Picture of the day. (2 Viewers)

[manta22]

Is that a Periscope mounted above the cockpit?

Range finder?

 

[Dash119]

I would guess a camera(s) to record the tests...

 

[syscom3]

Is that a Periscope mounted above the cockpit?

Probably for the ground crew to precisely align the plane to its target.

 

[CATCH 22]

A Douglas B-18 Bolo undergoing an experimental 75mm gun test.

View attachment 711595

In this thread we discussed the same a/c earlier. Combined with the above post the picture becomes better and more complete. The "periscope" can be seen on the photo of the camouflaged a/c too.
Cheers!

 

[Capt. Vick]

A Douglas B-18 Bolo undergoing an experimental 75mm gun test.

View attachment 711595

Well I'll be damned! Thank you! Do we know if it flew? (So greedy for info.)

 

[syscom3]

Well I'll be damned! Thank you! Do we know if it flew? (So greedy for info.)

Probably.

 

[CATCH 22]

Well I'll be damned! Thank you! Do we know if it flew? (So greedy for info.)

From different B-25 sources (describing the B-18 with the 75mm cannon as a predecessor of B-25G), I found that the first program, starting in 1938 included ground tests with a "junked B-18" only. Later a flyable B-18 has been obtained for flying tests. There was a demonstration at Elgin Field in 1940 for commercial firms as well. Which frame we see on this and the earlier photos is unclear.
Cheers!

 

[Gnomey]

Good shots!

 

[MIflyer]

B,F&U!

Isn't funny that the C-47 saw more combat than the Bomber version ever did, including service as an Attack aircraft?

 

[hawkeye2an]

A Douglas B-18 Bolo undergoing an experimental 75mm gun test.

and I thought it couldn't get any uglier

 

[syscom3]

A pair of Curtis Sea Mews on the the light cruiser, USS Portsmouth

 

[Warspite63]

A pair of Curtis Sea Mews on the the light cruiser, USS Portsmouth

View attachment 711831

Aren't these Sea Hawks?

 

[syscom3]

Aren't these Sea Hawks?

Could be. The photo didn't identify them.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Yup. Curtiss SC Seahawk.

 

[syscom3]

Flights ops during the shakedown cruise of the light cruiser USS Portsmouth. July 1945. A Curtis Seahawk is taxing along
side being setup for recovery. Note the platform that is attached to the catapult for the landing officer to stand on. And
the wave smoothening sled being deployed.

 

[Elvis]

Any idea what is trailing way behind the ship?
Is that the other Seahawk?

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Any idea what is trailing way behind the ship?
Is that the other Seahawk?

Good question.

 

[Wurger]

Any idea what is trailing way behind the ship?
Is that the other Seahawk?

IMHO it might be the second Seahawk of the light cruiser. Like all of the Cleveland-class cruisers the USS Portsmouth (CL102) had the double catapult for two scout seaplanes embarked.

the pic source: the net.

 

[DBII]

Any idea what is trailing way behind the ship?
Is that the other Seahawk?

I believe that is used to recover the planes.

 

[Snautzer01]

Any idea what is trailing way behind the ship?
Is that the other Seahawk?

Recovering the SOC Seaplane