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Korean War F-51 Mustang Fighter Planes on Airfield Photo | eBay

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WWI-WWII Aircraft Airplane Photograph Lot, RCAF Merlin, Northrup A-17 (P1) | eBay

Baugher:
43-6877 (355th FS, 354th FG, 9th AF) ground looped at RAF Lashenden, Kent, England May 27, 1944. Pilot survived, aircraft damaged but repaired and converted to 2-seater by 461st Service Squadron May 1944 and used by 354th FG on Jul 4, 1944 used to fly General Eisenhower over front lines, thereafter being named *The Stars Look Down*.


1584616394458.png
 
As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
WWI-WWII Aircraft Airplane Photograph Lot, RCAF Merlin, Northrup A-17 (P1) | eBay

Baugher:
43-6877 (355th FS, 354th FG, 9th AF) ground looped at RAF Lashenden, Kent, England May 27, 1944. Pilot survived, aircraft damaged but repaired and converted to 2-seater by 461st Service Squadron May 1944 and used by 354th FG on Jul 4, 1944 used to fly General Eisenhower over front lines, thereafter being named *The Stars Look Down*.

View attachment 574114

Resp:
Look closely. It has the flexible plastic rear canopy fitted! It is a two seater!
 
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WWI-WWII Aircraft Airplane Photograph Lot, RCAF Merlin, Northrup A-17 (P1) | eBay

Baugher:
43-6877 (355th FS, 354th FG, 9th AF) ground looped at RAF Lashenden, Kent, England May 27, 1944. Pilot survived, aircraft damaged but repaired and converted to 2-seater by 461st Service Squadron May 1944 and used by 354th FG on Jul 4, 1944 used to fly General Eisenhower over front lines, thereafter being named *The Stars Look Down*.


View attachment 574114
Resp:
I made the comment because what was done to convert it to a two seater, was not the same material used to make a canopy. The material used was clear thick plastic, almost like heavy 'tent' material. Metal fasteners were used to snap the flexible clear plastic closed. Eisenhower could not free himself to bail out if required.
 
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It's possibly a visit to show the bomber crews the new fighter. This was done when the P-51 first came into service in the UK, not just to "show off" the new aircraft, but because it looked like the Bf109 at some angles. Or it may just have been a visit, or a diversion landing.
Resp:
Excellent theory, as the problem of misidentification as a 109 in the MTO prompted rhe USAAF to paint yellow bands on A-36As and F-6As in 1943. Now that the newer P-51s were beginning to operate in the ETO, having aircrew, particularly gunners, view it to become acquainted with it makes perfect sense.
 

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