Recent content by John D. Voss

Some of the Skymaster's (aka C-54) were VIP configured A/C and were handed over for usage by Winston Churchill (e.g.EW-999), Charles deGalle, et.al. A number were used transporting VIP's to the Yalta conference. At war's end the A/C were returned to the USN/ USMC.

It's my understanding that ithis well-worn PB4Y-2 ended up in Central America with the Honduran Air Force.

Any idea as to where these photos were taken? Looking at the background I would say "somewhere in California"...

The highly modified nose indicates to me that the aircraft was last used by the USCG and was known as the PB4Y-2G.

Another "Tidbit" on the Hellcat. It was to have been constructed in Canada by Vickers and designated as the "FV-1". As you all probably know the PBY Catalna was constucted by Vickers too and was designated as the "PBV-1"

BTW, the Grumman F6F Hellcat was given a British name of "Gannet" but it was never formally adopted.

It's my understanding that the alternate names of USN were dropped as it created major supply issues when ordering replacement parts.

The very top picture states New Caledonia 1943. Actually the photo was probably a year earlier as the US insignia with the red dot in the center was eliminated in May '42.

Lockheed C-69 Constellation

It's my understanding the the FM-2 was not introduced into the USMC inventory...true???

Where is Leech Lake ???

It seems to me that I recently read where the USN is buying the balance of the Swiss AF F-5's. > I do not recall the quantity but is around 40 or so.

Keep in mind that the Corsair was produced in THREE different locations: Strattford, CT; Akron, OH and Warminster, PA. As commented above there were many suppliers producing not only parts but complete subassemblies e.g, tail sections, outer wings, etc. My father worked on the A-20 Havoc line...