destroyer BuNo 04971 which was used for ice research at NACA Moffet Flield. The color of the ‘TEST’ on the tail was yellow. Accepted on 19.05.45 it was stricken on 31.07.48.

Photo XBT2D-1 – 31: One XBT2D-1 taken during a test flight in 1946. Note the nickname ‘Skyraider’ painted on the fin.

Photo XBT2D-1 – 32: The first of the many, Douglas XBT2D-1 Skyraider BuNo 09085 during a test flight in March 1945. No one could imagine at that time that over 3,000 copies of the Skyraider will follow this aircraft.

Photo XBT2D-1 – 33: Above and below, Douglas XBT2D-1 BuNo 09085 in the spring 1945, which had been left in natural metal finish. BuNo 09085 was handed over to the Navy on 01.02.46 and stricken the following 31.08.46. Note the name ‘Dauntless II’ written on the tail and the logo of Douglas Testing Division painted on the engine cowl.

Photo XBT2D-1 – 34: (see above)

Photo XBT2D-1 – 35: Another Douglas XBT2D-1 Skyraider, painted in Navy Blue, which is not identified however but the XBT2Ds were the only ones to have the cowl ring painted in red-orange, and that marking was mainly found in the very first aircraft.

Photo XBT2D-1 – 36: The Douglas XBT2D-1N Skyraider, BuNo 09098 was the prototype of the three-seat night attack version, seen while being tested at the NATC.

Photo XBT2D-1 – 37: The Douglas XBT2D-1 Skyraider, BuNo 09100 while being tested operationally with Attack Squadron One L (VA-1L).

Photo XBT2D-1 – 38: The Douglas XBT2D-1P, BuNo 09096 was the prototype of the photographic reconnaissance version of the Skyraider, but this version never went into production.

Photo XBT2D-1 – 39: The Douglas XBT2D-1Q, BuNo 09109 was the prototype of the two-seat electronic countermeasures version of the Skyraider. This photo is dated 23 April 1947.

Photo XBTK-1 – 41: The Kaiser-Fleetwings XBTK-1 was a small aircraft intended to operate in the USN escort carrier. It seems that the denomination of XBK-1 was used only by the manufacturer as when the program was launched, the B class had been dropped off from the USN since 1943. The prototypes were ordered as XBTK-1, meaning that Kaiser-Fleetwings had to modify his plans in adding a torpedo to the single bomb it was basically equipped on paper.

Photo XBTK-1 – 42: The Kaiser-Fleetwings XBTK-1 BuNo 44313 with upper and lower dive brakes deployed along with the center fuselage landing flap.

Photo XBTK-1 – 43: The first prototype XBTK-1 BuNo 44313 during a flight test. Only two 20mm cannons were installed while its competitors had four of them.

Photo XBTK-1 – 44: Below the same aircraft showing the wing stations for the drop tank and radar pods which were interchangeable. Only two cards survived (44314 and 90486) so the final fate of three XBTK-1s remained obscure (44413, 90484, 90485). However, it seems that all the five airframes were eventually accepted by the Navy in December 1947 and all stricken by end of April 1948.

Photo XBTM-1 – 51: The first prototype Martin XBTM-1 BuNo 85161 with its original configuartion and with no propeller spinner.

Photo XBTM-1 – 52: The second Martin XBTM-1, BuNo 85162, seen while at of Naval Air Training Command (NATC) on the ground at Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Photo XBTM-1 – 53: (see above)

February 2016: Gloster Javelin FAW.1, FAW.2 and T.3 – 62 photos

Photo Javelin (prototype) 01: Gloster Javelin WD804, the first Javelin prototype.

Photo Javelin (prototype) 02: Gloster Javelin WT827, the third Javelin prototype.

Photo Javelin (prototype) 03: Gloster Javelin WT827, the third Javelin prototype taking-off.

Photo Javelin (prototype) 04: Gloster Javelin WT830, the fourth Javelin prototype.

Photo Javelin (prototype) 05: Another view of Gloster Javelin WT830, the fourth Javelin prototype.

Photo Javelin (prototype) 06: Gloster Javelin WT836, the fifth Javelin prototype.

