Fidd88

1. The namesake of this aircraft was very busy in Sicily..
2. Building of this aircraft ceased in 1946
3. This aircraft has links to Normandy and a Pacific Sovereign State
4. This aircraft could carry a plague in a manner of speaking
5. Crew of 2
6. Usually powered by 4 Bristol Hercules engines
7. A twin engine version built
8. The twin engine variant did not see combat
9. Between 340 and 420 built, according to different sources.
10. Similar wingspan to a Lancaster at 110 feet
11. Pilot follows instinct, despite confusion
12. Had a German equivalent, but no US one.
13. Length around 68 feet.
14. A "tail-dragger"
15. MTOW of around 36,000lbs
16. RATO trialled with this aircraft but not adopted
17. Clue 6 may, if read as lead, lead astray but if not read as lead, isn't misleading!
18. 20 foot high at the tail
19. Not usually flown by the Royal Air Force
20. Often carried invasion-stripes
21. Was close to a Stirling and yet unlike
22. Pilots sat in tandem seating positions

Fidd88

1. The namesake of this aircraft was very busy in Sicily..
2. Building of this aircraft ceased in 1946
3. This aircraft has links to Normandy and a Pacific Sovereign State
4. This aircraft could carry a plague in a manner of speaking
5. Crew of 2
6. Usually powered by 4 Bristol Hercules engines
7. A twin engine version built
8. The twin engine variant did not see combat
9. Between 340 and 420 built, according to different sources.
10. Similar wingspan to a Lancaster at 110 feet
11. Pilot follows instinct, despite confusion
12. Had a German equivalent, but no US one.
13. Length around 68 feet.
14. A "tail-dragger"
15. MTOW of around 36,000lbs
16. RATO trialled with this aircraft but not adopted
17. Clue 6 may, if read as lead, lead astray but if not read as lead, isn't misleading!
18. 20 foot high at the tail
19. Not usually flown by the Royal Air Force
20. Often carried invasion-stripes
21. Was close to a Stirling and yet unlike
22. Pilots sat in tandem seating positions
23. Minimum landing speed, flaps down, 52 mph, stall speed clean, 65mph.

Fidd88

1. The namesake of this aircraft was very busy in Sicily..
2. Building of this aircraft ceased in 1946
3. This aircraft has links to Normandy and a Pacific Sovereign State
4. This aircraft could carry a plague in a manner of speaking
5. Crew of 2
6. Usually powered by 4 Bristol Hercules engines
7. A twin engine version built
8. The twin engine variant did not see combat
9. Between 340 and 420 built, according to different sources.
10. Similar wingspan to a Lancaster at 110 feet
11. Pilot follows instinct, despite confusion
12. Had a German equivalent, but no US one.
13. Length around 68 feet.
14. A "tail-dragger"
15. MTOW of around 36,000lbs
16. RATO trialled with this aircraft but not adopted
17. Clue 6 may, if read as lead, lead astray but if not read as lead, isn't misleading!
18. 20 foot high at the tail
19. Not usually flown by the Royal Air Force
20. Often carried invasion-stripes
21. Was close to a Stirling and yet unlike
22. Pilots sat in tandem seating positions
23. Minimum landing speed, flaps down, 52 mph, stall speed clean, 65mph.
24. Sounds like, an Hallux?

Fidd88

1. The namesake of this aircraft was very busy in Sicily..
2. Building of this aircraft ceased in 1946
3. This aircraft has links to Normandy and a Pacific Sovereign State
4. This aircraft could carry a plague in a manner of speaking
5. Crew of 2
6. Usually powered by 4 Bristol Hercules engines
7. A twin engine version built
8. The twin engine variant did not see combat
9. Between 340 and 420 built, according to different sources.
10. Similar wingspan to a Lancaster at 110 feet
11. Pilot follows instinct, despite confusion
12. Had a German equivalent, but no US one.
13. Length around 68 feet.
14. A "tail-dragger"
15. MTOW of around 36,000lbs
16. RATO trialled with this aircraft but not adopted
17. Clue 6 may, if read as lead, lead astray but if not read as lead, isn't misleading!
18. 20 foot high at the tail
19. Not usually flown by the Royal Air Force
20. Often carried invasion-stripes
21. Was close to a Stirling and yet unlike
22. Pilots sat in tandem seating positions
23. Minimum landing speed, flaps down, 52 mph, stall speed clean, 65mph.
24. Sounds like, an Hallux?
25. Flown by a British Regiment

