 | Republic P47 Thunderbolt The Thunderbolt was one of the three most important American fighters produced during the war and saw extensive service with the United States Army Air Force before its comparatively late introduction into RAF operational service in 1944. This big and strongly built fighter bomber, with its good low level performance and long range made an ideal replacement for the RAF's Hurricane fighter bombers operating over Burma. The RAF only used the Thunderbolt against the Japanese in South East Asia Command. By 1944 air/ground co-operation had been successfully developed into a powerful tactical tool and RAF Thunderbolts in Burma quickly adopted 'cab rank' patrols available to attack any enemy ground target holding up the Allied advance. Directed by ground visual control posts, the Thunderbolts, with their heavy gun armament and 500lb bombs, created havoc amongst Japanese troop concentrations and their supply lines. During the air battles leading to the re-capture of Rangoon, RAF Thunderbolts flew fighter escort missions with RAF Liberator bombers. By the end of 1945 RAF Thunderbolt squadrons were re equipping with Hawker Tempest Iis but some units were sent to Batavia in an attempt to re-introduce Dutch colonial rule. Whilst there they undertook a number of bombing missions against Indonesian guerrillas and rebel airfields. |
 | Japanese bombers attack Burma road (Nov 1940) Combat footage. German Wartime Newsreel (Die Deutsche Wochenschau). |
 | Manila Drive 1st Pics; Allies Close on Rhineland 1945/01/29 1) MacArthur's amphibious forces land on Luzon in Philippines; 2) RAF Blasts Jap Supplies; "really pinpoint bombing" of targets in Burma; 3) Allies Close on Rhineland; prisoners taken and pictures of wrecked equipment in Belgium; 4) U.S. Responds to Dime Plea; annual March of Dimes campaign at the time of the president's birthday; 5) Fishing Fleet Coated By Icy Seas. (complete newsreel) |
 | Hawker Hurricanes In 1933, Hawker's chief designer, Sydney Camm, decided to design an aircraft which would fulfill a British Air Ministry specification calling for a new monoplane fighter. His prototype, powered by a 990hp Rolls Royce Merlin 'C' engine, first flew on 6 November 1935, and quickly surpassed expectations and performance estimates. Official trials began three months later, and in June 1936, Hawker received an initial order for 600 aircraft from the Royal Air Force. The first aircraft had fabric wings. To power the new aircraft (now officially designated the "Hurricane,") the RAF ordered the new 1,030hp Merlin II engine. The first production Hurricane flew on 12 October 1937, and was delivered to the 111 Squadron at RAF Northolt two months later. A year later, around 200 had been delivered, and demand for the airplane had increased enough that Hawker contracted with the Gloster Aircraft company to build them also. During the production run, the fabric-covered wing was replaced by an all-metal one, a bullet-proof windscreen was added, and the engine was upgraded to the Merlin III. Before WWII, production locations expanded to include Yugoslavia, Belgium and in 1940, Canada, where it was undertaken by the Canadian Car and Foundry Company. August 1940 brought what has become the Hurricane's shining moment in history: The Battle of Britain. RAF Hurricanes accounted for more enemy aircraft kills than all other defenses combined, including all aircraft and ground defenses. Later in the war, the Hurricane served admirably in North Africa, Burma, Malta, and nearly every other theater in which the RAF participated. The Hurricane underwent many modifications during its life, resulting in many major variants, including the Mk IIA, with a Merlin XX engine; the Mk IIB, with interchangeable wings housing twelve 7.7mm (0.303in) guns and carrying two 500lb bombs; the Mk IID, a tankbuster with two 40mm anti-tank guns plus two 7.7mm guns; the Mk IV, with a universal, multi-purpose wing, and powered by a 1,620hp Merlin 24/27 engine; and the Canadian-built Mk XII, with a 1,300hp Packard Merlin 29 engine. During the war, Hurricanes were sold to Egypt, Finland, India, the Irish Air Corps, Persia, Turkey, and the USSR. The Hurricane was undoubtedly one of the greatest and most versatile fighter aircraft of WWII, and it remained in service with the RAF until January 1947. |
