GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
I've come across some interesting aircraft from both the Allies and the Axis that were modified for maritime Minesweeping/Degaussing duties.
I found it interesting to see that the aircraft were field modified to perform these duties and in many cases, weren't a dedicated production version from the manufacturer.
So I started digging around to see just how many types there were, and I'll be posting what I've found so far.
The one with the most information, is the Ju52 version, so I'll start with that
Ju52/3M MS
A standard production Ju52 was given the designation MS (minesweeper) and fitted with a loop (coil) and electric generator. They were operated from land based airfields. I haven't found how many were made, but they were operated from 1943 onward.
This last photo shows Ju52/3M MS (W.Nr. 3400) of 1./MSGr 1 caught by Typhoons of 266 Squadron off Ile de Croiz, 30 December 1943. Uffz Johann Stampfer and his crew were all killed.
I found it interesting to see that the aircraft were field modified to perform these duties and in many cases, weren't a dedicated production version from the manufacturer.
So I started digging around to see just how many types there were, and I'll be posting what I've found so far.
The one with the most information, is the Ju52 version, so I'll start with that
Ju52/3M MS
A standard production Ju52 was given the designation MS (minesweeper) and fitted with a loop (coil) and electric generator. They were operated from land based airfields. I haven't found how many were made, but they were operated from 1943 onward.
This last photo shows Ju52/3M MS (W.Nr. 3400) of 1./MSGr 1 caught by Typhoons of 266 Squadron off Ile de Croiz, 30 December 1943. Uffz Johann Stampfer and his crew were all killed.