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

• Sep 19, 2009

• #1

DAVIDICUS

Staff Sergeant

915

20

Feb 23, 2005

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.

 

• Sep 19, 2009

• #2

vikingBerserker

Lieutenant General

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Apr 10, 2009

South Carolina

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

 

• Sep 19, 2009

• #3

B-17engineer

Colonel

14,949

65

Dec 9, 2007

Revis Island.

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

 

• Sep 19, 2009

• Thread starter
• #4

DAVIDICUS

Staff Sergeant

915

20

Feb 23, 2005

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. ????

 

• Sep 19, 2009

• #5

GrauGeist

Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung

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www.netallurgy.com

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

 

• Sep 19, 2009

• #6

Wildcat

Major

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Apr 11, 2005

South East Queensland

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.

 

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• Sep 19, 2009

• Thread starter
• #7

DAVIDICUS

Staff Sergeant

915

20

Feb 23, 2005

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.

 

Last edited: Sep 19, 2009

• Sep 19, 2009

• Thread starter
• #8

DAVIDICUS

Staff Sergeant

915

20

Feb 23, 2005

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

 

• Sep 19, 2009

• #9

vikingBerserker

Lieutenant General

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Apr 10, 2009

South Carolina

That actually looks spiffy in German colors.

 

• Sep 20, 2009

• #10

Wildcat

Major

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Apr 11, 2005

South East Queensland

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.