BOB era "instrument" approaches

[ATAG_Dutch]

Interesting topic.

Geoff Wellum in 'First Light' describes a particularly nasty sortie in bad weather in the 'Convoy Pair' chapter.

His r/t was also unserviceable, so no help from ground control in terms of vectors to base etc.

He got back safely owing to good knowledge of the local geography, coastline and landmarks, good navigation in almost blind flying conditions, and probably a good deal of luck.

[Artist]

Forsyth, Frederick. The Shepherd. 1976 (see wikipedia) comes to my mind. It (fictionally) describes how one plane (a Mosquito) guides another (a Vampire jetplane with complete electricity failure) through the fog down onto the runway. It's an "Xmas fiction" shortstory - but seems to claim at least some foundation in reality (Forsyth is a former RAF pilot).

[Damixu]

It's only my real life pilot guess but dead reckoning was the only way of apporaching back then. Unfortunately they didn't have any ILS nor anything close proximity fine grade radars/radio locators back then what we have now...

[furbs]

They would be given a heading to follow from ground control to get them back over home base.

[secretone]

I know from real life experience that simple IFR approaches can be flown with a non directional radio beacon, bearings to the runway from said beacon, and a stopwatch. Whether that's that they did or not, I cannot say...

This method should allow you to descend safely to say 400 feet above the ground assuming that there are no terrain hazards nearby. If the ceiling is lower, then this sort of approach can become very dangerous.

[Plt Off JRB Meaker]

Great vids Jumo,especially the compass and directional gyro synchronisation which starts at 7.10,great stuff mate,thanks v much.

BTW that's a Blenheim he's piloting I'd know that steering column anywhere,lol.

[IvanK]

Originally Posted by Plt Off JRB Meaker

Great vids Jumo,especially the compass and directional gyro synchronisation which starts at 7.10,great stuff mate,thanks v much.

BTW that's a Blenheim he's piloting I'd know that steering column anywhere,lol.

Actually I think its a Beaufort by the landing gear design.

[322Sqn_Dusty]

Have a read at this:

http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...evet-ww11.html

Takes ages to read all the great stories but it's worth it if you are interested. And there are a lot of facets covered..also the landings asked for in this thread.