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Paul Bellamy
12/8/2009 3:16:08 PM | Here, eventually, I hope to be able to post photos of all the PFF "Mickey" equipped B-17s assigned to the 401BG.
Current known allocated aircraft: 17
Current photographed aircraft: 14
Last updated: 12th January 2014
B-17G-20-VE 42-97600
Ex-94CBW PFF aircraft.
Allocated 401BG 614BS IW-Y 20th August 1944.
Transferred to 613BS IN-Y, date unknown.
Lost in Action 21st November 1944.
B-17G-25-VE 42-97636
Ex-94CBW PFF aircraft.
Suffered Category 3 damage as a result of a landing accident 8th August 1944, Lt. William C. Mannix (613th Squadron) flying.
Aircraft repaired and brought back into service.
Allocated 401BG 615BS IY-H 26th August 1944.
Suffered Category 3 damage as a result of a landing accident 18th February 1945, Capt. Paul E. Campbell (615th Squadron Operations Officer) flying.
Aircraft repaired and brought back into service.
Smoke-laying equipment installed at some point, removed May 1945 prior to transfer to 305BG for Project Casey Jones.
Seen at the far end of the dispersal
Aftermath of the 18th Feb 45 accident
B-17G-40-VE 42-97947
Suffered Category 3 damage as a result of a taxying accident at Denver Municipal Airport 14th April 1944, just two days after delivery to the USAAF, Leon H Pringle of the 6th Ferrying Group in command.
Ex-94CBW PFF aircraft.
Allocated 401BG 612BS SC-U 7th August 1944.
Suffered unspecified damage in a ground accident whilst parked 5th February 1945, repaired and flew as High Sqn. Lead the next day.
Transferred to 615BS IY-U end of February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in August (May?) 1945 for Project Casey Jones.
Most likely to be the true identity of "Snooper" seen downthread.
Note the Instrument Landing System indicator and associated equipment installed top right.
The SCS-51 ILS indicator was only fitted to lead bombers in this position, and was used in conjunction with mobile ground stations to show the bombardier the forward position of friendly ground forces, i.e. "The Bomb Line".
The instruction to install this indicator for this purpose in all lead aircraft was issued by Division HQ in the week ending 25th December 1944.
B-17G-45-VE 44-8033
Allocated 401BG 614BS IW-C 17th August 1944.
Transferred to 615BS IY-C end of February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones.
Summer 1945, part-way through having her 401BG markings replaced with 305BG ones:
(Photo: Paul Knight Collection)
B-17G-50-VE 44-8153
Allocated 401BG 612BS SC-Q 18th August 1944.
Transferred to 615BS IY-O end of February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones.
B-17G-55-VE 44-8258
Allocated 401BG 615BS IY-A 4th October 1944.
Force-landed Melsbroek, Belgium on December 11th 1944.
Destroyed on the ground at Melsbroek by German fighters, 1st January 1945.
B-17G-55-VE 44-8259
Allocated 401BG 614BS IW-G 17th November 1944.
Transferred to 615BS IY-K end of February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones.
And in her post-war 305BG service, with the ghost of the 401st stripe still visible on her fin:
B-17G-60-VE 44-8371 "Badland Bat II / Freckles"
Allocated 401BG 615BS IY-M 30th November 1944.
Suffered unspecified damage in a ground accident whilst parked 8th February 1945.
Lost in Action, 16th February 1945.
(Second aircraft from front)
B-17G-65-VE 44-8449
Allocated 401BG 613BS IN-P 9th November 1944.
Suffered Category 3 damage as a result of a take-off accident 20th November 1944, Lt. K.A. Baker flying.
Aircraft repaired and brought back into service.
Transferred to 615BS IY-F end of February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in April 1945 for Project Casey Jones
No photos yet.
B-17G-65-VE 44-8454
Allocated 401BG 613BS IN-C 19th November 1944.
Transferred to 615BS IY-T end of February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones
B-17G-70-VE 44-8550
Allocated 401BG 613BS IN-Q 1st January 1945.
Transferred to 615BS IY-D end of February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones
Seen here hiding behind 43-38758 IN-P "Fast Company":
B-17G-75-VE 44-8648
Allocated 401BG 613BS IN-M January 1945.
