RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

I believe it was Lanoe Hawker that "fixed" the gun on the DH-2 so that it would fire where you pointed the plane. Prior to that the official policy was that it was a swivel gun and that the pilot should both fly the plane and point the gun where it needed to be. I beleive he recieved a repremand for even suggesting it until he started scoring more victories than anyone else.

MTC YMMV not bad for midnight in OKC

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Wow! That is really good thinking, Sir. It isn't correct; but it might well have been, as it fits the criteria. I hadn't thought of Hawker; and would have worded the clue differently if I had. Good try, though. Maybe this will help. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What WWI ace improvised a modification to a type of machine gun, which greatly increased it’s effectiveness?

Clues:

(1) The modification was first tried on a single machine gun; and was eventually fitted to all machine guns mounted on certain aircraft.

(2) Although this was perhaps the thing of which this ace was most proud, he contributed greatly in other areas, as well. He was certainly the first in one category.

(3) He scored a victory on his very first combat patrol.

(4) He was deadly in the air. Noted as being a real cowboy, he was unquestionably a great marksman. He considered aerial shooting to be 90% instinct.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Sounds like something Rickenbacher might have been involved in??

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

No; not Edward Rickenbacher. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What WWI ace improvised a modification to a type of machine gun, which greatly increased it’s effectiveness?

Clues:

(1) The modification was first tried on a single machine gun; and was eventually fitted to all machine guns mounted on certain aircraft.

(2) Although this was perhaps the thing of which this ace was most proud, he contributed greatly in other areas, as well. He was certainly the first in one category.

(3) He scored a victory on his very first combat patrol.

(4) He was deadly in the air. Noted as being a real cowboy, he was unquestionably a great marksman. He considered aerial shooting to be 90% instinct.

(5) He flew first as an observer, then as a pilot; and was successful in both roles.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

The bowden cable, enabling the trigger to be on the control stick

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Was it Tony Fokker who synchronized the engine to the machine gun to fire between the blades???

Bob

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

No, Sir. Bowden had the Bowden cable patented long before WWI. Thanks; Ernie P.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Yes, Sir; and Tony Fokker was a pilot. But he was also a Dutchman, and therefore a neutral; and there is no proof he ever shot down an aircraft. The subject of this question shot down a number of aircraft. Maybe another couple of clues will help. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What WWI ace improvised a modification to a type of machine gun, which greatly increased it’s effectiveness?

Clues:

(1) The modification was first tried on a single machine gun; and was eventually fitted to all machine guns mounted on certain aircraft.

(2) Although this was perhaps the thing of which this ace was most proud, he contributed greatly in other areas, as well. He was certainly the first in one category.

(3) He scored a victory on his very first combat patrol.

(4) He was deadly in the air. Noted as being a real cowboy, he was unquestionably a great marksman. He considered aerial shooting to be 90% instinct.

(5) He flew first as an observer, then as a pilot; and was successful in both roles.

(6) He left his ground unit at 7:00; had his first airplane ride at 10:30; and scored his first victory at 2:30.

(7) When he was being interviewed for a position as an observer, his soon to be commanding officer was impressed because he could ride a horse. That didn’t make much sense to him, because horses don’t fly.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

And within that is the name of his book.

;)

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Last clue for the evening. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What WWI ace improvised a modification to a type of machine gun, which greatly increased it’s effectiveness?

Clues:

(1) The modification was first tried on a single machine gun; and was eventually fitted to all machine guns mounted on certain aircraft.

(2) Although this was perhaps the thing of which this ace was most proud, he contributed greatly in other areas, as well. He was certainly the first in one category.

(3) He scored a victory on his very first combat patrol.

(4) He was deadly in the air. Noted as being a real cowboy, he was unquestionably a great marksman. He considered aerial shooting to be 90% instinct.

(5) He flew first as an observer, then as a pilot; and was successful in both roles.

(6) He left his ground unit at 7:00; had his first airplane ride at 10:30; and scored his first victory at 2:30.

(7) When he was being interviewed for a position as an observer, his soon to be commanding officer was impressed because he could ride a horse. That didn’t make much sense to him, because horses don’t fly.

(8) Within a very few weeks, he scored five victories as an observer.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Sounds like Manfred Von Richtofen...horse rider and observer...but not sure of the machine gun inprovement part...hmmm

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Nope; not the Baron. Part of my interest is why this particular pilot isn't better know. He was, after all, a very important first. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What WWI ace improvised a modification to a type of machine gun, which greatly increased it’s effectiveness?

Clues:

(1) The modification was first tried on a single machine gun; and was eventually fitted to all machine guns mounted on certain aircraft.

(2) Although this was perhaps the thing of which this ace was most proud, he contributed greatly in other areas, as well. He was certainly the first in one category.

(3) He scored a victory on his very first combat patrol.

(4) He was deadly in the air. Noted as being a real cowboy, he was unquestionably a great marksman. He considered aerial shooting to be 90% instinct.

(5) He flew first as an observer, then as a pilot; and was successful in both roles.

(6) He left his ground unit at 7:00; had his first airplane ride at 10:30; and scored his first victory at 2:30.

(7) When he was being interviewed for a position as an observer, his soon to be commanding officer was impressed because he could ride a horse. That didn’t make much sense to him, because horses don’t fly.

(8) Within a very few weeks, he scored five victories as an observer.

(9) Within a few more weeks, he scored another five.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

And yet another clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What WWI ace improvised a modification to a type of machine gun, which greatly increased it’s effectiveness?

Clues:

(1) The modification was first tried on a single machine gun; and was eventually fitted to all machine guns mounted on certain aircraft.

(2) Although this was perhaps the thing of which this ace was most proud, he contributed greatly in other areas, as well. He was certainly the first in one category.

(3) He scored a victory on his very first combat patrol.

(4) He was deadly in the air. Noted as being a real cowboy, he was unquestionably a great marksman. He considered aerial shooting to be 90% instinct.

(5) He flew first as an observer, then as a pilot; and was successful in both roles.

(6) He left his ground unit at 7:00; had his first airplane ride at 10:30; and scored his first victory at 2:30.

(7) When he was being interviewed for a position as an observer, his soon to be commanding officer was impressed because he could ride a horse. That didn’t make much sense to him, because horses don’t fly.

(8) Within a very few weeks, he scored five victories as an observer.

(9) Within a few more weeks, he scored another five.

(10) There is a great deal of confusion and puzzlement as to exactly how many aircraft he shot down.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

OK next guess, the French pilot Rolland Garros, who installed steel wedges on the aft side of his MS model N to allow him to fire through the prop arc with mostly not shooting off the prop blades.

T

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

But that is not an answer to, as quoted = " improvised a modification to a type of machine gun"...that is not directly a modification on the machine gun itself ....

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Exactly right, Sir; and why MajorTomski's guess isn't correct. Yes, this was a modification to a machine gun. I think da Rock is all over this, and pretty much gave it to the rest of you; but perhaps this will clear things up. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What WWI ace improvised a modification to a type of machine gun, which greatly increased it’s effectiveness?

Clues:

(1) The modification was first tried on a single machine gun; and was eventually fitted to all machine guns mounted on certain aircraft.

(2) Although this was perhaps the thing of which this ace was most proud, he contributed greatly in other areas, as well. He was certainly the first in one category.

(3) He scored a victory on his very first combat patrol.

(4) He was deadly in the air. Noted as being a real cowboy, he was unquestionably a great marksman. He considered aerial shooting to be 90% instinct.

(5) He flew first as an observer, then as a pilot; and was successful in both roles.

(6) He left his ground unit at 7:00; had his first airplane ride at 10:30; and scored his first victory at 2:30.

(7) When he was being interviewed for a position as an observer, his soon to be commanding officer was impressed because he could ride a horse. That didn’t make much sense to him, because horses don’t fly.

(8) Within a very few weeks, he scored five victories as an observer.

(9) Within a few more weeks, he scored another five.

(10) There is a great deal of confusion and puzzlement as to exactly how many aircraft he shot down.

(11) He started flying as an observer in an F.E.2b; flew a Sopwith Strut And A Half as a pilot; and finished his career flying a D.H.4.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Another clue. Ain't I a sweetie? Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What WWI ace improvised a modification to a type of machine gun, which greatly increased it’s effectiveness?

Clues:

(1) The modification was first tried on a single machine gun; and was eventually fitted to all machine guns mounted on certain aircraft.

(2) Although this was perhaps the thing of which this ace was most proud, he contributed greatly in other areas, as well. He was certainly the first in one category.

(3) He scored a victory on his very first combat patrol.

(4) He was deadly in the air. Noted as being a real cowboy, he was unquestionably a great marksman. He considered aerial shooting to be 90% instinct.

(5) He flew first as an observer, then as a pilot; and was successful in both roles.

(6) He left his ground unit at 7:00; had his first airplane ride at 10:30; and scored his first victory at 2:30.

(7) When he was being interviewed for a position as an observer, his soon to be commanding officer was impressed because he could ride a horse. That didn’t make much sense to him, because horses don’t fly.

(8) Within a very few weeks, he scored five victories as an observer.

(9) Within a few more weeks, he scored another five.

(10) There is a great deal of confusion and puzzlement as to exactly how many aircraft he shot down.

(11) He started flying as an observer in an F.E.2b; flew a Sopwith Strut And A Half as a pilot; and finished his career flying a D.H.4.