 | Meet The War Protesters - ColdPlay Putting a human face to the many Thousands that Stand Up for the Right to Free Speech, Humanity, War, Equal Rights, Racial Discimination and True Democracy. |
 | Waco G-4 Assault Glider Design and development The CG-4A was constructed of fabric-covered wood and metal and was crewed by a pilot and copilot. It could carry 13 troops and their equipment or either a jeep, a quarter-ton truck, or a 75 mm howitzer loaded through the upward-hinged nose section. Also a small bulldozer, was loaded into some of these gliders. C-46s and C-47s were usually used as tow aircraft. Operational history Whiteman Air Force Base was originally activated on 6 August 1942, as Sedalia Glider Base. In November 1942, the installation became Sedalia Army Air Field and was assigned to the 12th Troop Carrier Command of the United States Army Air Forces. The field served as a training site for glider tactics and paratroopers, and assigned aircraft included the CG-4A glider, and the Curtiss C-46 Commando and Douglas C-47 Skytrain. CG-4As went into operation in July 1943 during the Allied invasion of Sicily. They participated in the American airborne landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944, and in other important airborne operations in Europe and in the China-Burma-India Theater. Until late in the war, gliders were generally considered expendable in combat and were abandoned or destroyed after landing. The CG-4A found favor where its small size was a benefit; the Allies had the larger Airspeed Horsa could carry more troops (seating for 28 or a jeep or an anti-tank gun) and the General Aircraft Hamilcar could carry a light tank but the CG-4A could land in smaller spaces. It was used to send supplies to partisans in Yugoslavia. Variants XCG-4 Prototypes, two built. CG-4A Main Production variant, survivors becamoe G-4A in 1948, 12,916 built by various sub-contractors. XCG-4B One CG-4A built with a non-metallic structure. PG-1 One CG-4A converted with two Franklin 6AC-298-N3 engines by Northwestern. XPG-2 One CG-4A converted with two 200hp L-440-1 engines by Ridgefield. XPG-2A Two CG-4As converted. PG-2A Variant of CG-4A with two 200hp L-440-7, redesignated G-2A in 1948, ten built by Northwestern. XPG-2B Cancelled variant with two R-775-9 engines. LRW-1 13 CG-4A transferred to the United States Navy. G-2A PG-2A re-designated in 1948. G-4A CG-4A re-designated in 1948. G-4C G-4A with different tow-bar, 35 conversions. Hadrian Mk I Royal Air Force designation for the CG-4A, 25 delivered. Hadrian Mk II Royal Air Force designation for the CG-4A with equipment changes. Operators A Royal Air Force CG-4A Hadrian Canada Royal Canadian Air Force Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakian Air Force operated 2 or 3 Wacos, designated NK-4. United Kingdom Royal Air Force United States US Army Air Force US Navy Specifications (CG-4A) General characteristics Crew: two, pilot and co-pilot Capacity: 13 troops, or quarter-ton truck and 3 troops, or 6 litters for evacuation of wounded Length: 48 ft 8 in (14.8 m) Wingspan: 83 ft 8 in (25.5 m) Height: 15 ft 4 in (4.7 m) Wing area: 900 ft² (83.6 m²) Empty weight: 3,790 lb (1,719 kg) Loaded weight: 7,500 lb maximum design gross weight (normal load) / 9,000 lb maximum emergency gross weight (not to be exceeded) (3,400 kg / 4,091 kg) Max takeoff weight: 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) *Max take off (Emergency Load): 9,000 lb (4,091 kg) Performance Maximum speed: 150 mph[1] @ 7,500 lb (240 km/h[2] @ 3,400 kg;) Cruise speed: CAS 72.6 mph[3] (CAS 117 km/h[4]) Stall speed: CAS 49 mph[5] with design load 7,500 lb (CAS 79 km/h[6] with design load 3,400 kg) Wing loading: 8.81 lb/ft² () Rate of sink: About 400 ft/min (122 m/min) at tactical glide speed (CAS 60 mph/96 km/h) Landing run: 600-800 feet (180-244 m) for normal three-point landing |