Transferred to 615BS IY-Nend of February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones
No photos yet.
B-17G-75-VE 44-8653
Allocated 401BG 615BS IY-S 20th January 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones
Seen here in formation with 44-8708
B-17G-80-VE 44-8707
Allocated 401BG 615BS IY-M 17th February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones
No photos yet.
B-17G-80-VE 44-8708 "St Looie Blues"
Allocated 401BG 615BS IY-G 17th February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones
(As she's flying alongside IW-N 43-38738 "Be Comin' Back" this is either the 10th March 1945 mission #225 to Hagen marshalling yards, or the 10th April 1945 mission #246 to Oranienburg ordnance depot)
In her 305BG colours at St. Trond, Belgium, during Project Casey Jones when she became XK-R. It is not known whether her name was applied before she left the 401st.
B-17G-85-VE 44-8812 "Beat Me Daddy"
Allocated 401BG 615BS IY-A 19th February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG as XK-A in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones
17th March 1945
(This is believed to be '812 in April 1945, but not yet confirmed)
From the unusual double-line mark visible on the leading edge of the wing, this seems to be the same aircraft:
B-17G-85-VE 44-8825
Allocated 401BG 614BS IW-J 19th February 1945.
Transferred to 615BS IY-J end of February 1945.
Transferred to 305BG in May 1945 for Project Casey Jones.
Seen here on the bomb run with radome extended.
44-8033 IY-C is on her starboard wing as reserve PFF ship, with 44-8767 IN-W on the port wing.
'825 after transfer to the 305BG, during removal of the armament and 401st markings.
"Snooper"
I've not yet confirmed this as one of the "Mickey Ships", but from the photos so far examined it seems only the 401st's PFF aircraft had the cheek guns removed and plated over. The name and nose art are rather apt for a BTO ship too.
Furthermore, there appears to be additional equipment installed above the front cheek window (note the non-standard bolts/rivets) in a similar position to the ILS repeater seen in 42-97947 upthread.
Unknown aircraft, showing the plates over the cheek gun ports.
Unknown aircraft, showing the paired antennae for the SCR 718 Radar Altimeter under each wing (the little T-shaped things below each engine):
The same antennae arrowed in the possible 44-8812 photo:
Nice detail of the scanner radome:
I've moved the RCM Ships photos to a dedicated thread HERE.
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
12/9/2009 3:33:12 PM | Updated at 21.30hrs GMT 9 Dec 09
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
2/7/2010 1:50:02 PM | Updated at 19.49hrs 7th Feb 2010
Added: In-flight photo of 42-97947 SC-U
Paul Bellamy
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MaryAlice
2/7/2010 7:21:45 PM | Again, WOW!! great photo's Paul.
i want to ask you a "rookie" question...
5th picture down, from top...what is that guy called? What is he doing... Is he the Bombardier?.
Again, excuse the "ignorance" Thanks Paul!
Derrick Morris, Grandson of S/Sgt Engr/Top Turret William "Dale" Sartor, 615th BS 401st BG, "Mary Alice"
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Paul Bellamy
2/7/2010 8:33:49 PM | "MaryAlice":
I want to ask you a "rookie" question...
5th picture down, from top...what is that guy called? What is he doing... Is he the Bombardier?.
Again, excuse the "ignorance" Thanks Paul!
Derrick, only the ignorant fail to ask questions. 😉
Yes, the chap in photo 5 is sitting in the Bombardier's seat.
In PFF/Mickey/Pathfinder B-17s there was always a qualified Bombardier in this position, who also operated the Chin Turret guns. In the photo the chap has his hand on the gunsight for the Chin Turret, and the operating controls can be seen by his knee.
By 1944 8AF policy was formation bombing, with most aircraft's bombs being released (toggled) by part-trained "Toggliers".
These were not qualified Bombardiers, but usually one of the gunners on the crew, who was trained how to arm and release the bombs, dropping them by watching when the Lead plane (with a Bombardier on board) did.
This meant that out of a Group formation of 36 B-17s, only the six Lead and Deputy Lead planes had to have a trained Bombardier and a Norden bombsight on board, which greatly eased back the Stateside training program backlog.
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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MaryAlice
2/8/2010 9:15:28 AM | "Paul Bellamy":
(quote="MaryAlice")I want to ask you a "rookie" question...
