|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
75.140.84.148
In Reply to: RE: Hmmmm, and I did a search posted by Timbo in Oz on July 03, 2017 at 18:23:26
Tim, Yes... the original B5N had no forward firing MGs, to use as targeting (by means of tracers) --- like what Avenger, Stuka, and Dauntless pilots used to aim their torpedo & bombing runs.
Some later models of B5N1 had factory fixed forward 7.7mm guns on the wings. The upgraded B6N "Jill" still had no forward firing MGs.
I guess the Japanese stuck strictly to the doctrine of bombers only for bombing missions. And no free-lance strafing. Most other countries built their bombers so they could strafe land targets of opportunity, after the bombs were dropped.
Follow Ups:
Here, in 1960 the Australian Army Aviation Corps was created.
It really got the Air Force guys noses out of joint :-)
They had Sioux, Cessnas and Austers
The RAAF kicked up such a stink that in Parliament a deal was struck that the Army could have their aircraft, but they must not carry any weapons apart from pilots sidearms. 'Cause killing people from the air was the Airforces job, and their job alone ........
Cheers,
John K
Edits: 07/03/17
The RAF were stupid about 'artillery air-observers / pilots' in WWII. for far too long, IMO.Stupid plane the RAF chose for 'army-cooperation' before WWII shows how engaged they were with the tactical issues. While the Westland Lysander turned out - later - to have other potential it was utterly unsuitable for daylight operations with enemy fighters about.
JBTW my experience of the Australian army's chopper pilots was exhilarating.
IF you planned your trip and could justify getting out on the ground* they'd help, even where I though it wasn't safe to land. Kiowas (Kalkadoons?)
Never got used to that bit, even though I was always wrong, but hurtling down the sides of mountains and gorges was - memorable- to say the least.
Cowboys? yeah, but ...... ! :-)
Warmest
Tim Bailey
Skeptical Measurer & Audio Scrounger
Edits: 07/04/17
My dad was a Possums pilot in Nui Dat.
Fixed wing and Sioux.
He got pissed off that at the low altitudes and low speeds they were observing at, he could see VC wandering around all over, but they wren't allowed to take any offensive action.
He traded cases of Fosters for 2" rocket racks for the Cessnas, but pretty soon got told to take them off again.......
Cheers,
John K
Very good book about Aussie 161 recon unit in Vietnam.
Look up Capt. Richard (Dick) Knight in the index. I think he's mentioned a couple of times in there.
He was trained in Austers and converted to helicopters (Sioux).
Cheers,
John K
I'll check it out. Do you know him?
He was 2IC of 161 in 1966.
Cheers,
John K
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: