Author Topic: swordfish? (not whing for it!) (Read 829 times)

Hats · « **on:** March 23, 2007, 08:58:54 AM »

im NOT asking FOR it, im just asking what people would think of it if it WERE in the game

remeber, it did have a very signifigant role in the sea war between england and germany....if you know your history

one interesting thing....the most famous swordfish ever (the one that first hit the Bismark with a torpedo) was flown by an american navy officer serving with the royal navy...so sorry to our friends in the UK

any information on this facinating aircraft would be cool too

Masherbrum · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2007, 09:07:09 AM »

BBBB · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2007, 10:49:14 AM »

I find it INtresting that you made two threads on the subject.

-BB

Karnak · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2007, 11:18:15 AM »

I recall a squadron of Swordfish being intercepted by Fw190s during WWII. They were slaughtered wholesale. THat is about what would happen to them in AH.

True, they sank more tons of Axis shipping than any other Allied torpedo bomber, but it did it in missions where the targets almost never had air cover.

Rino · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2007, 11:48:43 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Karnak
I recall a squadron of Swordfish being intercepted by Fw190s during WWII. They were slaughtered wholesale. THat is about what would happen to them in AH.

True, they sank more tons of Axis shipping than any other Allied torpedo bomber, but it did it in missions where the targets almost never had air cover.

They got more than the Avenger? wow!

SteveBailey · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2007, 05:38:42 PM »

Quote

In February 1942, FW-190s of Adolf Galland's JG-26 squadron escorted the battle cruisers SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU on their famous "Channel Dash" from France to the Baltic, with the Focke-Wulf fending off attacks by RAF Hurricanes and Spitfires, and shooting down all of a flight of six Swordfish torpedo-bombers that courageously pressed their attack despite the odds.

Ghosth · « **Reply #6 on:** March 24, 2007, 09:25:22 AM »

Actually I'd love to see it come to AH, but its not destined for the LW arena's.

In Early, mid war it will do fine, as well as a splendid addition for scenarios.

BlauK · « **Reply #7 on:** March 24, 2007, 10:27:34 AM »

Anything to expand the early war content would be welcome

Blooz · « **Reply #8 on:** March 24, 2007, 10:45:21 AM »

Don't forget Taranto.

21 Swordfish tore up a good portion of the Italian fleet there.

Or does it not count because it is considered "vulching"?

Rino · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2007, 02:25:05 AM »

I'm still finding it hard to believe the Swordfish outscored the TBF/TBM
though. The Avenger saw alot more action for a much longer period.

hogenbor · « **Reply #10 on:** March 25, 2007, 02:54:40 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Rino
I'm still finding it hard to believe the Swordfish outscored the TBF/TBM
though. The Avenger saw alot more action for a much longer period.

I wouldn't know the 'a lot more action' statement, but Swordfish saw action throughout the war. Obsolete though they were, they were well suited for the MAC ships protecting convoys. It was a forgiving aircraft that could carry a surprising amount of ordance. It's main problem was that it was indeed slower than most WWI (not a typo) fighters.

frank3 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 25, 2007, 12:08:36 PM »

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In February 1942, FW-190s of Adolf Galland's JG-26 squadron escorted the battle cruisers SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU on their famous "Channel Dash" from France to the Baltic, with the Focke-Wulf fending off attacks by RAF Hurricanes and Spitfires, and shooting down all of a flight of six Swordfish torpedo-bombers that courageously pressed their attack despite the odds.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wonder if that result would be any different if those Swordfish were SBD's or TBF's instead

Karnak · « **Reply #12 on:** March 25, 2007, 02:47:07 PM »

Rino,
The Swordfish outlasted its successor in service.

Frank3,

Maybe if they scattered and fled their higher speed would get some of them away, but if they pressed the attack, no, probably not.

frank3 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 27, 2007, 08:24:51 PM »

This makes me think of a similar attack, but this time with 6 TBF's (or tbm's?) against, what I believe was, a Japanese carrier.
Only 1 TBF made it back home, badly damaged with 1 gunner dead and the pilot wounded.

The morale: no matter what aircraft you're flying, it all depends on the enemy how succesfull you are

Rino · « **Reply #14 on:** March 27, 2007, 08:39:23 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by hogenbor
I wouldn't know the 'a lot more action' statement, but Swordfish saw action throughout the war. Obsolete though they were, they were well suited for the MAC ships protecting convoys. It was a forgiving aircraft that could carry a surprising amount of ordance. It's main problem was that it was indeed slower than most WWI (not a typo) fighters.

Hey, if you gents think the swordfish's early war and ASW roles out
did the Avenger's 6/42 onward pacific and atlantic ASW..then I guess
there isn't much point in talking to you.

Funny thing is, I never saw a Stringbag in US colors, but have seen a
few TBMs in RN drag.