5th picture down, from top...what is that guy called? What is he doing... Is he the Bombardier?.
Again, excuse the "ignorance" Thanks Paul!
Derrick, only the ignorant fail to ask questions. 😉
Yes, the chap in photo 5 is sitting in the Bombardier's seat.
In PFF/Mickey/Pathfinder B-17s there was always a qualified Bombardier in this position, who also operated the Chin Turret guns. In the photo the chap has his hand on the gunsight for the Chin Turret, and the operating controls can be seen by his knee.
By 1944 8AF policy was formation bombing, with most aircraft's bombs being released (toggled) by part-trained "Toggliers".
These were not qualified Bombardiers, but usually one of the gunners on the crew, who was trained how to arm and release the bombs, dropping them by watching when the Lead plane (with a Bombardier on board) did.
This meant that out of a Group formation of 36 B-17s, only the six Lead and Deputy Lead planes had to have a trained Bombardier and a Norden bombsight on board, which greatly eased back the Stateside training program backlog.
All the best,
Paul(/quote)
Thanks Paul. Yes, I too am under teh pretense, that "the only stupid question, is the one that does not get asked".
Your last paragraph, I actually just passed that info in my book I am reading, "Masters of the Air"....they were describing how they trained what they felt were the best bomardiers, and put them in the lead plane (as you were describing) and once they "flipped the switch..other's followed suit. The book also said that alot of the guys (the one's NOT in teh lead planes) felt like "they were just pushing a button", so there was some hard feelings there (according to the book).
To me, this book has been a very good read, and VERY educational for me...have learned alot aboout how teh 8th Air Force (and teh Air Force in general) came to be. As well as the HUGE failure rate (number of planes lost is what I mean) we had in the beginning of the campaign...the "guinea pigs" so to speak...things like dealing with frost bite, and what the guys did not know in teh beginning (ball turret having to go to bathroom in his pants, and urine freezing, and later, they started putting urine bottles in with the guys to prevent that)
Derrick Morris, Grandson of S/Sgt Engr/Top Turret William "Dale" Sartor, 615th BS 401st BG, "Mary Alice"
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Paul Bellamy
3/31/2010 8:10:20 AM | Photo of 44-8033 added.
Eleven down, six to go. 🙂
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
3/31/2010 2:13:35 PM | Brief details of accident reports added where applicable.
Paul Bellamy
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MaryAlice
4/21/2010 12:48:51 PM | "Paul Bellamy":
Was browsing the site, and I normally hop back on this thread, because of the great pics and info in it, and I really think that, aside from any "Mary Alice" photo's (I am a little biased as you can imagine, LOL!) that the above pics are some of the best.
REALLY love that belly shot, doors open, just classic photo..
Next shot, in flight, with nothing but billowing clouds in background, peaceful, serenity (during a time of anything BUT is classic timing), sun reflecting off her "natural beauty", perfect pic
And last but not least, Fortress parked, close up of her, with Forts flying overhead in background...pic says a thousand words, and these do that and then some. Love it...
Derrick Morris, Grandson of S/Sgt Engr/Top Turret William "Dale" Sartor, 615th BS 401st BG, "Mary Alice"
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Paul Bellamy
6/19/2010 8:38:16 AM | List updated: Post-accident photo of 42-97636 added.
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
6/20/2010 12:30:46 PM | List updated: In-flight photo of 44-8708 added. 😃
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
7/4/2010 11:27:52 AM | List updated: In-flight photo of 44-8033 and 44-8825 added.
Thanks Don. 😃
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
11/10/2010 8:02:00 PM | More photos added. 🙂
Paul Bellamy
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donkirk
11/13/2010 1:51:07 PM | Paul, thank you for all the effort you put into tracing the history and men of the the 401st. I talked to my brother Charles, who was the radio operator of Capt. Richard McCord's crew in the 612th, yesterday about the pictures, and the memories flooded out of him. His crew flew two and perhaps three pathfinder missions in 44-8153, SC-Q. One of your pictures, B65428A.C., shows a different crew with that plane, but the enlisted man in the lower left corner looks exactly as I remember my brother from 60 years ago. Compare this picture with my brother, second from the left in the back row, in the McCord crew picture.
