121
Combat Warplanes / Air to Air images
« on: March 28, 2007, 12:26:26 AM »
Images of aircraft taken during opearations 10 years ago.
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122
Combat Warplanes / Photo Reconnaissance Spitfire Part-1 Type A to F
« on: March 25, 2007, 10:11:05 PM »
The Story of the Spitfire as a photographic reconnaissance aircraft starts at the end of 1939, by which time operational experience with Blenheims and Lysanders used on photographic missions had shown that an aeroplane capable of flying much faster and higher was needed.
A special flight, christened the " Heston Special Flight," was formed, and was equipped with two Spitfires specially converted at RAE. Farnborough. With one F.24 camera mounted vertically in each wing these Spitfires did not prove satisfactory. The first, unsuccessful, sortie was made from a French base against Aachen on November 18, 1939; after a few more sorties the Flight returned to Heston on January 11, 1940.
Re-named No. 2 Camouflage Unit, the Flight studied its mistakes and the shortcomings of the Spitfire as then converted, and there was evolved the first of a series of Photographic Reconnaissance Spitfires, forerunners of the Spitfire P.R.MkXI, probably the most successful photographic aeroplane in the world.
The original R.A.E. modification was designated the Spitfire A; the next model, a service conversion made at Heston was the Spitfire B. One of the disadvantages discovered with the Spitfire A was the lack of range, so a 29-gallon fuel tank was introduced into the rear fuselage, behind the pilot, on the Spitfire B. One vertical camera was carried in a fairing beneath each wing; only a few Spitfire Bs were produced. At his point, the Heston Aircraft Co., Ltd., was asked to under-take the development work on the Spitfire, and to that company must go the credit for the ground work which eventually enabled the RAF, to obtain complete photographic coverage of enemy territory.
The first Heston Aircraft conversion was the Spitfire C, which for the first time used a vertical camera in the fuselage. The wing blisters were retained, but carried two cameras under the port wing, and additional fuel under the starboard wing. Extra oxygen was carried for maximum high altitude flying, and the 29-gallon rear fuselage tank was also retained. Next in line came the first variant used in appreciable numbers.
The Spitfire D, as it was designated, incorporated several important modifications; a fuel tank of 66 gallons capacity was fitted in the leading edge of each wing, which gave a total fuel capacity of 218 gallons, there being no rear fuselage tank. No cameras were carried in the wings, but two F 8 (20-in.), F.24 (20-in.) or F.24 (14-in.) were mounted in tandem in the fuselage; these were "split,' i.e., both were slightly off vertical so that two overlapping photographs were taken simultaneously, Other features were hot air camera heaters, glycol cockpit heater and extra oxygen. The additional petrol necessitated more oil being carried, and this was provided in a 14-gallon tank in a small teardrop fairing beneath the port wing. Records of the Spitfire E are incomplete. It was a modification jointly evolved by R.A.E. and Photographic Development Unit (which the Camouflage Unit had now become) at Benson, and apparently mounted a camera in each wing, and one for oblique shots in the fuselage side behind the pilot.
Almost concurrently with the Spitfire D, Heston Aircraft produced the Spitfire F, which allowed for the installation of one vertical F.8 (20-in.) camera, or two F.8 (20-in.) vertical split cameras, or two F.24 (20-in.) vertical and one F.24 (14-in.) oblique cameras. Oxygen economizers were fitted for the first time, and additional oxygen bottles were carried, one in each wing and one behind the rear fuselage tank.
Next part to follow soon
Image is of a Spitfire PR Mk1D also known as a PRIV
A special flight, christened the " Heston Special Flight," was formed, and was equipped with two Spitfires specially converted at RAE. Farnborough. With one F.24 camera mounted vertically in each wing these Spitfires did not prove satisfactory. The first, unsuccessful, sortie was made from a French base against Aachen on November 18, 1939; after a few more sorties the Flight returned to Heston on January 11, 1940.
Re-named No. 2 Camouflage Unit, the Flight studied its mistakes and the shortcomings of the Spitfire as then converted, and there was evolved the first of a series of Photographic Reconnaissance Spitfires, forerunners of the Spitfire P.R.MkXI, probably the most successful photographic aeroplane in the world.
The original R.A.E. modification was designated the Spitfire A; the next model, a service conversion made at Heston was the Spitfire B. One of the disadvantages discovered with the Spitfire A was the lack of range, so a 29-gallon fuel tank was introduced into the rear fuselage, behind the pilot, on the Spitfire B. One vertical camera was carried in a fairing beneath each wing; only a few Spitfire Bs were produced. At his point, the Heston Aircraft Co., Ltd., was asked to under-take the development work on the Spitfire, and to that company must go the credit for the ground work which eventually enabled the RAF, to obtain complete photographic coverage of enemy territory.