(12) He flew with the RAF; but he wasn’t English.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Ok, too many cluse to ignore the book I just finished reading a few weeks ago

RAF Captian Frederick Libby, a boy from the American west that found himself fighting over the fields of France.

His innovation was to attach a butt stock to the lewis machine gun to make it far easier for the observer in FE-2s to hang on to and to aim.

Excellent book; "Horses Don't Fly" an autobiography with comments by Frederick Libby.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

There you go, MajorTomski; Frederick Libby is the correct answer and you are up, Sir. That buttstock was generaly considered as having saved countless Allied lives; and cost the Germans a lot of scout pilots. A great book, wasn't it? The interesting bit is almost all sources seem to agree Libby should have been credited with 24 kills, rather than 14; which would have placed him just behind Eddie Rickenbacker, who was credited with 25 for many years. Later research gave Rickenbacker credit for one additional kill. However, despite constant claims that Libby's first ten kills as an obsever weren't officially counted, his own autobiography doesn't confirm the claims.

What does come through very clearly is that Libby wasn't particularly concerned with counting kills, as much as with killing the enemy and getting his plane and pilot back home with the results of their observations. Several times Libby mentioned his pilot stating they had destroyed (strictly as an example) three enemy aircraft. Libby was busy shooting, and only had time to verify one destroyed; so that's what he stated in his official report.

Something else that came through very clearly in his book was the way people in those days were so willing to step in and help someone down on his luck. In his cowboy days, booze and gambling took Libby from being flush to dead broke in a single evening. On each occasion, a friend stepped in and handed over what was in those days a very large sum of money, to keep Libby going.

Fourteen or twenty-four kills... not too shabby for an observer who became a pilot or two seaters himself. You have to wonder what he could have done with a Camel or Se-5. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What WWI ace improvised a modification to a type of machine gun, which greatly increased it’s effectiveness?

Clues:

(1) The modification was first tried on a single machine gun; and was eventually fitted to all machine guns mounted on certain aircraft.

(2) Although this was perhaps the thing of which this ace was most proud, he contributed greatly in other areas, as well. He was certainly the first in one category.

(3) He scored a victory on his very first combat patrol.

(4) He was deadly in the air. Noted as being a real cowboy, he was unquestionably a great marksman. He considered aerial shooting to be 90% instinct.

(5) He flew first as an observer, then as a pilot; and was successful in both roles.

(6) He left his ground unit at 7:00; had his first airplane ride at 10:30; and scored his first victory at 2:30.

(7) When he was being interviewed for a position as an observer, his soon to be commanding officer was impressed because he could ride a horse. That didn’t make much sense to him, because horses don’t fly.

(8) Within a very few weeks, he scored five victories as an observer.

(9) Within a few more weeks, he scored another five.

(10) There is a great deal of confusion and puzzlement as to exactly how many aircraft he shot down.

(11) He started flying as an observer in an F.E.2b; flew a Sopwith Strut And A Half as a pilot; and finished his career flying a D.H.4.

(12) He flew with the RAF; but he wasn’t English.

(13) He was in the Canadian Army; but he wasn’t Canadian.



Answer: Frederick Libby


Fred Libby - 14; cowboy, first American ace

The first American airman to become an ace in World War I was a little-known adventurer, Frederick Libby, a native of Sterling, Colorado. The interesting feature of Libby's career is that though he actually shot down twenty-four enemy aircraft he is credited officially with only fourteen. The first ten Germans to fall before Fred's gun, though completely eliminated from further combat, were not recognized by the American Fighter Aces Association, because the man from Colorado was only an NCO observer at the time.

Later, after being given a commission and becoming a pilot, the British credited him with fourteen "kills," and Libby is so recognized in the lists of fighting airmen.

Fred Libby, an ex-cowboy who had enjoyed a free and easy life until the outbreak of World War I, was in Canada that summer of 1914. He immediately joined the Canadian Army and after about a year of regimental training was sent to Britain, eventually landing in France where, like so many others, he soon sensed there was little future in trench warfare. When the Royal Flying Corps sent out a call for machine gunners to man the so-called battle planes, Libby was among the first to be accepted, and was posted immediately to Number 23 Squadron which was flying F.E.2b two-seater pushers.
This aircraft was a pusher that required the observer to deal with attacks from the rear by standing up and manning a Lewis machine gun mounted on a pole to fire back over the upper wings.

Libby was very lucky on his first patrol, managing to shoot down an enemy plane in flames, and on his return to his field was greeted by his wing commander, a Colonel Shephard who was waiting on the Tarmac to congratulate him. This brief association in no way hampered Fred's climb to the heady atmosphere of a commission and eventual pilot training.

Fred Libby, unquestionably, was an excellent aerial gunner for he downed ten enemy aircraft in a very few weeks. By August 27, 1916, he had racked up his fifth, which certainly made him the first American ace in that war. Considering his record and length of service, he can claim to be the least known of all American aces.