Charles told me that at one time he and some other men were sent to a nearby air station to bring a plane back home to Deenethorpe, but he didn't remember which plane or any of the names of those men. What he did remember that that was when they heard very loud and beautiful music from a hangar (it's not clear whether at the other station or at Deenethorpe) they walked in to hear a Glenn Miller concert, not too long before Miller disappeared in December. As he told it, that might have been when they brought that plane back.
I wonder if you or anybody else reading this thread has more information about the timing of the picture, the men in it, and the situation -- that is, was it related to a mission, a short ferry flight, or a posed picture?
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Paul Bellamy
11/13/2010 7:21:26 PM | Hi Don,
The original caption on the back of photo B65428AC reads:
Crew 7 of the 612th Bomb Squadron, 401st Bomb Group, in front of a Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" at an 8th Air Force base in England, 30 September 1944.
The copy of this photo on Footnote has been annotated by "patootie63" with the identities of some of those pictured:
Back row, left to right:
Captain McCord, Captain Murray, unknown, unknown, unknown.
Front row, left to right:
T/Sgt Kirkman, S/Sgt Edmunds, S/Sgt. Peyreigne, T/Sgt Strickland.
There is a book that lists all the concerts Glenn Miller's AAF Band played in the UK, but I don't have a copy to hand.
I'll ask around and see if I can borrow a copy and see if we can work out a likely location.
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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donkirk
11/14/2010 1:28:12 AM | Paul, thanks for those leads. I'll pop over to Footnote and work from that side. I'm a little puzzled because none of the other men in that picture seem the same to me as those in the McCord crew picture in the crew lists -- my brother is the only one I recognize for sure in both pictures. Let me scratch around a bit more; maybe one day I can catch my brother ready to check the pictures on line with me; when we start to talk on the phone his mind goes a mile a minute on all the things he wants to be sure to tell me (I hope he's not reading here). 🙂
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donkirk
11/14/2010 12:55:18 PM | Paul, as they say in American football when there is an issue, "after further consideration," I think I've cleared up most of my issues, thanks to your clue about Footnote (I hate the way navigation works on that site, but it's a godsend for researchers). Looking at a larger image more carefully, I do recognize that as the McCord crew and the names are correct on the annotation except that it should be "Edmonds," not "Edmunds." The three lieutenants to the right of the back row are 1st Lt. Howard D. Fishbeck, navigator; 1st Lt. Joseph E. Browne, bombardier; 1st Lt. Robert W. Howard, Mickey operator. All three were promoted to captain after this photo was taken. I don't know which is which, but I'm sure somebody can give us that information.
The McCord crew flew two missions in 44-8153 with the crew in the picture. Group mission 145 went to Hamm on September 19, 1944, and mission 150 went to Magdeburg on September 28. So this wasn't the Glenn Miller time. 🙂
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donkirk
11/23/2010 1:16:09 PM | I do recognize that (photo) as the McCord crew and the names are correct on the (Facebook) annotation except that it should be "Edmonds," not "Edmunds." The three lieutenants to the right of the back row are 1st Lt. Howard D. Fishbeck, navigator; 1st Lt. Joseph E. Browne, bombardier; 1st Lt. Robert W. Howard, Mickey operator.
My brother Charles, the radio operator, was able to identify all the men in the picture for me.
Front Row, Left to Right:
T/Sgt Charles C. Kirkman, radio-operator
S/Sgt Elroy Edmonds, tail gunner
S/Sgt Pierre V. Peyreigne, ball turret gunner
T/Sgt Z.D. Strickland, engineer
Back Row, Left to Right:
Capt Richard D. McCord, pilot
Capt John McMurray, copilot
1st Lt. Howard D. Fishbeck, squadron navigator
1st Lt. Robert W. Howard, Mickey operator
1st Lt. Joseph E. Browne, squadron bombardier
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Paul Bellamy
2/7/2011 2:42:28 PM | List updated:
42-97947 is shown with a retro-fitted Cheyenne tail position in the in-flight photo.
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
2/8/2011 10:03:02 AM | Another ground photo of Snooper has turned up:
"Lt. White and Crew of the 614th Bomb Squadron, 401st Bomb Group, in front of the Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" at an 8th Air Force base in England, 7 April 1945."
However, this once again brings into doubt the accuracy of the captions on the back of the original photos...
