PBM-5 Marlin!

[Stahler72]

In my opinion the PBM-5 Marlin Sea Plane would be a perfect addition to the game.  It would add a plane that would be available from the Ports.  It could be used as both a bomber and a transport.   The PBM-5 carried quite a few torpedos and/or bombs.  It's relatively slow but has quite a few .50 cals for protection.

My grandfather flew one in WWII doing mostly search and rescue along with a lot of convoy busting.

My grandfather was telling me about how they used two rockets packs for assisted takeoff.  They used to go along the swells full speed hit one rocket pack to get it up to about 95-100mph then hit another rocket pack that was at an angle that pointed down that would propell the plane into the air.  He said it was similar to being hit in the legs with a baseball bat with the second one.

I think that adding a couple sea planes would add another dimmension to the game.

One other interesting aspect to adding the PBM-5 would possibly be the fact that the PBM-5 was the first plane with radar.  It might add some aspect of radar accuracy like the radar at air fields but on a much more restricted basis.  (I know that THAT would be a pain to program, but it would be REALLY cool.)

[Stahler72]

More Information:  http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/NARG/mariner.html  

[troxel]

Not a bad idea.  While we are on the topic of seaplanes, how about the Kawasaki Rufe?  That way you could give ports the capability of launching at least one type of fighter.  Providing ports with a means of launching these somewhat limited air resources would definitely increase their overall strategic importance and make the game that much more interesting.

[Mathman]

I am all for it.  A valid reason for adding seaplanes by Trox could be furtheres by giving some kind of reward for those that would launch these to search out enemy fleets.  I would even fly it to hunt down fleets.  The patrol guys in WW2 have all my resect, flying planes that were meat on the table in the face of even light fighter opposition and risking their lives to save pilots.  Maybe we could eventually get something like rescuing pilots (for the patrol planes and the subs that are going to be eventually added) to give even more incentive for adding a flying boat.

Hell, this shot makes me want to fly one:
 

Heheheh, rockets on any plane make it cool enough for me (plus knowing that someone here in AH land has a personal connection to a specific plane makes it even more fascinating).

I say we bring it in!

-math

[brady]

It is a cool plane no doubt, but owing to the considerable effort these big planes take for HTC to produce, and the vulnerabality of the PBM in the MA compared to some other types that could be moddeled in it's stead I would have to say that either of the two listed bellow would be be a better choice, for the first "Bomber" sea plane.

PB2Y Coronado
Bomb's 8,000 internal and 4,000 external!
torpedo capable.
Eight 50cal MG's
223MPH

H8K "Emily"
4,410lb's of Bomb's
torpedo capable
five 20mm and three 7.7mm mg's
282MPH


 

[ 11-16-2001: Message edited by: brady ]

[K West]

I would like one simply for the ability to have them available for scouting in a PAC scenarios. Atlantic too.

 Make them have the ability to drop goons, supplies and realistic ordinance and they's be a blast (imo) to use.

 Westy

[Stahler72]

The avionics that they had was a 'look ahead'  system.  It had a forward looking radar that was cone shaped.  So the ''illumination' of the planes would be relatively limited.  (Basically, it's not an AWACS)  

Port Facilities would have to be redesigned to have a Bomber Hanger and a Fighter Hanger that is near the peers  if not at the base of them.

-------------
More stories from my grandfather:  In the missions where he was flying anywhwere near the enemy, he said that he rarely flew over 100' off the deck for fear of an enemy fighter.  Since the plane is a flying boat, there are no belly guns and would have been ripped to shreds by an attack from that angle.

When convoy busting, they would pop up to about a 1000' drop ord and head back down to the deck.  But the convoy busting that they did was mostly done with the radio; calling in their position.

My grandfather didn't talk a lot about the SAR missions he flew.  I guess some things are too grizly to talk about.  I guess shark attacks were frequent problems for anyone wounded in the water.    

[Stahler72]

Brady, The PBY2 Coronado is a heavier plane, but did NOT have Radar (and My grandfather didn't fly them.)

My Grandfather flew PBY' Catalina's in Pensicola, FL for advanced flight training.  The PBY Catalina is far to small to be any kind of useful plane in the arena.  Incidentilly, Ted Williams was one of my grandfather's flight instructors too.  He said he was one of the nicest guys he ever met and would talk with anyone about anything, well, as long as it wasn't Baseball.  

[Stahler72]

Make them have the ability to drop goons, supplies and realistic ordinance and they's be a blast (imo) to use.

 Westy[/QB]

Westy, that is what I was getting at.  It was a Transport/Bomber.  Goonie/resupply bomber.  Now THAT would be cool.  

My grandfather's plane was actually considered part of a Destroyer (compliment to a Destroyer) that doubled as a tender when at sea.  The plane should be available from CV Battle Groups too.    

[ 11-16-2001: Message edited by: Stahler72 ]

[brady]

Coronado's, did have radar and were used as transports and cargo planes.

[Hobodog]

HEY IS THAT A CONNING TOWER ON TOP!!!!
Sweet an Airsubmarin, Pyro you must add it.
However it must be perked. Cuz when you attack it will just nosedive into the nearest water then pop up somewhere else.

[Conway]

I'm all for this one too!
Sounds like a great idea to have some usreful planes at the ports. Also, any sort of goon plane with ammo will please me greatly