 | ELSONIC HISTORY & THE ELECTRIC FENCE- ESTABLISHED 1974 The History and inspiration of Elsonic dates back to 1942 and the IInd. World War, when Pilot Officer Ram Bhatt set foot in England for the 12th Pilots Course, as part of the contingent from the Royal Indian Air Force, to undergo training on Hurricanes and Spitfires. They had an adventurous 3 month journey by ship as recounted by his other colleague and friend Air Marshal Idris Latif. Ram Bhat's self-taught engineering skills were legendary and appreciated by the Air force. He was recommended and advised by senior Royal Air Force Officers to pursue an Engineering university degree in England. However he declined the offer as he loved and dreamed about being a fighter pilot. After returning to India he served as a fighter pilot at the Burma front. When the war ended he returned to his engineering passion while still a fighter pilot with the Indian Air Force. He always had a small workshop at home where he made clocks and repaired watches and also made all sorts of gadgets. He made electric powered mixers, grinders, coconut scrapers and many more small gadgets. He also built motorcycles for himself and friends. Once of his course mates and good friend the Late Air Marshal D. (Tiger) Subbiah spoke eons of his first BSA motorcycle built by Bhatt from scrap. He then turned to making a small car using bicycle wheels and a two-stroke motorcycle engine that can be truly called India's first car. Any of his old friends around the world reading this may please see the following slide show and contact me (Ranjan Bhatt) at elsonic@technologist.com or elsonic@gmail.com. |
 | Curtiss P-36 (Mohawk) Hawk during WW2 The Curtiss P-36 Hawk, also known as Curtiss Hawk Model 75, was a U.S.-built fighter aircraft of the 1930s. A contemporary of the Hawker Hurricane and Messerschmitt Bf 109, it was one of the first fighters of the new generation sleek monoplanes with extensive use of metal in construction and powerful piston engines. Obsolete at the onset of World War II and best known as the predecessor of the Curtiss P-40, the P-36 saw only limited combat with the United States Army Air Forces but was extensively used by the French Air Force and also by British Commonwealth and Chinese air units. Several dozen also fought in the Finnish Air Force against the Soviet Red Air Force. With around 1,000 aircraft built, the P-36 was a major commercial success for Curtiss. This article also covers the YP-37 and the XP-42 prototypes based on the P-36. Like others, the Royal Air Force also displayed considerable interest in the aircraft. Comparison of a borrowed French Hawk 75A-2 with a Supermarine Spitfire Mk I revealed that the Hawk had several advantages over the early variant of the iconic British fighter. The Hawk was found to have lighter controls than the Spitfire at speeds over 300 mph (480 km/h), especially in diving attacks, and was easier to maneuver in a dogfight thanks to the less-sensitive elevator and better all-around visibility. The Hawk was also easier to control on takeoff and landing. Not surprisingly, the Spitfire's superior acceleration and top speed ultimately gave it the advantage of being able to engage and leave combat at will. Although Britain decided not to purchase the aircraft, they soon came in possession of 229 Hawks comprised of diverted shipments to occupied France and aircraft flown by escaping French pilots. The aircraft received the designations Mohawk I through IV, mirroring French Hawk 75A-1 through A-4, and were fitted with 0.303-cal. Vickers K machine guns and conventional throttles (forward to increase power). Obsolete by the standards of the European theatre, 72 Mohawks were sent to the South African Air Force, and a number served in India and Burma. In April 1941, the British government of India ordered 48 Cyclone-powered Hawk 75As to be built by Hindustan Aircraft. The first Indian-built machine was test flown on 31 July 1942. Four additional machines were completed before the project was abandoned. The Indian-built machines were absorbed into the RAF as Mohawk IVs. Similarly, Chinese license production of the Hawk 75A-5 was moved to India, and these machines were also absorbed into RAF as Mohawk IV. |
