Author Topic: P47s from Carrier (PTO 1945) (Read 1238 times)

Red Tail 444 · « **on:** May 09, 2007, 09:27:33 AM »

I noticed this clip on YouTube today, featuring P47's sortie from a carrier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRGYXMs9n1s&NR=1

No, I am not pining for game changes, and since I have no sound at work, I wonder if any modifications other than a tailhook were made to the aircraft.

Lusche · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2007, 09:33:57 AM »

As far as I know there were no tailhooks on that P47s. This was merely a way to ferry them to the warzone.
Similar to British Spitfires ferried to Malta.

But an interesting find, thanks for the link.

Jonny boy 8 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2007, 10:14:05 AM »

yeah they had p47s take off the carrier just to deliver them to an island. but they did make a p47 with a tail hook but it was canceled because they where scared it would crash throught the carrier deck.

p51srule:aok

Red Tail 444 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2007, 01:43:06 PM »

Thanks for the replies

StuB · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2007, 01:48:00 PM »

Neat vid.

I'm curious as to how/where they were able to attach the cat bridles for the launches.

Krusty · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2007, 02:19:47 PM »

It shows it to you at about 44 seconds.

There's a cable going to each gear, snagged in the middle around the shuttle. The cable probably broke or dropped of after the plane was in the air, I don't know the specifics.

EagleDNY · « **Reply #6 on:** May 09, 2007, 02:58:57 PM »

I thought the American CVs didn't start using catapults until after WW2.

Anyone got any data on the early catapult systems? Are they steam?

EagleDNY

Lusche · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2007, 03:26:04 PM »

Im not an expert concerning CVs, but there were various kinds of catapults dating back to the 1920's. Even the old Langley had one (some?) installed.
There were compressed air, hydraulic or flywheel catapults, but I really don't know which carriers really used them.
Steam catapults were introduced in the 1950's.

VooWho · « **Reply #8 on:** May 09, 2007, 03:30:05 PM »

To me the catapults look more like large rubber bands placed around the wheels. That is pretty cool though, never thought I see P-47s take off from a CV on video. Modern catapults and the ones after ww2 where used on the nose wheel. These looked more like sling shots.

Krusty · « **Reply #9 on:** May 09, 2007, 04:04:50 PM »

Not elastic, the shuttle moves along a track (like modern ones) it just latches on to the main gear -- which were pretty strong on the P47s.

Guppy35 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 09, 2007, 04:05:26 PM »

They were 318th Fighter Group P47s launched from three different escort carriers to their new base on Saipan.

P40s of the 33rd and 57th FGs had been launched off carriers during Operation Torch in North Africa to get to their bases on land.

Obviously the Spitfire Vb and Vcs launched off HMS Eagle and USS Wasp for Malta are probably the most well known.

Widewing · « **Reply #11 on:** May 09, 2007, 06:11:13 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Guppy35
They were 318th Fighter Group P47s launched from three different escort carriers to their new base on Saipan.

P40s of the 33rd and 57th FGs had been launched off carriers during Operation Torch in North Africa to get to their bases on land.

Obviously the Spitfire Vb and Vcs launched off HMS Eagle and USS Wasp for Malta are probably the most well known.

My regards,

Widewing

Brooke · « **Reply #12 on:** May 10, 2007, 02:14:52 AM »

The official reason that the P-47 was never used as a carrier plane is that it was found that single carriers were not heavy enough to stop a landing P-47. Tests were performed with two fleet carriers chained together, which provided sufficient stopping weight for the P-47, but this arrangement proved unweildy in practice.

StuB · « **Reply #13 on:** May 10, 2007, 12:03:31 PM »

Thanks, Widewing.

I notice in the top pic that there seems to be a "hold-back" device attached to the tail wheel assembly as well. I guess all they needed was a hook to be completely navalized?

I like the paint job on the drop tank too ......

Quote

Originally posted by Widewing

My regards,

Widewing

Nilsen · « **Reply #14 on:** May 11, 2007, 11:26:48 AM »

Ive even seen jets launched of carriers.

P51ssucks:aok