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Post by vultee43 on Jan 8, 2023 11:41:50 GMT 12
The most sensible purchase the ADF has made in decades after so many White Elephants. Sounds a great idea but one might expect the operations people will require changes. It could be room for extra crew members down to a different size of tyres which might mean different wheels and different final drives! The ADF will find a way to make it more expensive, not fit for deployment or obsolete by the time it gets to deployment. We are allies of the U.S. and therefore tinker with things that are perfectly fine, until we break them.
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Post by vultee43 on Jan 6, 2023 19:35:53 GMT 12
The most sensible purchase the ADF has made in decades after so many White Elephants.
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Post by vultee43 on Dec 8, 2022 12:56:53 GMT 12
2022 keeps on giving. Vale to an incredible lady.
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Post by vultee43 on Nov 28, 2022 23:28:46 GMT 12
Hi All. Given the large amount of wet La Nina weather we have been having (at least in Australia) most activities have been indoors. Boredom sets in quite easily and that leads to the dangerous pastimes of thinking. It has got me on a tangent thinking about one of my favourite subjects- WW2 aircraft and the people who crewed and flew them. We all know those aircraft that may be considered the best or most iconic, but what aircraft (and their crews) made the Greatest Contribution during the War?
I would be interested in the opinions of other Forumites as to what they think. I will give mine below listed as Top Five -
1. P40 Kittyhawk/Warhawk series - this is easily my first pick for several reasons:
They served in every theatre (European, Mediterranean, Northern Africa, Eastern Front, CBI, Pacific and Aleutian).
They served continually for the duration of the conflict.
They performed multiple roles.
Despite been generally outclassed they performed well above their weight in many areas.
Rugged and dependable.
2. Messerschmitt Bf109 series -
Served the duration of the conflict.
Generally a very regarded combat aircraft right throughout its service.
Huge numbers produced.
Multi role platform with many modifications and experimental versions.
Served throughout the European, Eastern Front and Northern African theatres.
3. Douglas C47
Workhorse of supply chains.
Served in every theatre.
Flew the duration of the conflict.
Was copied by Allied and Axis forces.
Limited multiple roles.
4. Hawker Hurricane
Serve in almost all theatres.
Multiple roles.
Served the duration of the conlict.
Many adaptations.
Although outclassed towards the end still held its own.
5. Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero
Served the duration of the conflict.
Land and Naval based.
Multiple theatres of operations.
Performed well above its weight even after more modern types were introduced.
Fearsome reputation.
It would appear to many that it is very fighter aircraft heavy. But using multiple metrics, these aircraft stood out. Yes you may argue the B17 could be included as it ticks several of these boxes, however it also had a very small bomb load and did not actually serve the duration of the conflict.
I understand fully that this is purely subjective with only historical knowledge to guide but I did think that with the benefit of hindsight, the mix of opinions would be interesting.
Thoughts?
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Post by vultee43 on Nov 28, 2022 20:34:34 GMT 12
Deepest sympathies Dave. These times are never easy. Be kind to yourself and take time to reflect 🙏.
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Jokes
Nov 14, 2022 7:42:53 GMT 12
via mobile
Post by vultee43 on Nov 14, 2022 7:42:53 GMT 12
Probably Russian Meatgrinder 2.0
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Post by vultee43 on Nov 13, 2022 23:54:23 GMT 12
Indescribably tragic loss of life, particularly for our community of passionate aviators. The footage bombarding social media platforms and the internet at large is very disturbing. Please don't watch or share this out of respect to those whose lives were lost and their families 🙏
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Post by vultee43 on Oct 26, 2022 21:05:44 GMT 12
Hi Dave. Certainly so much memorable material covered in your interviews but standardouts for me were Ron Ried, Matt McLaughlin (I went straight out and bought 'Flying the Knife Edge') and of course Noel Kruse and the Great Aussie connection. Happy World Podcast Day!
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Post by vultee43 on Oct 17, 2022 21:11:04 GMT 12
Great memories. Many flights up to the Southern Alps in the 185. My favourite Cessna for sure and you could never get sick of the scenery!
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Post by vultee43 on Oct 12, 2022 22:49:13 GMT 12
Looks fantastic. Best An2 scheme imho - certainly better than the Russian civil and military ones.
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Post by vultee43 on Sept 19, 2022 23:06:36 GMT 12
Horrible footage and absolutely tragic. Thoughts to the pilots family and the Reno pilots, crews.and spectators.
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Post by vultee43 on Sept 19, 2022 23:03:58 GMT 12
Not much room at the Inn.
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Post by vultee43 on Sept 10, 2022 21:30:56 GMT 12
Despite being an advocate for a Republic, Her Majesty was the most gracious and selfless of Monarchs, along with her Father, whom she obviously shared many admirable qualities. It was an honour and a privilege to serve under you Ma'am. Rest in peace.
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Post by vultee43 on Sept 1, 2022 21:43:59 GMT 12
Sobering reading.
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Post by vultee43 on Aug 12, 2022 1:02:29 GMT 12
Pure Gold !
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Post by vultee43 on May 31, 2022 22:24:28 GMT 12
President Zelensky has stated he wants the other An225 finished when the war is over at the cost of €800 million as a symbol of national pride. Big job.
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Post by vultee43 on May 30, 2022 12:50:34 GMT 12
I'm always amused by the number of medals and decorations that the Russian military leaders have on their uniforms, they all seem to have big star shaped insignia and row upon row of medals. North Korea is another example of the practice along with several other Asian countries. They are not the only ones who do it ,when it comes to medals some countries seem be very generous at handing them out, I counted TEN rows of medal ribbons on a US general in a recent photo. I think the most I have seen on a Brit is 2 1/2 rows. when you get a large number it belittles the significance of them and makes a mockery of the awards system Butchers in uniforms. Either that or they belong to a great boy-scout troop! Participation ribbons - like woke kid's sport events. Either that or it's an 'I've survived the purges' campaign meals.
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Post by vultee43 on Apr 24, 2022 13:56:58 GMT 12
It's probably going to be recommissioned as a front line fighter for McGowan's Democratic Republic of Western Australia 😉.
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Post by vultee43 on Apr 18, 2022 17:36:12 GMT 12
Possibly take parts of the Myra and turn them into memorabilia keepsakes and artworks to raise money for the rebuilding of Ukraine when the Russians leave. It has been a popular use for historic non usable aircraft parts and certainly a poignant reminder of the folly of war. I don't think to many avgeeks would turn that offer down.
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Post by vultee43 on Apr 10, 2022 18:28:12 GMT 12
Perfect for R.A.A.F. 😒😒😒. Never given a look in and so much cheaper and funnily enough, combat ready.
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