Fidd88

1. The namesake of this aircraft was very busy in Sicily..
2. Building of this aircraft ceased in 1946
3. This aircraft has links to Normandy and a Pacific Sovereign State
4. This aircraft could carry a plague in a manner of speaking
5. Crew of 2
6. Usually powered by 4 Bristol Hercules engines
7. A twin engine version built
8. The twin engine variant did not see combat
9. Between 340 and 420 built, according to different sources.
10. Similar wingspan to a Lancaster at 110 feet
11. Pilot follows instinct, despite confusion
12. Had a German equivalent, but no US one.
13. Length around 68 feet.
14. A "tail-dragger"
15. MTOW of around 36,000lbs
16. RATO trialled with this aircraft but not adopted
17. Clue 6 may, if read as lead, lead astray but if not read as lead, isn't misleading!
18. 20 foot high at the tail
19. Not usually flown by the Royal Air Force
20. Often carried invasion-stripes
21. Was close to a Stirling and yet unlike
22. Pilots sat in tandem seating positions
23. Minimum landing speed, flaps down, 52 mph, stall speed clean, 65mph.
24. Sounds like, an Hallux?
25. Flown by a British Regiment
26. Almost never flew 2nd operational sorties

Fidd88

1. The namesake of this aircraft was very busy in Sicily..
2. Building of this aircraft ceased in 1946
3. This aircraft has links to Normandy and a Pacific Sovereign State
4. This aircraft could carry a plague in a manner of speaking
5. Crew of 2
6*. Usually powered by 4 Bristol Hercules engines
7. A twin engine version built
8. The twin engine variant did not see combat
9. Between 340 and 420 built, according to different sources.
10. Similar wingspan to a Lancaster at 110 feet
11*. Pilot follows instinct, despite confusion
12. Had a German equivalent, but no US one.
13. Length around 68 feet.
14. A "tail-dragger"
15. MTOW of around 36,000lbs
16. RATO trialled with this aircraft but not adopted
17*. Clue 6 may, if read as lead, lead astray but if not read as lead, isn't misleading!
18. 20 foot high at the tail
19. Not usually flown by the Royal Air Force
20. Often carried invasion-stripes
21. Was close to a Stirling and yet unlike
22. Pilots sat in tandem seating positions
23. Minimum landing speed, flaps down, 52 mph, stall speed clean, 65mph.
24*. Sounds like, an Hallux?
25. Flown by a British Regiment
26. Almost never flew 2nd operational sorties
27*. No longer a learner-driver, Skywalker's automobile? (This clue may not make complete sense if reader isn't British)

NB. Clues marked with * are misleading or cryptic in nature.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Okay; so that's what you meant by "You may have made an assumption here...". Cute. In fact, very cute. But, now it's easy to see the answer. Still, I think I'll just let it ride for a bit. But a very nice use of misdirection. Thanks; Ernie P.

stang151

It's a GLIDER .... The General Aircraft Hamilcar...

DANG that was a good one. That last clue cinched it.

Fidd88

Hurrah! Stang151 Wins!
Explanation of cryptic and misleading clues any who didn't follow them (straight factual ones omitted) answer to each in bold:

3. This aircraft has links to Normandy and a Pacific Sovereign State
The Glider-borne operation to support 6th Airborne at Normandy was Operation "Tonga"
4. This aircraft could carry a plague in a manner of speaking
It could carry two different types of tank, Tetrarch and Locust. Locusts were one of the Bibilical plagues.
6*. Usually powered by 4 Bristol Hercules engines
Well it was - some of the time, under tow at least! (a jolly nasty "clue"!)
11*. Pilot follows instinct, despite confusion
Follows "instinct", in American "gut", the word 'confusion' indicates anagram of gut=tug, which the pilot follows in a glider!
17*. Clue 6 may, if read as lead, lead astray but if not read as lead, isn't misleading!
If your guessed aircraft had the engines, you've been hoodwinked, but if not (in the glider), it isn't misleading because a glider is compelled to follow the tug.
21. Was close to a Stirling and yet unlike
Under tow, (usually a Stirling or Halifax), the Hamilcar was (physically) close to the Stirling, and yet bore no resemblence
24*. Sounds like, an Hallux?
Hallux is your big toe. Sounds like = Big Tow = a large glider?
27*. No longer a learner-driver, Skywalker's automobile? (This clue may not make complete sense if reader isn't British)
(Mark) Hamill played Skywalker. Subtract an L from his name (passing your driving test in the UK means you no longer need to show L plates on your car, therefore "hamilcar"