Photo Javelin (prototype) 07: Gloster Javelin WT836, the fifth prototype taking-off

Photo Javelin (prototype) 08: Gloster Javelin WT841 in flight. WT841 was the T.3 prototype.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 21: Twelve Gloster Javelin FAW. 1s of No. 46 Sqn flying in formation. The first aircraft is XA565/U. No. 46 Sqn was the first squadron to become operational on Javelin.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 22: Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA544, the first FAW. 1 was used by Gloster and the A&AEE. It became an instructional airframe in December 1957.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 23: Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA549/M of No. 87 Sqn.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 24: Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA552 was retained by MoS for Gyron Junior testbed and received those particular paints and markings.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 25: Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA556/C of the CFE.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 26: Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA565/A of No. 87 Sqn.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 27: Opposite view of Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA565/A of No. 87 Sqn.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 28: Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA568/C of the CFE.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 29: Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA571/C of No. 46 Sqn.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 30: Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA620/E of No. 46 Sqn.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 31: Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA621/F of No. 46 Sqn.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 32: Gloster Javelin FAW. 1 XA628/B of No. 87 Sqn. XA628 was the last FAW. 1 delivered to the RAF.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 33: Gloster Javelin FAW.1s of 46 Sqn flying in formation with XA626/Q, XA627/B and XA622/G.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 34: Gloster Javelin FAW.1 XA564 served at Bristols for various tests and was never issued to any RAF unit. It would become an instructional airframe in July 1957.

Photo Javelin FAW.1 – 35: Gloster Javelin FAW.1 XA569, 46 Sqn

Photo Javelin FAW.2 – 41: Gloster Javelin FAW. 2 XA778 was used by Gloster and the A&AEE during all its career.

Photo Javelin FAW.2 – 42: Gloster Javelin FAW. 2 XA801, pending its assigment to No. 46 Sqn.

Photo Javelin FAW.2 – 43: Gloster Javelin FAW. 2 XA804/R of No. 89 Sqn.

Photo Javelin FAW.2 – 44: Gloster Javelin FAW. 2 XA807/P of No. 46 Sqn with the first markings.

Photo Javelin FAW.2 – 45: Gloster Javelin FAW. 2 XA807/P of No. 46 Sqn.

Photo Javelin FAW.2 – 46: Gloster Javelin FAW.2 XA778 served for various experiments through all its career and it is now seen with high visibilty paints (see also photo 41)

Photo Javelin FAW.2 – 47: Gloster Javelin FAW.2 XA801/F of No. 46 Sqn.

Photo Javelin FAW.2 – 48: Gloster Javelin FAW.2 XA775/N of No. 89 Sqn. The squadron markings under the letter N have been overpainted for security reasons.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 61: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH390/O of No. 60 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 62: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH395/D of No. 226 OCU.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 63: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH395/Z of No. 46 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 64: Opposite view of Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH395/Z of No. 46 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 65: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH397 of No. 41 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 66: Opposite view of Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH397 of No. 41 Sqn. (quality average)

Photo Javelin T.3 – 67: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH432/R of No. 23 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 68: Another view of Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH432/R of No. 23 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 69: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH432/S of No. 23 Sqn, later on.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 70: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH435/D of No. 228 OCU.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 71: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH435/Z of No. 85 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 72: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH436/A of No. 226 OCU.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 73: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH437/X of No. 23 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 74: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH437/T of No. 33 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 75: Another view of Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH437/T of No. 33 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 76: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH443/C of No. 226 OCU.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 77: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH443/D of No. 226 OCU.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 78: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XH446/Z of No. 64 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 79: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XK577 for purchased for the Ministry of Aviation and never with the RAF.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 80: Gloster Javelin T. 3 XM336/B of No. 226 OCU.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 81: Gloster Javelin T.3 XH396/D of No. 29 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 82: Gloster Javelin T.3 XH432/R of No. 23 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 83: Gloster Javelin T.3 XH444/D of the FCIRS (Fighter Command Instrument Rating Squadron)

Photo Javelin T.3 – 84: Gloster Javelin T.3 XH438/A of the FCIRS (see above)

Photo Javelin T.3 – 85: Gloster Javelin T.3 XH391 without any markings.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 86: Another view of XM336/B (see photo 80)

Photo Javelin T.3 – 87: Gloster Javelin T.3 XH435/D of No. 11 Sqn in September 1966.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 88: Gloster Javelin T.3 XH445/Z of No. 64 Sqn as it appeared after its accident of 11 July 1966.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 89: Gloster Javelin T.3 XH436/R of No. 151 Sqn.