Compare with the other nose photo of Snooper:
"The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Snooper" of the 401st Bomb Group at an 8th Air Force base in England, 1 March 1945."
The same 35 mission markers in both images, allegedly taken over a month apart. Something not right there surely?
On a related note, something unusual seems to be going on with the nacelle on No.3 engine. It seems to have been replaced with a camouflage-painted cowling and cooling flaps.
Annoyingly, the Footnote version of the image is cropped.
Don, any chance you could e-mail me a copy of the full version of 65438AC we got from NARA please?
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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donaldbyers
2/8/2011 5:59:16 PM | Sure thing Paul, it is on my desktop computer. Also have you downloaded the January 11 2010 zip file?
Don
Sgt. Donald C. Byers, 613th Bomb Squadron, Togglier, 42-97344 Carrie B II, KIA 08/24/1944.
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Paul Bellamy
2/8/2011 7:08:16 PM | Thanks Don.
Ed's download came through just fine, I left it running overnight and it was waiting for me this morning.
I guess that brings me back up to speed. 🙂
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
2/9/2011 6:12:59 PM | Update:
42-97947 SC-U was indeed transferred to the 615BS at the end of February of 1945, and her new identity was IY-U.
All the PFF transfers to the 615BS I've checked so far occur in the last couple of days of that month, and by 1st March all bear IY- codes.
Listing being amended accordingly.
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
3/8/2011 9:38:30 AM | Some relevant entries from the monthly Group Operational Reports, which have gone a long way to clarifying how the PFF ships were used.
January 1945:
RADAR.
REMARKS:
2. With the addition of the new mickey trainer, spot jammer and Loran trainer, the Radar Shop now has a radar training building in operation, incorporating all the training on this equipment in the one building.
February 1945:
MEMO:
TO: All Personnel.
1. During the last few days of February a definite change in the combat crew organization of the group was accomplished.
Effective March 1, all lead and deputy lead crews are reassigned to the 615th Bombardment Squadron; regular crews are retained in the 612th, 613th and 614th Bombardment Squadrons.
All lead aircraft are in the lead crew squadron and regular aircraft in the remaining three.
2. Although the physical change is accomplished some time will be required of course to work out all the planned improvements in procedure.
3. The basic reason for the reorganization is to increase training efficiency - thereby improving operational efficiency. Training of lead crews will be more centralized. More emphasis can be put on planned and well briefed practice flights, on instruction rides and air checks. Many problems of coordination directly affecting training will be simplified.
For example, H2X maintenance personnel coordinate their activitied with one instead of four squadrons; H2X training is coordinated with one operations section; also M-H *, Cat and Mouse, and GH (GH when equipment is obtained for the group); air checks of lead crews by C-1 personnel; coordination with Communications to obtain proper VHF crystals for air-to-ground contact on the practice H2X range - is accomplished by one instead of four squadrons.
These and other problems of detail are simplified - details which taken collectively can sometimes mean the difference between a successful or an unsuccessful practice flight.
4. It is the responsibility of the 612th, 613th and 614th Bombardment Squadrons to check thoroughly all potential lead material, to give them air instruction to check them.
In short all three squadrons advance a crew to the point where it can pass checks by Group Operations and the lead squadron operations personnel for acceptance into the lead squadron as a trainee.
The responsibility of formation training rests chiefly with the 612th, 613th and 614th Bomb Squadrons.
The lead squadron advances a crew from trainee to deputy to lead position and is responsible for maintaining lead and deputy crews at a high level of operational efficiency.
5. Each operations staff is still responsible for accomplishing a man sized job.
WILLIAM T. SEAWELL
Lt. Col., Air Corps
Commanding
* Micro-H, a radio-navigation system similar to GEE-H, but incorporating the H2X radar equipment.
Only used operationally by the 8AF within the 3rd Air Division, not known to have been used in the 401st's 1st Air Division.
March 1945:
RADAR.
REMARKS:
1. During the first part of march, four (4) of the PFF aircraft as well as the tow-target aircraft were modified for Gee-H installation.
On the 21st of March the Group flew the first Gee-H mission with aircraft maintained and operated by our own Group personnel.
April 1945:
RADAR.
