Upon examining the photographs I started thinking that Clade's aircraft on Dec. 1, 1943 in which he escorted Generals Holle and Fiebig to Crete, seems to be very similar to Barkhorn's aircraft in which he flew his 1000th sortie on 23 Jan. 1944, and he scored his 250th victory on Feb. 13, 1944, of course, except for the theatre markings. Could it be because they are from the same W.Nr. block?
Anyways, I was wondering if the W.Nr. information for these two aircraft is available. I have seen White 2 identified as a late G-5 but it looks like a G-6 to me. I know that some sources mention W.Nr. 162 198 or 163 195 for Barkhorn's aircraft but those numbers were not produced until April and June respectively. And 162 198's camo pattern and markings are slightly different on available photographs. So, this leads me to think that he had a different plane earlier that year. Additional things to note: Both Clade's and Barkhorn's aircrafts were G-6 Trop models; they have darker color (RLM 74?) close to Balkenkreuz (which might be painted as a white cross over RLM 74?); they have the same shorter radio mast and the DF loop (Barkhorn's was removed in the pictures); and both has the maintenance instructions for the sand separator on the upper hood. I will share some photographs below for reference.
I appreciate if you could share any information you might have on these two aircrafts, W.Nr., camo colors, etc. Thank you very much!
So, OK. I think it is very probable these both aircraft was built at a similar time and within the same werknummer bloc at WNF. And three questions I have are:
1. What is the W.nr. bloc? Claes Sundin seems to have an idea but they are unreadable on the profiles (of course, not 100% reliable) and I cannot verify them anyway.
2. What the text of the maintenance instructions for the sand separator on the upper hood? I look but could not find anything except illegible pics.
3. Are the fuselage Balkenkreuz backgrounds in RLM 74?
Hello,
The little that I know/find is Wnr.163195 was the aircraft in which Barkhorn was wounded on 31 May 1944. Wnr.162198 was also flown during May 1944. Some sources say that the one flown during February 1944 was in the Wnr.44----
Hello,
The little that I know/find is Wnr.163195 was the aircraft in which Barkhorn was wounded on 31 May 1944. Wnr.162198 was also flown during May 1944. Some sources say that the one flown during February 1944 was in the Wnr.44----
Thank you very much! I appreciate it. I found the same thing. I believe the aircraft he flew in the late 43 and early 44 is a WNF produced 44---- series as well. Just like Clade's plane probably...
Any information on maintenance instructions for the sand separator on the upper hood by any chance? I am having even harder time finding it to my surprise.