BOB era "instrument" approaches

[furbs]

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

[Sutts]

Originally Posted by Plt Off JRB Meaker

Hi,in the Hurricane pilots manual for the MK1,Merlin II engine(what we have in COD)it states under the following for 'Approach' and sub sectioned under 'Flying in poor visibility':

'When necessary to fly at low altitude it is advisable to open the cockpit hood and lower flaps fully.In this condition a speed of 80-90 m.p.h.,A.S.I,reading may be maintained with engine r.p.m,of 1,700-1,800 without vibration and with good control.In addition ,some pilots prefer to lower the undercarriage'.

Hope this helps,just about to read that book too.My user name is Plt Off JRB Meaker he was with 249 Squadron so I am interested to see if he is mentioned in it.

On the 27/9/1940 after being hit by the crossfire from a Ju88 he bailed out only to hit his tail on doing so and died of his injuries,my username is a small tribute to guys like this.

Just recently finished "gun button to fire" - one of the best BoB accounts I've read. Brian is indeed mentioned and he gets a good write up at the end of the book too.

Lots of detail in a day by day format, great stuff.

[Jumo211]

not exactly relevant to poor weather or visibility but something to watch......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQWZEVaoFKQ&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6oGa1bqe1U&feature=plcp

[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.

[salmo]

Originally Posted by jcenzano

I just finished reading the book "Gun button to fire" written by one of the surviving members of RAF 249 sqn and, knowing quite well modern RL combat aviation, I was intrigued by how they did things back then.

One of my many questions arose when I repeatedly read how they where flying in very bad weather and landing back under such crappy conditions. But the author gives no deatils about how they did it.

I am quite illiterate when it comes to WWII aviation procedures and I was wondering if someone could point me out in the good direction to learn how they did this approaches in bad weather back then, so i can reproduce myself these procedures later on.

Appreciate your help.

Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation (FIDO) (which was sometimes referred to as "Fog Intense Dispersal Operation" or "Fog Intense Dispersal Of") was a system used for dispersing fog from an airfield so that aircraft could land safely. You can find more info about the system HERE

[SAFMoby]

Not sure how long these been around but quite possible in a spit or hurri

http://www.nordian.net/pdf/jaa_radio...ation_demo.pdf

[Skoshi Tiger]

Flg Off Trevor Wade 92 Sqn talks about his experience on the 27/28 July 1940



From "The Legendary Spitfire Mk1/11 1939-1940"

I guess sometimes you have no other options.

[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.