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That's an early version of an Early Warning system (AN/APS-20) mounted on a TBM-3W and the extra outrider vertical stabilizers were to help stabilize the aircraft (that radome played hell with it's aerodynamics).1) What might that be in the center of the fuselage rounded?
If you're talking about the Kiwi Avenger, it's a silver fern. It was used post-war by the RNZAF.Two questions:
1) What might that be in the center of the fuselage rounded?
Actually that version was laid to rest (so to speak) in Lundstrom & Ewing's definitive bio "Fateful Rendezvous." They concluded that O'Hare unknowing crossed ahead of a Betty, giving the nose gunner an unobstructed shot. VT-6 gunner Alvin Kernan lived under the cloud for most of his life.One maybe got Butch O'Hare!
That's the Atlantic/ETO scheme, insignia white with gull gray (?). As noted, ASW aircraft were seldom concerned with aerial opposition, especially when they flew at night.Someone had a bad day.
This is the only wartime photo I've seen of an Avenger with the turret removed. I've seen the drawings and post-war photos but this one is unusual. Anyone have any to post? Anti-sub patrols from escort carriers did not expect to meet enemy aircraft, so the turretless types were not needed. By the way, does anyone know of an Avenger gunner shooting down an enemy aircraft?
A screenshot from a compilation of accidents with no context.
Yes, the TBM-3R - no turret, no ventral gun position.Wasn't the Avenger also used for COD? Did they have turrets removed too?
Close, Wildcat. That Fern is the earlier 'White Fern' which first appeared in 1958, and was superseded by the 'Silver' fern in 1960, after complaints that the white one looked too much like a 'white feather'.If you're talking about the Kiwi Avenger, it's a silver fern. It was used post-war by the RNZAF.
The rear glazing was identical to the turreted aircraft, The aircraft pictured was modified to this state by simply removing the turret and fairing over the hole with sheet aluminium.Two questions:
1) What might that be in the center of the fuselage rounded?
2) Could the rear of the top glazing be open? It seems to end so abruptly.
They were made in theae various configurations by Grumman and General Motors Aircraft division.Great pictures. Who would have been doing the modifications on these to convert them to this configuration?