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General Forums => Aircraft and Vehicles => Topic started by: TonyJoey on May 25, 2014, 07:17:50 PM

Title: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TonyJoey on May 25, 2014, 07:17:50 PM
If you were given the choice to fly in any theatre of war, in any plane, at any point in the war, where/when would it be? Would it be facing Lancasters at night in a Bf-110, with the Flying Tigers in China, or maybe flying Spitfires over Malta? Or maybe you would want to help bring down the Rising Sun from the cockpit of a Dauntless Dive Bomber? It's all up to you to decide. There are numerous factors to take into account, for example I would have a hard time surviving in a tropical environment such as that endured by the members of the Cactus Air Force at Henderson Field. Would you prefer to fly from a base close to the front and see combat everyday, like the Luftwaffe on the Eastern Front, or would you want to have a base relatively far away and isolated from the action, as those pilots of the 8th AF were able to return to after a mission. Or, in the case you were shot down, where would you want to plop down?

My initial choice would be with Mustangs in the 8th AF escorting buffs over Germany. Fighting the Luftwaffe of 1944 with a numerical advantage, and often altitude advantage from the comfort of a Mustang cockpit might be my ideal situation, but 8 hour missions are no joke. If I were shot down and able to bail out, being able to speak French at a conversational level might help me escape back to safety, or it would get me shot if I screwed up.  :uhoh  Je suis americain!!

Option B involves my childhood favorite airplane, the Hellcat. Flying some of the first F6F's from the deck of a carrier in early 1943 and tangling with the unsuspecting Zeroes would be my other choice. I would love the feeling of flying in something that could take a hit and keep on trucking, as well as the idea of flying off a carrier. I've always been partial to Navy fighters in my heart as well. Then again, floating in the water if I were shot down, or falling into the hands of the Japanese would probably make me lean back towards my first choice.

Either way, the guys who did this stuff for real had no choice for the most part where or in what they would partake in the air war of World War II, but if you were given the chance to choose, where would you be? 
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: pembquist on May 25, 2014, 08:02:13 PM
At home.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: JunkyII on May 25, 2014, 09:06:28 PM
109s for the Luftwaffe at any point in the war.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Lab Rat 3947 on May 25, 2014, 09:13:42 PM
SWPA with 5th USAAF/8th FG/80thFS "Headhunters" flying P38s    :old:

LtngRydr
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Karnak on May 25, 2014, 09:23:07 PM
Does it have to be combat?  If so a Mosquito bomber seems to offer the best shot at making it through it.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: mthrockmor on May 25, 2014, 09:44:49 PM
190s from 1942 to mid-1944. From the hit and run raids over England and then intercepting bomber streams with escorts into Europe. Somewhere in there the numerical advantage changed the nature of the fight.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TonyJoey on May 25, 2014, 09:54:19 PM
Does it have to be combat?  If so a Mosquito bomber seems to offer the best shot at making it through it.

For the sake of discussion, yes. I would have loved to pilot a Mossie as well. I should have mentioned that for sure, as they are wonderful airplanes and definitely in my top 5 favorite planes of all time. I would have probably preferred the nightfighter version, as something about fighting at night appeals to me. I like B-26s as well, but to be honest am not really sure how they fared in the war, at least compared to other bombers.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: GhostCDB on May 25, 2014, 10:47:08 PM
I would fly UAV's from my room.

 :noid
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Brooke on May 25, 2014, 10:55:07 PM
When I was young (pre teens -- a *long* time ago), I dreamed of flying P-51's over Europe.  Back then, the P-51 was by far my favorite plane, too.

Now, I've read a lot, and just like my feeling that nearly every plane has something about it that I like, a lot of different situations come to mind.

P-51's over Europe seems still appealing and also might be the safest fighter duty with the best basing.

Bf 109's or FW 190's vs. the Soviets would have the most opportunity.

USN flying off the Enterprise, Intrepid, Lexington, Yorktown, or Hornet from the earlier days forward would put you into some amazing parts of history, although if history were to be the same, I wouldn't pick the ones that got sunk.

Cactus Air Force would have lots of action but some of the most-grim conditions, so I wouldn't pick that.  Likewise aspects of North Africa or Malta.

Battle of Britain was too deadly for me to pick that.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Guppy35 on May 25, 2014, 11:08:36 PM
Since 2nd grade, ETO Mustangs 44-45 was my time travel dream.  Spit XIIs in 1943 second.

