Originally Posted by
GallopingGhostler
Development of incendiary ammunition made a break through in downing flammable doped fabric wooden framed aeroplanes. Now one could "wing" an aeroplane to down it, send the pilot to a fiery death, truly frightening.
Somewhat along the same lines was the Japanese Zero fighters biggest weakness. American fighter planes had their fuel tanks lined with a self sealing rubber bladder. As the fuel was used up the bladder collapsed, preventing a buildup of explosive fumes in the fuel tank. The Zero did not have this. One or two good hits from incendiary ammo to a partially used tank of fuel and bye, bye Zero!