NB. Clues marked with * are misleading or cryptic in nature.
Probably best if I don't win this again! <weg>

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Actually, Sir, I enjoyed the heck out of it. I'm a big fan of British humor, having spend four years in England in my (relative) youth and having visited a few times. I'd prepared an answer (below) and would love to see you ask another question. Congratulations to Stang151! Thanks for an interesting and challenging opportunity; Ernie P.

PS: At one time, I decided to learn how to solve the famed London Times Crossword puzzle. I lasted exactly one day. The clues were "Opposed to matrimony" and "Immigration Officer's lament". The answer was "Not them Arryan Kind". I never bothered even trying again. Tnx; EP

Answer: The General Aircraft Limited GAL. 49 Hamilcar



The General Aircraft Limited GAL. 49 Hamilcar or Hamilcar Mark I was a large British military glider produced during the Second World War, which was designed to carry heavy cargo, such as the Tetrarch or M22 Locust light tank. When the British airborne establishment was formed in 1940 by the order of Prime Minister Winston Churchill it was decided to develop a large glider which would be able to transport heavy equipment in support of airborne troops. General Aircraft Limited were chosen in January 1941 to develop this glider, which they designated the GAL. 49 'Hamilcar'. It was designed to transport a single light tank or two Universal Carriers. A number of problems, which included vacillation by the War Office on the number of gliders it wanted, and poor management by GAL, led to delays in the production of the Hamilcar, and the first production glider was assembled only in mid-1943. These problems were only partially solved, and production of the glider continued to be slow, hampered by difficulties in finding suitable locations to store and construct the Hamilcars once their parts were produced. A total of 344 Hamilcars had been built when production ended in 1946.

Hamilcars were only used on three occasions, and only in support of British airborne forces. They first saw action in June 1944, when approximately thirty were used to carry 17-pounder anti-tank guns, transport vehicles and Tetrarch light tanks into Normandy in support of British airborne forces during Operation Tonga. In September 1944 a similar number of Hamilcars were used to transport anti-tank guns, transport vehicles and supplies for airborne troops as part of Operation Market Garden. They were used a third and final time in March 1945 during Operation Varsity when they transported M22 Locust light tanks and other supplies. The gliders proved to be successful in all three operations, although their slow speed and large size made them easy targets for anti-aircraft fire, which resulted in a number of gliders being damaged or destroyed. A powered variant of the Hamilcar was produced, the Hamilcar Mark X, in an attempt to extend the range of the Hamilcar so it could serve in the Pacific War; however, the conflict in the Pacific ended before the design could see combat.

Fidd88

"not the marryin' kind" and "not them Aryan kind" (as if exasperated at processing one of the "Herrenvolk")? The Times Crossword is a bit of a bugger, not least because there are frequently Latin tags or allusions to classical history. I can dent it a bit on a good-day. The Telegraph Cryptic Crossword is a better bet for a beginner to competent. These days you can buy books of them - with the solutions in the back, and helpful starter ones where all the clues follow a single cryptic crossword convention - such as words like "muddle", "mix", "confusion" all indicate anagrams, for example. Also as you get to know a particular setter - they all have 'nom de guerre' then you start to learn the little idiosynchrasies that separates one from another.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, I certainly had a giggle dreaming up some of the more elliptical clues!

FlyerInOKC

My Feedback: (6)

Fidd88 is the King of Quizzes long live the king! Fantastic job Fidd88 and Stang151 in figuring it out!