REMARKS:
1. With the introduction of new equipment in the Radar Shop a new building has been erected to house the entire H2X and Eagle maintenance section. Unfortunately, I have no idea where this new building was built, but I'll see what I can discover.
Interesting to see the reference to AN/APQ-7 Eagle radar though.
I'm guessing the Group was working up to being equipped with it at some point had the war in Europe continued any longer, as 8AF operational trials had only just begun by VE-Day.
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
3/28/2011 5:42:58 PM | List updated 28 March 2011.
Photo of PFF-equipped "Beat Me Daddy" added, tentatively identified as 44-8812.
Paul Bellamy
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donaldbyers
3/28/2011 6:56:52 PM | There was a note to the same when I went in and looked at the info on 44-8812. I believe this is probable.
Don
Sgt. Donald C. Byers, 613th Bomb Squadron, Togglier, 42-97344 Carrie B II, KIA 08/24/1944.
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Paul Bellamy
7/30/2011 7:11:42 PM | List updated with new info relating to 42-97947's ground accident at Denver in April 1944.
PB
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
12/11/2011 8:10:01 PM | Post-war photo of 44-8708 added:
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
7/23/2013 5:20:38 AM | I've been lucky enough to find an indicator unit (I-152) for the SCR-718 radar altimeter system as fitted to the Group's PFF ships. 🙂
It's a bit rough on the front panel and is missing the glare shield, but is otherwise complete.
Paul Bellamy
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donaldbyers
7/26/2013 2:36:48 PM | Great photos Paul!!!!!!
Sgt. Donald C. Byers, 613th Bomb Squadron, Togglier, 42-97344 Carrie B II, KIA 08/24/1944.
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Paul Bellamy
8/22/2013 2:20:30 PM | New photo of 42-97600 added:
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
8/22/2013 4:55:53 PM | First photo showing 44-8550 added. 😃
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
8/25/2013 4:48:53 AM | In-flight photo of 44-8258 IY-A added, courtesy of J Dresbach:
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
11/19/2013 2:37:13 PM | "Paul Bellamy":
Note the ILS repeater and associated equipment installed top right.
Just updating the info on this image.
The SCS-51 Instrument Landing System indicator was only fitted to lead bombers in this position, and was used in conjunction with mobile ground stations to show the bombardier the forward position of friendly ground forces, i.e. "The Bomb Line".
The instruction to install this indicator for this purpose in all lead aircraft was issued by Division HQ in the week ending 25th December 1944.
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
1/12/2014 9:00:54 AM | Photo of 44-8653 found and added. 🙂
Paul Bellamy
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Jackie Sharp Sheflin
4/17/2014 9:38:19 AM | I know this may sound like a foolish question...but what is a "Mickey Ship"?
Jackie
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Paul Bellamy
4/17/2014 6:06:00 PM | "Mickey" was a nickname for the H2X pathfinder radar. 🙂
Paul Bellamy
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Jackie Sharp Sheflin
4/17/2014 6:10:56 PM | Paul,
Was that an unusual type of radar for the planes to have?
Jackie
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Paul Bellamy
4/17/2014 6:14:44 PM | No, H2X PFF was the standard bombing radar fitted to a proportion of 8AF and 15AF B-17s, in place of the ball turret.
Paul Bellamy
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Jackie Sharp Sheflin
4/17/2014 6:35:37 PM | Paul,
I am not sure I understand entirely, but I thank you. I always thought all B17 had the ball turrets.
Jackie
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Paul Bellamy
4/17/2014 6:40:30 PM | Here's a good clear view showing the radome that replaced the ball turret on "Mickey Ships":
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
6/29/2014 9:30:27 AM | New photo of 42-97947 added.
Note: The data block at the bottom doesn't currently appear to make much sense when compared to known records.
I'm working on it though... 😉
Paul Bellamy
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Paul Bellamy
7/16/2014 5:04:31 AM | Summer 1945 photo of 44-8033 added, part-way through having her 401BG markings replaced by her new 305BG ones:
(Photo: Paul Knight Collection)
Paul Bellamy
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Jackie Sharp Sheflin
7/24/2014 6:35:06 PM | Very nice pictures! Thank you for all the work you do to share them!
Jackie
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Paul Bellamy
9/9/2017 12:33:57 AM | Minor update this evening.
Paul Bellamy
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