(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/guppy35/DGS%20Scenario%20bits/n2-o4.jpg)
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: LCADolby on May 25, 2014, 11:12:23 PM
109E and F in Finland.
(http://1939-1945-une-guerre-totale.wifeo.com/images/1/1bf/1-Bf-109E7-Stab-III.JG5-Gunther-Scholz-Petsamo-Finland-1942-01.jpg)
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii25/rhiese/9S-23_zpse9d15e4b.jpg)
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Someguy63 on May 25, 2014, 11:23:40 PM
In a 109G6 in 1943 over Western Europe.  :banana:

Attacking B17 formations would be an interesting job.

I don't get my K4, but the Luftwaffe was seriously diminished and beaten by the time she came out. :frown:

 :salute
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: -ammo- on May 26, 2014, 12:23:13 AM
P-47Ds with the 56 FG.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: RotBaron on May 26, 2014, 12:36:01 AM
Born to another mother in another time?

Easy: JG26
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TonyJoey on May 26, 2014, 12:36:41 AM
Glad to see you back Guppy, seems like its been awhile.  :salute

In a 109G6 in 1943 over Western Europe.  :banana:

Attacking B17 formations would be an interesting job.

I don't get my K4, but the Luftwaffe was seriously diminished and beaten by the time she came out. :frown:

 :salute

I have enough trouble building up the cartoon courage to attack a buff formation in game.  :rofl I couldn't imagine doing it for real, especially in the numbers that they were sending over. I would much prefer to shoot something that once 6'd, couldn't shoot back.

I feel like I would've been a good nightfighter as I prefer to fight planes 1 at a time rather than all together at once. German night fighters were a bit more piecemeal than when attacking at day. Fighting at night might be a bit more leisurely, if you will, and I would love flying such a wonderful machine as the Mosquito, and wreaking havoc on some unsuspecting 110s and 410s.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: XxDaSTaRxx on May 26, 2014, 01:06:27 AM
B-17 at any point of the war.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Someguy63 on May 26, 2014, 01:19:42 AM
Glad to see you back Guppy, seems like its been awhile.  :salute

I have enough trouble building up the cartoon courage to attack a buff formation in game.  :rofl I couldn't imagine doing it for real, especially in the numbers that they were sending over. I would much prefer to shoot something that once 6'd, couldn't shoot back.

I feel like I would've been a good nightfighter as I prefer to fight planes 1 at a time rather than all together at once. German night fighters were a bit more piecemeal than when attacking at day. Fighting at night might be a bit more leisurely, if you will, and I would love flying such a wonderful machine as the Mosquito, and wreaking havoc on some unsuspecting 110s and 410s.

 :lol
It doesn't matter to me, the B17's in real life aren't like the Death Stars of AH, just come in big numbers and the gunners would just wet themselves and curl up in a ball sucking their thumbs. :D

Besides, being able to see the massive number of bombers is something that I'd like to see, that and the thrill of the action gets me. Especially after reading extracts from Heinz Knoke's diary. Even some tussling with US fighters (which are my favorite to fight in-game.) would provide much adrenaline. :old:

And IMO I much prefer daylight fighting. :)

US horde come at meh! :banana:
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Someguy63 on May 26, 2014, 01:21:25 AM
B-17 at any point of the war.

Black Thursday?  :D
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Brooke on May 26, 2014, 01:31:02 AM
In 1943, the US 8th AF was averaging a loss rate per mission of 8%.

Your odds of making it back in 1943 was thus (0.92)^M, where M is number of missions.  5 missions, probability is 65%.  10 missions, 43%.  15 missions, 29%.  And so on.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: USCH on May 26, 2014, 08:25:54 AM
109's right next to Erich on the eastern front.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: darkzking on May 26, 2014, 08:35:25 AM
bailing out over the pacific as i watch my glorious a6m3 spiral to its death after shooting down 7corsairs before the horde finished me  :bolt:
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Rich46yo on May 26, 2014, 08:40:18 AM
Hellcats or P-38s in the Pacific.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TonyJoey on May 26, 2014, 10:08:15 AM
Hellcats or P-38s in the Pacific.