Hydro Junkie

I don't know if I'd call him the "king"(I think Ernie has that title, at least for now) but, with that said and after his first quiz, he could end up as royalty

stang151

I feel like a hack comedian going on stage after Robin Williams. Hard to follow that one. I'll try to get one up in a day or two. Great job Fidd88. Spent a LOT of time on the search engines for that one.

Fidd88

hehe, thanks. I'm sure you'll do fine! You got it, afterall!

stang151

OK here goes. Don't expect anything like Fidd88's though.

Looking for the name of a warbird.


1. This airplane introduced many firsts to it's producing country.

2. At the time built was fastest in the sky.

3. A very coveted award followed.

stang151

Another clue

Looking for the name of a warbird.


1. This airplane introduced many firsts to it's producing country.

2. At the time built was fastest in the sky.

3. A very coveted award followed.

4.The company was awarded the largest contract since the war.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Okay; a snap shot. This fits the clues, but a lot of other planes do so as well, at this point. Thanks; Ernie P.
Answer: The PZL P.11





The PZL P.11 was a Polish fighter aircraft, designed and constructed during the early 1930s by Warsaw-based aircraft manufacturer PZL. Possessing an all-metal structure, metal-covering, and high-mounted gull wing, the type held the distinction of being widely considered to have briefly been the most advanced fighter aircraft of its kind in the world.[1]



The design of the P.11 commenced during the late 1920s, initially designated as the P.1. The primary individual responsible for its development was Polish aeronautical engineer Zygmunt Puławski, who has been attributed as having designed many of its innovative features. While the majority of the world's forces were still using biplanes, the P.1 used a high-mounted and aerodynamically clean gull wing, which provided the pilot with a superior field of view. During September 1929, the first prototype conducted its maiden flight. The design quickly drew international attention; the general layout became commonly known as the "Polish wing" or "Puławski wing".



The P.11 served as Poland's primary fighter defence throughout the 1930s, including during the Polish campaign of 1939 by neighbouring Nazi Germany. However, as a consequence of the rapid advances in aircraft design during the late 1930s (seen in such fighters as the Messerschmitt Bf 109), it was outclassed by its rivals at the onset of the war.[1] The majority of the Polish Air Force's P.11s were destroyed during 1939; however, it is believed that as many as 36 were flown to Romania and were subsequently taken over by the Romanian Air Force.



The P.11 was a considerable export success. During October 1933, deliveries of Polish-built P.11bs to Romania commenced.[2] From 1936, Romanian aircraft manufacturer Industria Aeronautică Romβnă (IAR) constructed a further 95 aircraft under the designation of IAR P.11f, powered by the Romanian-built IAR 9Krse engine.[3] A dedicated export model of the P.11, which was designated as the PZL P.24, was developed during the late 1930s. Reportedly, Greece, Portugal, Yugoslavia, Turkey and Republican Spain were at one point interested in procuring the P.11; these eventually resulted in several nations, including Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey purchased the P.24 instead.



The history of the PZL P.11 started in 1929, when Polish aeronautical engineer Zygmunt Puławski commenced work on designing an all-metal, metal-covered monoplane fighter aircraft. Prior to this, Polish aviation activity had been concentrated on the licensed production of foreign-designed aircraft, particularly French; additionally, these typically had wooden structures, thus Puławski's all-metal approach represented a considerable step-change for Polish industry.[5]



According to aviation author Wiltold Liss, the initial design produced by Puławski, designated as the P.1, possessed multiple of the hallmarks present on contemporary French aviation designs of the era; these similarities can be attributed to Puławski himself, who had received a considerable portion of his technical education in France only a few years prior. Simultaneously, the P.1 also bore a number of original innovations, including its characteristic monoplane wing design.[5] While the majority of the world's forces were still using biplanes, the P.1 used a high-mounted and aerodynamically clean gull wing, which provided the pilot with a superior field of view.[6]



During September 1929, the first prototype conducted its maiden flight.[7] The aircraft demonstrated its outstanding performance amongst its peers, including the British Bristol Bulldog and the French Dewoitine D.27, when it achieved first place at an international air competition held in Bucharest, Romania. The design generated interest around the world; attention was such that the general layout became commonly known as the "Polish wing" or "Puławski wing". This wing consisted of a two-spar duralumin structure, complete with rivetted ribs to both the spars and skin; the exterior of the wing was covered by finely corrugated duralumin sheet, while the slotted ailerons had a fabric covering.[6]



The Polish War Ministry objected to the aircraft's use of the licence-built Hispano-Suiza V engine, citing insufficient practicality and poor economic grounds.[7] Accordingly, a second prototype, which was designated as the P.6, was completed the next year. This revision featured several deviations from Puławski's original vision, including the adoption of a radial engine to power the type in place of the original in-line counterpart; during testing, the P.6's engine was plagued by overheating issues.

