zippome

How about the HAwker Hart?
Had bomber and fighter and observation variants. The bomb aimer would lie prone underneath the pilot to aim his bombs which was a unique feature I think.
Tough question Ernie!

Ernie P.

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No correct answers thus far. Think about it, guys; why would some one create one airplane to fill multiple rolls? Who would most need to do that? Thanks; Ernie P.


Produced in a dizzying array of models, to perform almost literally any function, this aircraft almost defined the term “multi-role aircraft”. And, one of those models featured an almost unique feature never seen before. To answer this question, you must provide (1) The aircraft name AND model; and (2) The unique feature I will describe. Some clues will point to the aircraft name and model, and some to the unique feature of this aircraft and model.

Question: What multi-role aircraft do I describe; and what unique innovation did it feature?

Clues:

(1) This aircraft was developed from an earlier aircraft. To the very last model, the influence of the earliest design was apparent.

(2) This aircraft performed in many different arenas; from blazing hot to freezing cold.

(3) It performed as a day fighter and a night fighter; a day bomber and a night bomber.

(4) It was used for both close in ground attack and high level bombing.

(5) It was used as a dive bomber and level bomber.

(6) The unique feature aided this aircraft when it was used in its dive bomber role.

(7) The earliest aircraft was a medium bomber; later it became a heavy bomber.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Last clue for the evening. Thanks; Ernie P.


Produced in a dizzying array of models, to perform almost literally any function, this aircraft almost defined the term “multi-role aircraft”. And, one of those models featured an almost unique feature never seen before. To answer this question, you must provide (1) The aircraft name AND model; and (2) The unique feature I will describe. Some clues will point to the aircraft name and model, and some to the unique feature of this aircraft and model.

Question: What multi-role aircraft do I describe; and what unique innovation did it feature?

Clues:

(1) This aircraft was developed from an earlier aircraft. To the very last model, the influence of the earliest design was apparent.

(2) This aircraft performed in many different arenas; from blazing hot to freezing cold.

(3) It performed as a day fighter and a night fighter; a day bomber and a night bomber.

(4) It was used for both close in ground attack and high level bombing.

(5) It was used as a dive bomber and level bomber.

(6) The unique feature aided this aircraft when it was used in its dive bomber role.

(7) The earliest aircraft was a medium bomber; later it became a heavy bomber.

(8) In its naval roles, it was used as a torpedo plane; a low level anti-shipping gun ship and a dive bomber.

DeferredDefect

Hmmm...I would assume that someone would create a multi-role military aircraft if they were low on funding or desperate to set up an airforce. In this respect, the Avia S-199, built from surplus Bf-109 airframes and Junkers Jumo engines might fit the bill, although I do not believe it to be a heavy bomber!
Either way, it was used by the fledgeling Isreali Air Force in the late 40's...

Or could it be the Ju-88? I know it was used in many theatres, had many roles (including the nightfighter specified), and had a heavy Naval career. As for the special feature, could it be the specialised dive bomb sight installed on later versions?

Ernie P.

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Nope; not the Ju-88. The 88 was a great aircraft, and it was used in a multitude of roles; but this aircraft was arguably just as capable. And, it was (at least at various times) superior in some regards. But your logic is sound. Follow it. Thanks; Ernie P.


Produced in a dizzying array of models, to perform almost literally any function, this aircraft almost defined the term “multi-role aircraft”. And, one of those models featured an almost unique feature never seen before. To answer this question, you must provide (1) The aircraft name AND model; and (2) The unique feature I will describe. Some clues will point to the aircraft name and model, and some to the unique feature of this aircraft and model.

Question: What multi-role aircraft do I describe; and what unique innovation did it feature?

Clues:

(1) This aircraft was developed from an earlier aircraft. To the very last model, the influence of the earliest design was apparent.

(2) This aircraft performed in many different arenas; from blazing hot to freezing cold.

(3) It performed as a day fighter and a night fighter; a day bomber and a night bomber.

(4) It was used for both close in ground attack and high level bombing.

(5) It was used as a dive bomber and level bomber.

(6) The unique feature aided this aircraft when it was used in its dive bomber role.

(7) The earliest aircraft was a medium bomber; later it became a heavy bomber.

(8) In its naval roles, it was used as a torpedo plane; a low level anti-shipping gun ship and a dive bomber.

(9) It was the first aircraft used to test a new form of propulsion.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Another clue. This should break it open. Clue (9) alone should lead you to the answer. Thanks; Ernie P.


Produced in a dizzying array of models, to perform almost literally any function, this aircraft almost defined the term “multi-role aircraft”. And, one of those models featured an almost unique feature never seen before. To answer this question, you must provide (1) The aircraft name AND model; and (2) The unique feature I will describe. Some clues will point to the aircraft name and model, and some to the unique feature of this aircraft and model.

Question: What multi-role aircraft do I describe; and what unique innovation did it feature?

Clues:

(1) This aircraft was developed from an earlier aircraft. To the very last model, the influence of the earliest design was apparent.

(2) This aircraft performed in many different arenas; from blazing hot to freezing cold.

(3) It performed as a day fighter and a night fighter; a day bomber and a night bomber.

(4) It was used for both close in ground attack and high level bombing.

(5) It was used as a dive bomber and level bomber.

(6) The unique feature aided this aircraft when it was used in its dive bomber role.

(7) The earliest aircraft was a medium bomber; later it became a heavy bomber.

(8) In its naval roles, it was used as a torpedo plane; a low level anti-shipping gun ship and a dive bomber.

(9) It was the first aircraft used to test a new form of propulsion.

(10) The unique feature slowed the aircraft in a dive.

zippome

How about the Dornier 217? Developed from the Do17, and wasdeveloped into a heavy bomber. It had a tail mounted dive brake and an automatic pull out system for dive bombing. There was also a test bed variant. It was fitted with many different weapons including guided missles and vertical firing cannons for its night fighter role. If it's not this, I'm stumped.

Ernie P.

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Well, no need to be stumped, zippome. I really wanted "Dornier 217E". But, since you got the unique (at the time) tail mounted Drogue brake, I'll give it to you. The Do-217 had a rather remarkable career; and it was used for almost everything. And that included (counting the Do-17 and Do-217) being used for the first flight tests of a ram jet. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What multi-role aircraft do I describe; and what unique innovation did it feature?

Clues:

(1) This aircraft was developed from an earlier aircraft. To the very last model, the influence of the earliest design was apparent.

(2) This aircraft performed in many different arenas; from blazing hot to freezing cold.

(3) It performed as a day fighter and a night fighter; a day bomber and a night bomber.

(4) It was used for both close in ground attack and high level bombing.

(5) It was used as a dive bomber and level bomber.

(6) The unique feature aided this aircraft when it was used in its dive bomber role.

(7) The earliest aircraft was a medium bomber; later it became a heavy bomber.

(8) In its naval roles, it was used as a torpedo plane; a low level anti-shipping gun ship and a dive bomber.

(9) It was the first aircraft used to test a new form of propulsion.

(10) The unique feature slowed the aircraft in a dive.

(11) This aircraft was also the first to utilize an entirely new type of bomb.

Answer: The Dornier Do-217E fitted with the folded drogue tail brake.



The Dornier Do 217 was a bomber used by German Luftwaffe during World War II as a more powerful version of the Dornier Do 17, known as the Fliegender Bleistift (German: "flying pencil"). Designed in 1937 and 1938 as a heavy bomber, its design was refined during 1939 and production began in late 1940. It entered service in early 1941 and by the beginning of 1942 was available in significant numbers. The Dornier Do 217 had a much larger bomb load capacity and had much greater range than the Do 17. In later variants, dive bombing and maritime strike capabilities using glide bombs were explored in depth with considerable success in the later role. Early Do 217 variants were more powerful than the Heinkel He 111 and Junkers Ju 88, having a greater speed, range and bomb load. Owing to this it was designated a heavy bomber rather than a medium bomber. The Do 217 served on all fronts in all roles. On the Eastern Front and Western Front it operated as a strategic bomber, torpedo bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. It also performed tactical functions, either direct ground assault or anti-shipping strikes during the Battle of the Atlantic and Battle of Normandy. The Do 217 was also converted to become a night fighter and saw considerable action in the Defense of the Reich campaign until the last day of the war.
The type also served in anti-shipping units in the Mediterranean, attacking Allied Convoys and Sea power during the campaign. It was in the Mediterranean that the Do 217 became the first aircraft in military aviation history to deploy a form of precision-guided munition, in the form of the Fritz-X radio-guided, free-fall bomb in combat which led to the sinking of the Italian battleship Roma in 1943. After the end of the war, at least one Dornier Do 217 continued in active military operational service with the Swiss Air Force until 1946.
Fuselage
The fuselage was an all-metal structure built in three main sections. These consisted of the nose section, which accommodated the crew; the section built integrally with the wing centre section; and the rear fuselage. The main structure was built out of the standard stringer and former skeleton design, to which stressed skin was riveted.[21] The centre and rear sections were divided in the horizontal plane to within a couple of feet of the tail. The lower half of the fuselage contained the bomb cells, while the remainder and upper parts contained the bracing frames which supported and kept the bomb load secure.[21] In the lower half of the fuselage the bomb bay stretched past the trailing edge wing roots to nearly a quarter ways down the rear fuselage. Extra doors were added for torpedo operations against Naval targets. The extreme rear of the fuselage contained stowage space for anti-shipping weapons.[22] In the upper fuselage, directly above the forward bomb cells in the centre section, just aft of the cockpit, the 242 gallon fuel tank was located. Attached to this was a fuel jettisoning pipe which was fitted to the roof of the fuselage and ran along it to the tail of the aircraft. It declined and exited the fuselage behind the tail wheel to allow fuel dumping in an emergency.[22] Above the two rear bomb cells in the centre section, a Dinghy stowage place was created. To protect its very vulnerable structure against enemy fire, it was placed in a heavily armoured case. Either side of the Dinghy, aft of the 242 imperial gallons (1,100 l)gallon fuel tank, and directly above the rear bomb bay, the designers saw fit to install the oxygen bottles.[22]
In the extreme tail unit, the tail wheel was retractable and had its own folding doors. The tip or end of the fuselage could be removed to allow quick access for mechanics to enter the tail section and repair the jack mechanism which controlled the tail plane incidence and pivot.[22] The tail incidence was automatically changed when the landing flaps were lowered, or it could be adjusted manually.[16] This tip would be replaced by Dive brakes in the event the Dornier was required to attack precision targets.[22] The stabilizers consisted of two horizontal stabilizers, but instead of one centrally located Vertical stabilizer, it had two attached on the outer end of the horizontal stabilizers. The rudder contained a balance tab while the elevators contained a elevator balance tab and an automatic dive pull-out tab, in the event of a dive-bombing mission.[22] The stabilisers were fitted with fixed slats, with the trailing edges of the slats positioned inside of the fins. The rudders had very narrow horn balances (the amount of rudder or active control surface forward of the rudder-stabilizer hinge) which allowed for better balance and the trimming tabs extended the full length of the stabilizers trailing edges. The stabilizers also had the Handley-Page Leading edge slots installed on the inboard side.[16]


Do 217 E-2
The E-2 was designated as a level and dive bomber, which could be fitted with a clamshell design dive brake, mounted aft of the elevator's rear edge on the fuselage, with rear-end-hinged dorsal and ventral "petals" opened and closed with a jackscrew. It was powered by BMW 801L engines and armed with forward firing 15 mm MG 151, single MG 131 machine gun in dorsal turret, MG-131 in ventral step and three MG-15 machine guns. The E-2 entered production slightly later than the E-3 level bomber, and was produced in parallel, a total of 185 being built and entering service from summer 1941.[37][39]
The Luftwaffe continued to develop the E series. Not satisfied with the E-1, it perfected a modified version it designated the E-2. Testing was not complete until March 1942. The prototype was Do 217 D-ABWC, which had arrived as an E-1 at Rechlin in mid-July 1939 for performance and tactical evaluations. Between that time and completion in March 1942, 34 reports were written in minute detail about all aspects of the Dornier's performance and systems. Improvements were added to existing E-1s, which were already being produced by late 1940, and to the prototypes V2 and V4 which would serve as the prototypes for the E-2. The V2 was given the DB 601 engines and a third aircraft, designated V4, was tested with Jumo 211s. Studies of the aircraft began on 15 August 1939, running concurrently with the development of the E-1s. Level, dive and torpedo carrying roles were all examined. Emphasis was also place on developing a reliable reconnaissance type. These developments were significant as the trials undertaken by the E-1 prototype had not shown any negative characteristics. Level bombing tests were very positive. Only Glider-bomber attacks using interception control, and with dive-brakes open, did not quite match the stringent specifications set some four years earlier.[38] According to the test pilots, the aircraft performed well with either the DB 601A, Jumo 211A/B, or even the BMW 801A-1 engines. Pleasing the designers, the test pilots also noted that with all auxiliary bomb racks removed test flights showed at an altitude of 6,000 metres, the Do 217 was quite capable of making an operational range of 2,400 km. With the addition of two 900 litre tanks, it increased to 3,700 km.[40]
Dr. Eugen Sänger started his work at the DFL (Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Luftfahrt) in
Trauen early in the year of 1937.
This was one of the German secret high-tech institutes until the end of the war, with the mission of
designing ond producing war-winning technology.
In 1941 the first ram jet engine with an output of 2000 PS (hp) started its first run on an
Mercedes Benz truck. Later these engines where tested on two different planes, the smaller one with 2,000 Ps on a Dornier Do 17 Z, and the bigger one with a rating of 20,000 PS on a Dornier Do 217.
In 1941 the first ram jet engine with an output of 2000 PS (hp) started its first run on an
Mercedes Benz truck. Later these engines where tested on two different planes, the smaller one with 2,000 Ps on a Dornier Do 17 Z, and the bigger one with a rating of 20,000 PS on a Dornier Do 217.




The institute also tested new wing profiles and alternative fuselage types to create an new
plane for high altitude missions.
The tests for these plane were stopped in late 1944.
Dr. Eugen Sänger went to France after the war and was one of the engineers who created the Nord
GRIFFON.
Back in Germany he took part as an lector at the DFS an the Technical University (TU) in Berlin.
Dr. Eugen Sänger died in winter 1964 in case of an heart attack.

Ernie P.

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You're up, zippome. Please post your question. Thanks; Ernie P.

zippome

Allright guys, let me sleep on it, and I'll get you aa question in the morning.

zippome

Ok guys ,here we go.......
1. The aircraft I'm thinking of was one of the last pure interceptors.
2.Designed to a requirement to intercept incoming bomber at 50,000 ft in 5 minutes.
3 Was a well liked and successful airframe that had a short service life due to changing philosophies on airframe capabilities.

uncljoe

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F4D Skyray..

zippome

<hr />Thought this might be an easy one! Uncljoe is up!
Good job Joe!

uncljoe

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This plane was the first to refuel 4 aircraft at the same time
Semper Fi

Ernie P.

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How about a boat; the Convair R3Y Tradewind? Thanks; Ernie P.



The Convair R3Y Tradewind was an American 1950s turboprop-powered flying boat designed and built by Convair.


The R3Y set a transcontinental seaplane record of 403 mph in 1954 by utilising the speed of high-altitude jetstream winds. This record still stands.

After service trials the aircraft were delivered to US Navy transport squadron VR-2 on 31 March 1956. Problems with the engine/propeller combination led to the ending of Tradewind operations and the unit was disbanded on 16 April 1958.

The six R3Y-2s were converted into four-point in-flight tankers using the probe-and-drogue method. In September 1956 one example was the first aircraft to successfully refuel four others simultaneously in flight in 1956, refuelling four F9F Cougars.

The program was halted after thirteen aircraft were built, the reason being the unreliability of the Allison T-40 turboprops. The crash of one of the two XP5Y-1 aircraft was judged due to catastrophic engine failure; when little progress was being made with the engine problems, the Navy halted the program. Subsequently three more aircraft were lost through engine failures, and the Navy gave up on the T-40 and aircraft powered by it. All the P5Y and R3Y aircraft were grounded in 1958 and subsequently broken up.

uncljoe

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Ernie
You are close enough .
Semper Fi

Ernie P.

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Thank you, Sir. I think you will find the next question an easy one. Thanks; Ernie P.


We all know one airplane has been used to carry another; e.g., a B-29 carrying the Bell X-1 experimental aircraft, or the modified 747 carrying the space shuttle. But what was the first one to do so?


Question: When was the first use of a parasite or composite aircraft for military purposes? What aircraft were used?

Clues:

(1) Earlier than you might think.