 | Waco G-4 Assault Glider Design and development The CG-4A was constructed of fabric-covered wood and metal and was crewed by a pilot and copilot. It could carry 13 troops and their equipment or either a jeep, a quarter-ton truck, or a 75 mm howitzer loaded through the upward-hinged nose section. Also a small bulldozer, was loaded into some of these gliders. C-46s and C-47s were usually used as tow aircraft. Operational history Whiteman Air Force Base was originally activated on 6 August 1942, as Sedalia Glider Base. In November 1942, the installation became Sedalia Army Air Field and was assigned to the 12th Troop Carrier Command of the United States Army Air Forces. The field served as a training site for glider tactics and paratroopers, and assigned aircraft included the CG-4A glider, and the Curtiss C-46 Commando and Douglas C-47 Skytrain. CG-4As went into operation in July 1943 during the Allied invasion of Sicily. They participated in the American airborne landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944, and in other important airborne operations in Europe and in the China-Burma-India Theater. Until late in the war, gliders were generally considered expendable in combat and were abandoned or destroyed after landing. The CG-4A found favor where its small size was a benefit; the Allies had the larger Airspeed Horsa could carry more troops (seating for 28 or a jeep or an anti-tank gun) and the General Aircraft Hamilcar could carry a light tank but the CG-4A could land in smaller spaces. It was used to send supplies to partisans in Yugoslavia. Variants XCG-4 Prototypes, two built. CG-4A Main Production variant, survivors becamoe G-4A in 1948, 12,916 built by various sub-contractors. XCG-4B One CG-4A built with a non-metallic structure. PG-1 One CG-4A converted with two Franklin 6AC-298-N3 engines by Northwestern. XPG-2 One CG-4A converted with two 200hp L-440-1 engines by Ridgefield. XPG-2A Two CG-4As converted. PG-2A Variant of CG-4A with two 200hp L-440-7, redesignated G-2A in 1948, ten built by Northwestern. XPG-2B Cancelled variant with two R-775-9 engines. LRW-1 13 CG-4A transferred to the United States Navy. G-2A PG-2A re-designated in 1948. G-4A CG-4A re-designated in 1948. G-4C G-4A with different tow-bar, 35 conversions. Hadrian Mk I Royal Air Force designation for the CG-4A, 25 delivered. Hadrian Mk II Royal Air Force designation for the CG-4A with equipment changes. Operators A Royal Air Force CG-4A Hadrian Canada Royal Canadian Air Force Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakian Air Force operated 2 or 3 Wacos, designated NK-4. United Kingdom Royal Air Force United States US Army Air Force US Navy Specifications (CG-4A) General characteristics Crew: two, pilot and co-pilot Capacity: 13 troops, or quarter-ton truck and 3 troops, or 6 litters for evacuation of wounded Length: 48 ft 8 in (14.8 m) Wingspan: 83 ft 8 in (25.5 m) Height: 15 ft 4 in (4.7 m) Wing area: 900 ft² (83.6 m²) Empty weight: 3,790 lb (1,719 kg) Loaded weight: 7,500 lb maximum design gross weight (normal load) / 9,000 lb maximum emergency gross weight (not to be exceeded) (3,400 kg / 4,091 kg) Max takeoff weight: 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) *Max take off (Emergency Load): 9,000 lb (4,091 kg) Performance Maximum speed: 150 mph[1] @ 7,500 lb (240 km/h[2] @ 3,400 kg;) Cruise speed: CAS 72.6 mph[3] (CAS 117 km/h[4]) Stall speed: CAS 49 mph[5] with design load 7,500 lb (CAS 79 km/h[6] with design load 3,400 kg) Wing loading: 8.81 lb/ft² () Rate of sink: About 400 ft/min (122 m/min) at tactical glide speed (CAS 60 mph/96 km/h) Landing run: 600-800 feet (180-244 m) for normal three-point landing |
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