Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: smoe on September 23, 2011, 08:20:42 PM
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Were high-g suits really used in WWII?
I’ve watched a few history channel documentaries and remember at least 1 or 2 WWII US pilot’s mentioning how they had a slight advantage over the German airmen. This has stuck with me for awhile. If true, does the game simulator account for an extra g for blackouts?
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Some were used, no the planes in the game don't have them. Nor do the German planes with higher leg positions get their benefit modeled.
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(http://www.silvervingar.se/Mustang-pilots_anti_G-3a-pantsUK_1944.jpg) Pony pilots... :salute
"The early G suits used late in the war worked just fine. Franks MK III suit was very similar to what is in use today with the exception of nomex materials and the quick disconnect fittings where the suit plugs in. The Earlier MK II suit used water and was not as effective or favored by pilots. I know at least 2 WW2 P-51 vets who specifically spoke about G suits and they stated they were a major advantage in the dogfight - Col. Mike Alba, USAF (Ret) and Lt. Joe Melechi USAF (Ret)." :aok
The G suits of the 70's like in the F-4 Phantoms were very similar in appearance. :airplane:
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Were high-g suits really used in WWII?
I’ve watched a few history channel documentaries and remember at least 1 or 2 WWII US pilot’s mentioning how they had a slight advantage over the German airmen. This has stuck with me for awhile. If true, does the game simulator account for an extra g for blackouts?
The british and canadians were given Frank MK 1 G-suits.
In 1944, selected American pilots were given the Frank mk 2 experimental suits. They were very uncomfortable, which lead to water being used. they were nicknamed "bladder suits" because of this.
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The british and canadians were given Frank MK 1 G-suits.
In 1944, selected American pilots were given the Frank mk 2 experimental suits. They were very uncomfortable, which lead to water being used. they were nicknamed "bladder suits" because of this.
Frank Mk 1 G-suits were used by RAF Spitfire and Hurricane pilots, Frank Mk II suits were used by US and Canadian pilots but after testing the US pilots switched over to the Berger suit in early fall of 1944.
ack-ack
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Some years ago I read "They gave me a Seafire", an autobiography of British Fleet Air Arm pilot Mike Crossley. In it he descries the first occasion in which G-suits were used in combat. IIRC his flight of Sea Hurricanes were equipped with Frank suits during Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa. During a mission escorting some Fairey Albacore bombers they tangled with some Vichy French D.520s and shot a couple down. He later used the suit over Normandy where his Seafire was employed as a spotter plane to direct naval gunfire. On one occasion he and his wingman were bounced by a load of 190s and he shot one down.
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Vichy airforce actually fought allies? :old: