U-571 - what was that "long range reconnaissance plane"

[DAVIDICUS]

I was up early this morning and was watching this rather disappointing movie.

What was that plane that buzzed the sub twice? It was referred to as a" long range reconnaissance" plane.

 

[vikingBerserker]

If you are referring to the real U-571, I believe it was the Sunderland.

 

[B-17engineer]

But if in the movie it looks like a single engined fighter, if your referring to the day scene.

 

[DAVIDICUS]

Yes, I am referring to the movie.

It looks kind of like a Macchi Mc202/205 or Fiat G.55 with the radiator under center line of the fuselage where the wings are and the profile of the wings but it also appears to have 4 .20mm cannons in the wings. ????

 

[GrauGeist]

I have seen the aircraft in the movie referred to as an early 40's Swiss attack trainer?

 

[Wildcat]

It's a Fiat G.59, of which there are I believe two airworthy i n the World. Here's a pic I took of the second Australian based one.

 

[DAVIDICUS]

You may be right. It had just a slight gull wing appearance as it was coming straight on and looked like it had a Merlin engine as opposed to the inverted DB. I understand that some were outfitted with four 20mm's too.

 

[DAVIDICUS]

FOUND IT!

Wildcat gets the prize!

Check out the link. Note the remark: " Used for filming U-571. Carried Luftwaffe WWII markings. Built 1946."

Photos: Fiat G-59B Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

 

[vikingBerserker]

That actually looks spiffy in German colors.

 

[Wildcat]

Nice pic Dave. Incidently enough, the G-59 in Australia was used as a Luftwaffe fighter (albeit in the above camo) in the Sahara remake.