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Post by Antonio on Jul 8, 2024 18:22:05 GMT 12
Why were RAF Venturas fitted with that drag-inducing Bolton-Paul turret, armed with almost useless .303s when they were already being built with the Martin turret armed with .5’s?
They, at least, provided a credible defence against cannon-armed Luftwaffe fighters.
What were the Brits thinking?
Was it MAP or the RAF?
What was the difference in performance (speed)?
That decision, in my mind, cost many many lives, Kiwi’s included.
Thoughts?
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Post by markrogers on Jul 8, 2024 19:39:10 GMT 12
The RAF wanted the Venturas fitted with these bulbous drag inducing BP turrets with the 303 guns, so the US had them shipped over without the Martin turrets and .50s. It was their thinking that sometimes let them down. For example when the Shorts Stirling bomber was developed the RAF told the builders to chop quite a bit off the wing ends so that the bombers could fit into the hangars. The outcome affected the performance of the Stirlings of course, as a consequence the Stirlings couldn't fly at higher altitudes, but the RAF still used them. After a short term, Lancasters replaced them. Also their thinking was the cause of the Ventura's demise.
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Post by Calum on Jul 9, 2024 15:06:46 GMT 12
The RAF wanted the Venturas fitted with these bulbous drag inducing BP turrets with the 303 guns, so the US had them shipped over without the Martin turrets and .50s. It was their thinking that sometimes let them down. For example when the Shorts Stirling bomber was developed the RAF told the builders to chop quite a bit off the wing ends so that the bombers could fit into the hangars. The outcome affected the performance of the Stirlings of course, as a consequence the Stirlings couldn't fly at higher altitudes, but the RAF still used them. After a short term, Lancasters replaced them. Also their thinking was the cause of the Ventura's demise. Stirling's were used by Bomber command right up until the end of 1943 |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 10, 2024 19:44:10 GMT 12
No. 75 (NZ) Squadron were still operating Stirlings in the front line well I to 1944, Calum.
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Post by Calum on Jul 16, 2024 15:21:04 GMT 12
No. 75 (NZ) Squadron were still operating Stirlings in the front line well I to 1944, Calum. I wasn't sure when they got rid of theirs. My point was that we have this impression everyone got the latest kit as soon as it was available but when you look into it you can see things like Wellingtons and Stirlings being operated late in the war. |
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Post by markrogers on Jul 16, 2024 18:25:37 GMT 12
"By November 1943, it was replaced by the more effective Handley Page Halifax and Avro Lancaster. However, it did see important second-line duty in the glider-towing, paratroop drop, minelaying, and supply roles."
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 17, 2024 11:07:45 GMT 12
No. 75 (NZ) Squadron were still operating Stirlings in the front line well I to 1944, Calum. I wasn't sure when they got rid of theirs. Due to decreasing operational effectiveness and mounting losses of the Stirling, No. 3 Group withdrew their aircraft from all operations by the end of April 1944. Yes, I agree, and while they were no longer as effective as they had been, they were still vital to the war effort. |
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