Fidd88

I'm going to take a bit of a punt here, but I think it may well be the "English Electric Lightning"? I was taught to instruct flying by a chap called Ted Girdler, (also ex-Red Arrows leader) a really nice ex-RAF chap who after a beer or two and some encouragement, would tell "WIWOL" stories - "when I was on Lightnings". Sadly Ted was killed displaying an L29 some years later, a huge loss the UK Flying community, and a personal loss to all who knew him. As a CAFU examiner, (The highest Civilian examiner there is) he was known in my Flying Club, at least, as "Uncle Ted", an affectionate nickname for a man who put sometimes nervous examinees at their ease before tests, and would take detours on training flights "to see the elephants" whilst training near Canterbury. Disbelieving students, who to a man were sure he was pulling their legs, were amazed to be shewn the elephants at a zoo nearby!

My other memory of Ted was shooting the ILS approach at Calais with him - for real in cloud with icing. The G/S needle stubbornly refused to move, and after abandoning the approach at a now higher minima (frantically recalculated by me), Ted reported the apparant G/S failure. The Frog ATC bloke replied in very-bored English, accompanied by an unseen Gallic-shrug, that a previous aircraft had "reported the same an hour earlier , so it must be broken". Ted pursed his lips slightly as I looked at him in astonishment at this rather cavalier and belated explanation (it would have been nice to have been warned about this before we flew the approach!), which was as visibly angry as I ever saw him. Nothing was said, but I learned a great deal about self-control, French ATC's 'sense of humour' - and "professionalism" - and the need to pre-calculate all minima when flying an ILS approach! I suspect that after landing, he took it up with them on the telephone privatim et seriatim, to their very great discomfort!

stang151

No not the Lightning nor the P.11, always liked the" Polish Wing". A couple more clues.

Looking for the name of a warbird.


1. This airplane introduced many firsts to it's producing country.

2. At the time built was fastest in the sky.

3. A very coveted award followed.

4.The company was awarded the largest contract since the war.

5.The same airframe had several designations [not just dash numbers/letters] for different engines/ equipment.

6. Initial crew of 4 was reduced to 3 in production planes.

Hydro Junkie

B-47 but I'm probably wrong

stang151

No not the Stratojet [another one of my favorite airplanes]. Couple more clues

Looking for the name of a warbird.


1. This airplane introduced many firsts to it's producing country.

2. At the time built was fastest in the sky.

3. A very coveted award followed.

4.The company was awarded the largest contract since the war.

5.The same airframe had several designations [not just dash numbers/letters] for different engines/ equipment.

6. Initial crew of 4 was reduced to 3 in production planes.

7. Early important mission was a "show of force" movement of a group of planes across the country to a far flung frontier and back.

8. The commander of the group had high praise for the plane.

Fidd88

B58?

perttime

Bristol Blenheim?

stang151

Not the Hustler or the Blenheim. But you get a few more clues.

Looking for the name of a warbird.


1. This airplane introduced many firsts to it's producing country.

2. At the time built was fastest in the sky.

3. A very coveted award followed.

4.The company was awarded the largest contract since the war.

5.The same airframe had several designations [not just dash numbers/letters] for different engines/ equipment.

6. Initial crew of 4 was reduced to 3 in production planes.

7. Early important mission was a "show of force" movement of a group of planes across the country to a far flung frontier and back.

8. The commander of the group had high praise for the plane.

9. Had a very "art-deco" look about it.

10. It's shape earned it the nickname of a" flying"{sea creature}.

11. Alas, technology moves on and passed the plane by. No longer able to defend itself it was pulled out of front line service to training and transport duties.