P-51B

My Feedback: (5)

The first use for parasite aircraft was in 1916, when the British used a Bristol Scout, flying from a Felixstowe Porte Baby, a giant flying boat of its time.

Mein Duff

Now that is amazing...how did they start the engine on that scout while in flight ????

DeferredDefect

I was going to say the Short-Mayo composite, but I suppose 1916 was slightly beforehand!

Ernie P.

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Right you are, Sir; and you are up. I figured you guys would tear that one up pretty fast (But darn; the first shot out of the box??), but I wanted to highlight the Felixstowe Porte Baby. Quite a remarkable aircraft for its time. Ask away, P-51B. Thanks; Ernie P.


We all know one airplane has been used to carry another; e.g., a B-29 carrying the Bell X-1 experimental aircraft, or the modified 747 carrying the space shuttle. But what was the first one to do so?

Question: When was the first use of a parasite or composite aircraft for military purposes? What aircraft were used?

Clues:

(1) Earlier than you might think.

(2) The “baby” airplane wasn’t carried the way you might think.


Answer: The Felixstowe Porte Baby, carrying a Bristol Scout.



May 1916: First parasite aircraft, a Bristol Scout hooked on the upper wing of Felixstowe Porte Baby flying boat

The Felixstowe Porte Baby was a British reconnaissance flying boat of the First World War first flying in 1916.

The Porte Baby was designed by John Cyril Porte at the Royal Naval Air Station at Felixstowe, where the prototype was also built; ten additional aircraft were built by May, Harden and May of Southampton.

The Porte Baby was an unequal span, three bay biplane of wood and fabric construction, the hull being mounted below the lower wing. The engines, normally three Rolls-Royce Eagles, (but sometimes with a 260 hp Green as the centre, pusher engine) were mounted between the wings; two in tractor configuration and the central one in pusher. The two pilots were in an enclosed cockpit but three gunners had open stations armed with machine guns.



Porte Baby carrying a Bristol Scout

As the image shows, the incongruously-named Baby was used to prove the concept of a larger aircraft carrying aloft and launching a lighter aircraft (in this case a Bristol Scout), taking off carrying the Bristol and successfully releasing it on 17 May 1916, , a technique which came to be known variously as composite or parasitic.

The production Porte Babies were used to fly patrols over the North Sea from Felixstowe and Killingholme. Its slow speed and large size, however, made it vulnerable to fighter attack, and after one aircraft was almost destroyed by German aircraft, being forced down and having to taxi back from off the Dutch coast to England, the Portes were kept from patrolling areas where they could encounter enemy aircraft. The Porte Baby remained in service in October 1918.

The first composite aeroplanes

In parallel with airship activity, further efforts went into carrying a fighter plane aloft on top of a second aeroplane.

In the UK, the Felixstowe Porte Baby/Bristol Scout composite flew in May 1916. The idea was to intercept German Zeppelin airships far out to sea, beyond the normal range of a land or shore based craft. The successful first flight was not followed up, due to the ungainliness of the composite in takeoff and its vulnerability flight. From 1921, a series of types were adapted as carriers for gliders used in the aerial target role. The Short Mayo Composite mailplane made successful demonstration flights in the 1930s before operations were cut short by the outbreak of war.

Ernie P.

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Apparently, P-51B is busy; out playing in the snow. So, we'll do an alternate line of questions while we await his return. As soon as he posts, we'll drop this line and return to our regularly scheduled broadcast. Thanks; Ernie P.


ALTERNATE QUESTION

Question: What aircraft scored the last aerial victory of WWI?

Clues:

(1) It wasn’t the famed Fokker D-7.

(2) It wasn’t the renowned Sopwith Camel or noted S.E.5, either.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

And another clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What aircraft scored the last aerial victory of WWI?

Clues:

(1) It wasn’t the famed Fokker D-7.

(2) It wasn’t the renowned Sopwith Camel or noted S.E.5, either.

Top_Gunn

My Feedback: (6)

Piper L-4. It threatened a Storch with .45 pistols, and the Storch landed and gave up.

(Oops: Wrong war, sorry![] The Fokker, SE-5 and Camel hints should have been a clue, even for guys like me who can't remember how to count. Great story, though.)

P-51B

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Thanks for stepping in Ernie. I am having some computer issues. Hopefully resolved soon.

Heck, its better this way anyway...you always have great questions!