The first Heston Aircraft conversion was the Spitfire C, which for the first time used a vertical camera in the fuselage. The wing blisters were retained, but carried two cameras under the port wing, and additional fuel under the starboard wing. Extra oxygen was carried for maximum high altitude flying, and the 29-gallon rear fuselage tank was also retained. Next in line came the first variant used in appreciable numbers.
The Spitfire D, as it was designated, incorporated several important modifications; a fuel tank of 66 gallons capacity was fitted in the leading edge of each wing, which gave a total fuel capacity of 218 gallons, there being no rear fuselage tank. No cameras were carried in the wings, but two F 8 (20-in.), F.24 (20-in.) or F.24 (14-in.) were mounted in tandem in the fuselage; these were "split,' i.e., both were slightly off vertical so that two overlapping photographs were taken simultaneously, Other features were hot air camera heaters, glycol cockpit heater and extra oxygen. The additional petrol necessitated more oil being carried, and this was provided in a 14-gallon tank in a small teardrop fairing beneath the port wing. Records of the Spitfire E are incomplete. It was a modification jointly evolved by R.A.E. and Photographic Development Unit (which the Camouflage Unit had now become) at Benson, and apparently mounted a camera in each wing, and one for oblique shots in the fuselage side behind the pilot.
Almost concurrently with the Spitfire D, Heston Aircraft produced the Spitfire F, which allowed for the installation of one vertical F.8 (20-in.) camera, or two F.8 (20-in.) vertical split cameras, or two F.24 (20-in.) vertical and one F.24 (14-in.) oblique cameras. Oxygen economizers were fitted for the first time, and additional oxygen bottles were carried, one in each wing and one behind the rear fuselage tank.
Next part to follow soon
Image is of a Spitfire PR Mk1D also known as a PRIV
123
Combat Warplanes / Westland WAH-64 Apache
« on: March 20, 2007, 08:32:46 PM »
The UK military operates a version of the Apache, called the Westland WAH-64 Apache and is designated Apache AH Mk1 by the British Army. Westland has built 67 WAH-64 Apaches under licence with Boeing.
The Westland Apache replaces the Westland Lynx as the British Army's tactical attack helicopter. They will operate alongside amphibious forces as necessary and have a folding blade assembly for carrier operations. The WAH-64s are currently deployed in Afghanistan.
These images were taken during a visit to my unit in 2004 (c) mfg495
The Westland Apache replaces the Westland Lynx as the British Army's tactical attack helicopter. They will operate alongside amphibious forces as necessary and have a folding blade assembly for carrier operations. The WAH-64s are currently deployed in Afghanistan.
These images were taken during a visit to my unit in 2004 (c) mfg495
124
Let Let Let Announcment / Luftwaffe Reconnaissance
« on: March 18, 2007, 11:37:05 PM »
My good friend Dave Wadman the Auther of "Aufklarer: Luftwaffe Reconnaissance Aircraft and Units 1935-1945" has just informed me that part 1 of his new book about Luftwaffe Reconnaissance has been published. Dave has information me that the two new books are an update of his first book, with more images and information about German reconnaissance in WW2.
His first book now goes for £120 on the internet.
Once I have more details I will post them.
His first book now goes for £120 on the internet.
Once I have more details I will post them.
125
Combat Warplanes / RIAT 2006
« on: March 12, 2007, 07:22:56 PM »
Here's a couple of images from RIAT 2005 (The Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford).
I have a number on CD and will post some of them soon.
But just for starters here is the Lanc and the Spits for BBMF and an enlargement of the Lancaster.
I have a number on CD and will post some of them soon.
But just for starters here is the Lanc and the Spits for BBMF and an enlargement of the Lancaster.
126
Forums Works / New area
« on: March 12, 2007, 07:03:30 PM »
No.1
Have you ever considered have an 'Off Topic' area, so members could talk about 'day to day' items
Have you ever considered have an 'Off Topic' area, so members could talk about 'day to day' items
127
Combat Warplanes / RAF Photographers Photographic Competition
« on: March 04, 2007, 12:02:17 AM »
Here are some images from the 2006 RAF Photographers Photographic Competition. They were taken, as the title states by RAF Photographers from all around the world. Before I moved to my current post, I had the honour to help set up the competition.
For the year 2006, over 1,000 images were entered. I hope you enjoy them. Please remember all images are UK Crown Copyright.
For the year 2006, over 1,000 images were entered. I hope you enjoy them. Please remember all images are UK Crown Copyright.
