Foreign aircraft in Soviet colors

[Hunterbunter]

There's been a bit of argument over the red star with white disk markings over the years, but the book "The Alaska-Siberian Connection" documents how the Texico corporation stickers were used to finish marking aircraft in the agreed manner. Seems the Air Corp stateside refused to paint Soviet markings on the aircraft within the lower 48. Meanwhile the new formed units given the delivery mission to make the actual transfers had neither the facilities or people to make the required changes.

Some bright enterprising troop made a trip to the local Texico service station and spotted some extra decals. Soon after they made an arrangement. Of course the facilities improved and expanded with time, but the early deliveries wore the Texico star.8)

 

[Micdrow]

Found this in an old russian magazine, thought some of you might enjoy!!!

 

[Colin1]

I'd say that Hurricane was a text-book landing
shame it was the wrong text book

Great pictures by the way, are they evaluating those Ta152s or actually operating them? They look like they've been pressed into service.

 

[Mathew Woodgrowse]

Siebel Si-204A during it's short post-war servise in soviet Polar Aviation.

 

[Mathew Woodgrowse]

Siebel 204D of Polar Aviation, b.no. N-376

 

[Micdrow]

Great pictures there Mathew, many thanks!!!

 

[Wurger]

Yep...THX for sharing.

 

[ppopsie]

Below are two documents on the lend lease for Army Air Corp aircraft that where sent overseas to other countries.

Thanks. I understand the reason that the British had Avro Lancaster Mk.III, a separate model all powered with Packard build engines which had been "leased." Threby they had to have separate aquisition contracts for the mark because the cost must differ greatly from that of the Mk.I which was fitted with British build Merlin engines.

 

[Mathew Woodgrowse]

Focke Wulf 200 Condor "N-401". Circa 1948.
(We had three Condors in Polar Aviation)

 

[Wurger]

 

[Mathew Woodgrowse]

Arado Ar-196 with red stars.

 

[Wurger]

THX for sharing....

 

[Micdrow]

Interesting Mathew, many thanks!!!!

 

[Mathew Woodgrowse]

Wait, guys, that's not all yet. How about Lockheed Electra, Douglas DF, Savoia S.55...?

 

[D.James]

A couple shots of the lesser known Curtiss O-52 Owl (Curtiss Model 85)

The last of the heavy "O" models to be procured in number, the observation role was to be taken over by the smaller lighter "L" Liaison models. Designed from polyglot of existing Curtiss navy types, the Army Air Corps ordered 203 without seeing a prototype. The cash strapped 1930's saw congress offering up dollars for cheaper observation type planes as opposed to more expensive attack, pursuit, fighters and bombers. Army doctrine of the 30's still largely saw the aircraft as in support to ground troops,in an observation and scouting role replacing the cavalry. The Owl would mark an end to two decades of Army planning to re-fight W.W.I.

Upon delivery after the start of the European war, the type was determined to be too vulnerable to attack, too slow for defense and poorly armed and armoured. Aircrews complained of poor handling, ground forces complained about the quality of the recon intel from the craft, citing that the aircraft was too fast to be accurate! One pilot commented that the aircraft looked as if a group of blacksmiths had gathered their forges and went to work making parts with anvils and sledge hammers. The type was largely pulled from overseas front line service. A few were delivered to the Philippines (considered "indefensible" by the War Department,a large number of 2nd line and obsolete aircraft were assigned there) just prior to December 7th 1941. (There are unsubstantiated reports of a few even taking to the air during the Japanese invasion, one Bronze Star recipient claiming to have been shot down twice in one day as an observer/gunner.) The remainder stayed stateside as squadron hacks or for use in short range antisubmarine patrols on the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

A further 30 were consigned to the Soviet Union (under objection by the Soviets) through the Lend Lease program, 23 of which were delivered - 19 in flyable condition without construction or flight manuals. They mainly flew in artillery spotting missions, and were generally disliked by her Russian crews, although a small number were maintained and flown through the 1950's.

 

[p8t2]

Wait, guys, that's not all yet. How about Lockheed Electra, Douglas DF, Savoia S.55...?

"Air Classics" Magazine mentioned a Lockhead 10E Electra transfered to Russia connected to the search for the Bolkovitinov DB-A of S.A. Levanevskiy in Aug'37. Reg. #CCCP H 214(?) (SSSR N 214). It was possibly equipped with skiis. I've been looking for this for a while for a model and possibly a painting. Any information or maybe a photo would be appreciated. Thank You...David E. Wells/ p8t2...D.