Photo Javelin T.3 – 90: Gloster Javelin T.3 XH445/Z of No. 64 Sqn before its accident (see photo 88)

Photo Javelin T.3 – 91: Gloster Javelin T.3 XH390/O of No. 60 Sqn.

January 2016: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin – RAF & RCAF – 33 photos

Photo Siskin (RAF) 01: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J8959, Squadron Leader C.N. Lowe, No. 43 Squadron, 1930. No. 43 SQuadron flew on Siskin between June 1928 and May 1931.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 02: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J8060, No. 29 Squadron, 1931. This squadron was equipped with Siskins between March 1938 and June 1932.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 03: Line-up of Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIAs of No. 29 Squadron in 1929. The Siskins which are identified are J8950, J8664, J8662, J8056 and J8667.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 04: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J8937 of No. 43 Squadron.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 05: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J8901 of No. 19 Squadron which used the Siskin between March 1928 and September 1931.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 06: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J8869 which was on No. 24 Squadron charge in December 1930. It was for a short time only, being passed on to CFS soon afterwards.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 07: No. 41 Squadron’s Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIAs warming up their engines in 1927. J8391 is on the forefront and behind J8382. No. 41 Squadron flew the Mk. IIIA between March 1927 and November 1931.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 08: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIAs of No. 43 Squadron. J8837 is the nearest.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 09: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J8957 of RAFC in 1932. It was coded ’11’.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 10: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J8838 of No. 29 Squadron

Photo Siskin (RAF) 11: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIDC J7549 of No. 41 Squadron in 1926.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 12: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIDC J9198 of Flight Training Base Leuchars in 1929.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 13: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J9895 of No. 56 Squadron which flew the type between September 1927 and October 1932.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 14: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. III J7758 while conducting cold weather trials in 1926. This Sisking was later purchased by the RCAF and crashed on 28.06.27 while on a test flight program with No. 2 Sqaudron, RCAF, killing the pilot.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 15: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. III J7759 was the second Siskin to be used for cold weather trials in Canada from December 1925 onwards. Later purchased by the RCAF it became ’10’ the ‘301’.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 16: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J8633 of No. 56 Squadron.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 17: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. III J7149 of No. 41 Squadron. The Mk. III was flown by the 41 between May 1924 and March 1927 before switching to the Mk. IIIA.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 18: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. III J7758 during cold weather traisl in Canada in 1925-1926.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 19: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J9901 of No. 19 Squadron.

Photo Siskin (RAF) 20: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA J8053 of No. 111 Squadron.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 51: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. III J7759 was purchased by the RCAF in January 1926 and received the serial ’10’ later changed for ‘301’. It was struck off charge in March 1935.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 52: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA ’21’ was taken on charge by the RCAF in December 1927 and was a new aircraft. The serial was changed for ‘303’ later on before becoming an instructional airframe as A27, serving until Augsut 1947.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 53: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA dual ’63’ purchased by the RCAF. It served between May 1929 and August 1937, being re-numbered ‘308’ in the meantime.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 54: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA ’59’ had a long career with the RCAF, between June 1929 and January 1939. At the end of its career it was using the serial ‘305’

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 55: Side view of Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA dual ’63’.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 56: Side view of Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA dual ’63’.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 57: Unconfortable situation for Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA dual ’63’. It was repaired and return to service later on.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 58: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA ‘306’ was introduced into RCAF in June 1926 as ’60’. ‘306’ is seen while serving with No. 113 Squadron (Auxiliary), RCAF based at Calgary at the end of the thirties.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 59: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin Mk. IIIA ‘302’ was formely serialled ’20’ which had been purchased from the RAF in December 1927 where it had been taken on charge as J8632. The photo was taken when ‘302’ was used by No. 113 Squadron (Auxiliary), RCAF at Calgary, Alberta.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 60: Armstrong Siskin IIIA ’23’ seen after its accident of 26 July 1932.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 61: Another view of ’23’. it was struck off charge the following month.

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 62: Siskin #210

Photo Siskin (RCAF) 63: Siskin #22

December 2015: Westland Whirlwind Mk. I – 28 photos

Most were used in the book ‘Allied Wings No. 4 – The Westland Whirlwind‘, available in this site (lick the kink)

Photo Whirlwind 01: A view of the starboard side of L6845, the second Westland Whirlwind prototype. In this photograph the relatively large engine nacelles are clearly shown. While under construction L6845 incorporated some improvements and further modifications resulting from the testing of L6844.