When Libby received his commission and finished his pilot training, he was posted to a British single-seater (Number 43) fighter squadron with which he served from May until September 1917. In that period of time he was credited with fourteen kills and awarded the Military Cross.

Fred Libby once wrote in the late 1960's, "I am ten times as proud of my observer's wing as of my pilot's insignia. Anyone can be taught to fly a plane, but not everyone could be a good observer and live through those days when a pilot's life depended entirely on his observer. Take a look around and you'll find very few observers who flew from 1915-17."

General Billy Mitchell manipulated a few strings, and had Fred transferred from the R.F.C. to the U. S. Air Service as experienced pilots were much needed, but to Fred's concern he was not welcomed warmly in Washington where he was sent to contribute his wide knowledge. In the first place the question arose as to whether he was still a citizen of the United States, although this question was never raised about those who had volunteered and served with the French. Next, it was questioned whether he was entitled to wear U. S. Air Service wings. With that Fred was ready to give up and return to the R.F.C. Only Mitchell's support kept him with the American forces. This may explain why so many Americans who were flying with the British felt no compelling desire to transfer to their own air service.

Tragically, Libby's military career was cut short, not by enemy bullets, but by illness. He suffered circulation and spinal impairment after returning to the States and joining the U.S. Army Air Service (USAS). As a result, he was left a cripple for the rest of his life. True to form, however, Libby remarked upon resigning from the USAS: "What I am going to do, I don't know, but I want to be free to do it, if only selling pencils on the corner."

His autobiography Horses Don't Fly is an engaging first-hand account that documents the end of one era and the beginning of another, by a man who managed to make the transition with remarkable success.

The first American to down five enemy aircraft during World War I, Libby never flew a combat mission for the United States Air Service. He became an ace while serving as an observer in the Royal Flying Corps. When the war began, Libby was in Canada where he joined the Canadian Army. In 1916, he was serving in an ambulance unit in the trenches of France when he volunteered to join the Royal Flying Corps.

Later that year, as an F.E.2b observer, he became the first American ace of the war. In 1917 Libby completed pilot training and was assigned to 43 Squadron on April 18. After scoring 2 victories, he was reassigned to 25 Squadron as a D.H.4 pilot in August of 1917. At the request of General Billy Mitchell, Libby transferred to the American Air Service on September 15, 1917. Returning to the United States, he participated in the Liberty Loan drive before joining the 22nd Aero at Hicks Field in Texas. Unfortunately, Libby was seriously ill by this time and was found to be permanently disabled and medically unfit for military service.

Military Cross (MC)
"For conspicuous gallantry in action. As an observer, he, with his pilot, attacked four hostile machines and shot down one. He has previously shot down four enemy machines." MC citation, November 14, 1916

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Ok gentlemen Please name for me an aircraft which

Was thw mount of a national ace
Was built by a different country
The country of origin did not fly them.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

The German He-112, flown by Romanian pilots, would seem to fit. Although purchased in small numbers by the Luftwaffee, it wasn't used operationally. Thanks; Ernie P.


With the opening of the war on 22 June, the He 112s were in the air at 1050 supporting an attack by Potez 63s of Grupul 2 bombardment on the Soviet airfields at Bolgrad and Bulgãrica. Although some flak was encountered on the way to and over Bolgrad, the attack was successful and a number of Soviet aircraft were bombed on the ground. By the time they reached Bulgãrica, fighters were in the air waiting for them, and as a result the 12 He 112s were met by about 30 I-16s. The results of this combat were mixed; Sublocotenent Teodor Moscu shot down one of a pair of I-16s still taking off. When he was pulling out, he hit another in a head-on pass and it crashed into the Danube. He was set upon by several I-16s and received several hits, his fuel tanks were punctured but did not seal. Losing fuel rapidly, he formed up with his wingman and managed to put down at the Romanian airfield at Bârlad. His aircraft was later repaired and returned to duty. Of the bombers, three of the 13 dispatched were shot down.

Over the next few days, the He 112s would be used primarily as ground-attack aircraft, where their heavy armament was considered to be more important than their ability to fight in the air. Typical missions would start before dawn and would have the Heinkels strafe Soviet airbases. Later in the day, they would be sent on search and destroy missions, looking primarily for artillery and trains.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Nope sorry not that one.

Please name for me an aircraft which

Was thw mount of a national ace
Was built by a different country
The country of origin did not fly them.
It was flown by at least two different countries.

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Hanriot HD.1?

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

CONGRATULATIONS! !! You win. Your turn

RE: Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
 

Thanks Major! I did a question on Willy Coppens a while back....

So I'm looking for a well known aircraft designer:

1. His introduction to aviation was in a model flying club who built their own man carrying glider in 1912.
2. His most revolutionary design was first flown in 1960.