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Post by alanw on Sept 25, 2019 19:42:09 GMT 12
Hi All, An interesting topic came up just a couple of days ago to do with NZ4115 at MOTAT, which got me thinking Our Sunderland's won the 1964 Fincastle trophy, using what technology they were equipped with then. The had use of sonobuoys/Mk VI ASV systems etc. Sonobuoy tracking station  ASV Mk VI System Flight Deck  My question is, if they had to sink say a Soviet Submarine back then, what weapons would they have used? Comments/help most welcome Thanks Alan |
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Post by camtech on Sept 25, 2019 21:51:26 GMT 12
Depth charges, carried on the wind out bomb carriers
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Post by tbf25o4 on Sept 26, 2019 8:42:06 GMT 12
If they forced the sub to the surface they also had .5 machine guns in the two beam hatches. The turret guns had been removed at that time
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Post by phil on Sept 26, 2019 12:57:49 GMT 12
Presumably Mk11 Depth Charges.
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Post by alanw on Sept 26, 2019 17:34:12 GMT 12
Hi Gents
Many thanks for your replies
Thanks/regards
Alan
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 26, 2019 20:46:18 GMT 12
How many depth charges would a Sunderland carry as a full load?
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Post by alanw on Sept 26, 2019 22:56:33 GMT 12
How many depth charges would a Sunderland carry as a full load? Hi Dave Generally 8 (250lb each), the 1st pilot can either drop all at once or, just behind him, was a Clockwork type mechanism (nick name Mickey Mouse) that could be set to drop the munitions even numbers/odd numbers or combinations. I have actually seen it work, pretty cool gizmo  Lots of folks seem to think (especially WWII) that Sunderland's carried spares on the bomb bay floor. All the Aircrew I have spoken to or read reports fromn only ever carried the 8 (Plus you need special equipment to help load them on board) Regards Alan |
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Post by tbf25o4 on Sept 27, 2019 9:39:19 GMT 12
The bomb racks could carry the 250lb depth charges and also 8.5lb practice bombs. Reloading of the racks did occur on many RNZAF post-war Sunderland flights. Quote from "The Golden Age of New Zealand Flying Boats page 267"
"Reloading of the bomb racks in the bomb room (note the use the term 'Bomb R00m' rather than bomb bay) between attacks could be hazardous. The bombs had to be lifted out of the bomb crates, mounted on the bomb
carrier, and wired for release, while the aircraft was turning around at low-level positioning for the next bomb run. Once the bomb safety pins were withdrawn, the bomb room was vacated, the bombs now being
considered 'live'. Minor accidents did occur, but fortunately with no serious injuries."
The 1964 "Fincastle Trophy" win was for the most accurate bombing of specified targets carried out during the competition. The three RNZAF Sunderlands gained the highest score for that exercise.
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Post by beaufighter4 on Sept 27, 2019 16:06:15 GMT 12
So there is no truth to the story that they landed and put down divers to identify and destroy targets.....  |
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Post by senob on Sept 27, 2019 21:31:19 GMT 12
So there is no truth to the story that they landed and put down divers to identify and destroy targets..... Shhh nobody's supposed to know about that. Some people would consider it cheating. |
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