Photo Whirlwind 02: Port side view of Westland Whirlwind L6845.

Photo Whirlwind 03: Another port side view of Whirlwind L6845.

Photo Whirlwind 04: 3/4 front port view of Westland Wirlwind L6845.

Photo Whirlwind 05: Port side view of Westland Whirlwind L6844.

Photo Whirlwind 06: A very nice photograph of the first Westland Whirlwind prototype, L6844, showing its pure aerodynamic contours. The cockpit, with its all-round view, was one of the best features of the Whirlwind.

Photo Whirlwind 07: photograph of the first Westland Whirlwind prototype, L6844, taken shortly before its first flight in October 1938

Photo Whirlwind 08: A colourised print of Westland Whirlwind L6845 photo 03.

Photo Whirlwind 09: Three Westland Whirlwinds, HE-V/P6969, HE-J/P6985, and HE-L /P6987, flying in formation at the beginning of 1941. These were the first production aircraft to reach No.263 Squadron.

Photo Whirlwind 10: Same scene taken from another angle.

Photo Whirlwind 11: On 8 February 1941, while flying Westland Whirlwind HE-V/P6969, Pilot Officer K.A.G.Graham claimed the first aerial victory by a Whirlwind. The victim was an Ar196 float plane.

Photo Whirlwind 12: Westland Whirlwind Mk.I P7062, of No.263 Squadron flown by
Pilot Officer William A. Lovell, (RCAF), taken during a routine flight in July 1942.
William Lovell was an English-born American who was transferred
to USAAF a few weeks later.

Photo Whirlwind 13: A well known photograph, taken in 1942, of Westland Whirlwind P7116 “Bellows Argentina No. 2” which was Squadron Leader P.T.Pugh’s personal aircraft at the end of his posting to the squadron. Squadron Leader Thomas Pugh carried out only two operational flights in this machine before it was passed to Robert S.Woodward No.263 Squadron’s new Commanding Officer. In all P7116 accumulated 49.4 flying hours in 40 operational sorties.
The exact number of Whirlwinds christened “Bellows”, which were funded by the Fellowship of the Bellows (Argentina or Uruguay), is uncertain.

Photo Whirlwind 14: Opposite side of Westland Whirlwind P7116.

Photo Whirlwind 15: Westland Whirlwind P7062/HE-L of No. 263 Squadron showing its flaps in the extended position.

Photo Whirlwind 16: A presentation Westland Whirlwind, P7102/SF-P ‘Comrades in Arms’ served with No. 137 Squadron during the second semester of 1942 before to be passed on to No. 263 Squadron.

Photo Whirlwind 17: Westland Whirlwind P6691/HE-R on a dispersal in March 1942. This Whirlwind spent two years with No.263 Squadron and was repaired twice, in March and July 1942, before it was struck off charge after another mishap on 9 February 1943.

Photo Whirlwind 18: Westland Whirlwind P6984/HE-H, while based at Exeter. This aircraft was lost on 19 January 1941 when both engines failed and Flight Lieutenant Pugh was forced to bale out.

Photo Whirlwind 19: Side view of Westland Whirlwind P6984/HE-H,

Photo Whirlwind 20: Westland Whirlwind P6997 while undergoing flight tests at A&AEE with bombs under the wings in 1942.

Photo Whirlwind 21: James Patrick Coyne (RCAF) is posing in Westland Whirlwind P7094/HE-T, probably in May 1943. It was Flight Lieutenant H.J. Blackshaw’s regular mount, and both were lost a few days later.

Photo Whirlwind 22: Westland Whirlwind P7012/SF-V, is re-armed with 250-lb bombs in May 1943.

Photo Whirlwind 23: See above.

Photo Whirlwind 24: Armourers re-arming the four 20mm cannons with the drum magazines with below the camera gun.

Photo Whirlwind 25: Westland Whirlwind P7055 served with No.137 Squadron between November 1941 and February 1943. It was issued to No.263 Squadron in June 1943 and ended its career with this unit. By November 1943 it was one of the last operational Whirlwinds still in service.