128
Combat Warplanes / Anti aircraft missiles stationed back in times of ex-Yugoslavia
« on: March 03, 2007, 02:29:07 PM »
In answer to In's question about "Anti aircraft missiles stationed back in times of ex-Yugoslavia."
Larger Yugoslav army units had considerable tactical air defense assets, designed to defend major troop concentrations against enemy air strikes. The ground forces had four surface-to-air missile regiments and eleven antiaircraft artillery regiments. The former operated large numbers of Soviet SA-6, SA-7, SA-9, SA-13, SA-14, SA-16 missiles.
Yugoslav antiaircraft artillery regiments operated over 5,000 guns. Self-propelled gun systems included the Soviet-made 57-mm dual ZSU-57-2 gun systems and the domestically produced triple 20mm BOV-3 and dual 30mm BOV-30.
Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslav_People's_Army
Larger Yugoslav army units had considerable tactical air defense assets, designed to defend major troop concentrations against enemy air strikes. The ground forces had four surface-to-air missile regiments and eleven antiaircraft artillery regiments. The former operated large numbers of Soviet SA-6, SA-7, SA-9, SA-13, SA-14, SA-16 missiles.
Yugoslav antiaircraft artillery regiments operated over 5,000 guns. Self-propelled gun systems included the Soviet-made 57-mm dual ZSU-57-2 gun systems and the domestically produced triple 20mm BOV-3 and dual 30mm BOV-30.
Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslav_People's_Army
129
Combat Warplanes / USAAF & USAF Bombers join for fly pass
« on: March 01, 2007, 07:06:11 PM »
An excellent formation - B17 and the B52
130
Warplane Art / WW2 Artwork
« on: March 01, 2007, 12:11:17 PM »
Some WW2 Artwork, sorry but copyright unknown to me , any problems and I will remove them. 
, any problems and I will remove them.
131
Warplane Art / The Old and the New
« on: February 23, 2007, 11:47:44 PM »
Here are two pieces of artwork that were produced for the Unit I'm now working at.
The first one showing a PR Mosquito and USAAF Spitfire PRXI flying over the WW2 home of Photo-Reconnaissance, Medmenham
The Second one is of course a Canberra PR9 and USAF U-2 over the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC) is based at RAF Brampton. (I have a copy of this image framed and hanging in my home, it was presented to me when I left this Unit back in 2004)
I think both are excellent works of art, showing the two eras of Photographic Reconnaissance.
The first one showing a PR Mosquito and USAAF Spitfire PRXI flying over the WW2 home of Photo-Reconnaissance, Medmenham
The Second one is of course a Canberra PR9 and USAF U-2 over the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC) is based at RAF Brampton. (I have a copy of this image framed and hanging in my home, it was presented to me when I left this Unit back in 2004)
I think both are excellent works of art, showing the two eras of Photographic Reconnaissance.
132
Combat Warplanes / The National Cold War Exhibition
« on: February 18, 2007, 07:25:55 PM »
Just spent a day at the National Cold War Exhibition at RAF Cosford, I will sort my images out and hopefully post them in the next couple of days.
If you live in the UK or are visiting the Country, this place is a must see and it's FREE to get in.
Following the link to get an idea of the place - National Cold War Exhibition
Added info, RAF Cosford was where I undertook my trade training and was my first posting over 30 years ago. Time flies when you are having fun.
If you live in the UK or are visiting the Country, this place is a must see and it's FREE to get in.
Following the link to get an idea of the place - National Cold War Exhibition
Added info, RAF Cosford was where I undertook my trade training and was my first posting over 30 years ago. Time flies when you are having fun.
133
Combat Warplanes / RAF Victor's
« on: February 07, 2007, 02:37:27 PM »
A couple of images of RAF Victor Tankers, used during the first Gulf War. As always, images are UK Crown Copyright.
134
Combat Warplanes / Tandem Seat Hurricane
« on: January 09, 2007, 01:46:47 PM »
Has anyone seen any photos or information on tandem seat Hurricanes?
135
Aircraft Modeling / Airbrushing
« on: January 06, 2007, 12:43:25 AM »
Right, I'm about to start on the PR XI Spitfire, I'm going to do in Far East colours and as such it requires that I have a white strip on the wing and the tail fin.
The first idea I had was to airbrush the whole aircraft white then mask out the areas I require to remain white and then airbrush with the PR Blue.
My question is, what should I use to mask out the white area with before I spray it with the blue?
The first idea I had was to airbrush the whole aircraft white then mask out the areas I require to remain white and then airbrush with the PR Blue.
My question is, what should I use to mask out the white area with before I spray it with the blue?