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plan_D said:I never stated the Lancaster wouldn't suffer the same fate as the B-17 while on unescorted bombing routes. We shall "go there" because the B-17, even when bristling with .50cals, could not survive in the day during raids. Why give credit to the '17' when it's increase in ability came from another aircraft, not the '17s' own ability?
pbfoot said:and bomb for bomb which method gave best results
Erich said:will go back to some earlier replies on this page. No the German nachtjagd did not use boxes as we understand them. they fought as a single unit. Mossies hung around night fighter beacons which was an attractant to the German nf's as well as harassing German nf airfields upon the Luftwaffe return after the operations.
here is a sampling I have posted before
helmitsmit said:Wasn't the lanc more manuvourable?
wmaxt said:Glider said:Just an observation. Given that the Lancasters and Halifax's had I believe similar loss ratios to the B17 in daylight raids at the end of the war.
I would take the Lancaster with the bigger bombload, longer range, and sights that were just as good as the Norden any time.
The RAF didn't have to fly at night, they chose to.
A couple of minor points:
1. A 2,000mi missiom the lanc needed a bombay fuel tank, the B-17 did not.
2. A 2,000mi mission the Lanc carried a 7,000lb bomb load, the B-17G carried 6,000lb bomb load, However if you remove the chin terret, the waist gunners and their support equipment for night work it could carry 2,000lb more, or 8,000lbs.
3. The ultimate range of the B-17 ig greater than the Lanc.
The B-17 flew 10K higher than the Lanc and at that altitude was more
accurate and safer from AAA fire.
4 the Lanc fiew 166,000 sorties for ~4,000 losses for a 2.4% loss rate. The B-17 flew 450,000 sorties for a 4,754 loss for a rate of 1.05.
wmaxt