You wouldn't want to have tangled with the Luftwaffe's best in your sleek new Yak-3? Clear the skies of the Motherland for the Sturmoviks? Or maybe fight off the invading Wermacht in a fast Tu-2?  I know you're a big fan of Red Army Aviation and would probably be most likely of anyone to have wanted to experience that situation.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Oldman731 on May 26, 2014, 10:09:48 AM
P-47Ds with the 56 FG.


Me, too.

- oldman
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Rafe35 on May 26, 2014, 01:58:24 PM
F4U-1A - VF-17 Jolly Rogers in PTO
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TheCrazyOrange on May 26, 2014, 02:04:51 PM
109 pilot on the Eastern Front.

2nd would be a P-51 driver in the ETO.

Both relatively safe assignments still flying fighters. And the first one is target rich without any real threat if you get in early enough.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Mister Fork on May 26, 2014, 03:44:50 PM
Tiffie pilot for the RCAF in 439 Combat Support Squadron out of Wellingore, England.  Would of loved to have laid to waste Nazi armour, trains, and anything flying low and slow.  I love to move mud and with the Hizzzzokas - I would of been ruthless.  Tiffie is very much an under-appreciated bird from WWII and when we run it in English channel setups, it's a beast to deal with if you're flying Luftwaffe.

Next would be a member of the Flying Circus in China.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: morfiend on May 26, 2014, 03:51:28 PM
  I think it wouldnt matter what side I was on or what theater I was in I'd stay on the ground and play with all the women while you brave men went to combat!

  If I'm going to get all hot and sweaty and be scared to death,I'd prefer it to be in bed with some lovely...... but hey thats just me..... :devil



    :salute
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Lusche on May 26, 2014, 06:48:38 PM
I would not have fit into any cockpit... Flack tower lookout would have probably been my assignment  :old:
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Tinkles on May 26, 2014, 07:28:15 PM
88 gunner, 5in gunner, wirble or m16 gunner.   :D

Hmm...

109e/f  ,  F4F/FM2  , F6F

Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: FLS on May 26, 2014, 08:01:51 PM
I would not have fit into any cockpit... Flack tower lookout would have probably been my assignment  :old:

Recent events suggest otherwise.  :bolt:
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: skorpx1 on May 26, 2014, 08:10:49 PM
Would being part of the 82nd airborne div. and jumping out of C47's count?

If so i'd take that.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: GScholz on May 26, 2014, 08:35:55 PM
I would have flown with the Waafs... Get to fly all the latest types without someone trying to shoot me down. And all my squadmates are hotties...  :aok

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Group_of_Women_Airforce_Service_Pilots_and_B-17_Flying_Fortress.jpg/766px-Group_of_Women_Airforce_Service_Pilots_and_B-17_Flying_Fortress.jpg)
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: SmokinLoon on May 26, 2014, 08:54:56 PM
Oh jeez... that is a difficult question to answer because war is Hell so why would I *want* to be a part of it?   But... I see the allure of "wishing I could have flown...."

I think it would have to be a toss up between flying for the Luftwaffe in a 190A on the Ost Front in multiple roles; flying a Mossi FB Mk IV for the RAF in the MTO/ETO; or flying a a P40E/F in the early stages of the PTO (hunting bombers/attack planes).

Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Aspen on May 26, 2014, 09:58:44 PM
Hmmm tough question.  Axis is ruled out since I'm American, but thats as far as I've gotten.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: LCADolby on May 26, 2014, 10:52:31 PM
Hmmm tough question.  Axis is ruled out since I'm American, but thats as far as I've gotten.

This isn't a dream situation?! Damn... I'd be in England, dead in a Tiger Moth training accident.. in that case.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Brooke on May 27, 2014, 12:20:33 AM
This isn't a dream situation?! Damn... I'd be in England, dead in a Tiger Moth training accident.. in that case.

Nah, you'd be Moggy.  ;)
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: LCADolby on May 27, 2014, 12:32:25 AM
Nah, you'd be Moggy.  ;)

A rat catcher...  :lol
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Brooke on May 27, 2014, 12:45:51 AM
A rat catcher...  :lol

I was thinking more along the lines of Moggy Cattermole in Piece of Cake.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: asterix on May 27, 2014, 10:57:28 AM
I would have flown the only prototype PN-3 ever built (the best my country had to offer at the start of the WW2) to combat the aggressor from the east. Probably I would have been shot down, but in case of a successful bail, I would have escaped into Finland to fly a Bf-109 in the FAF (or FiAF).
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Delirium on May 27, 2014, 11:20:44 AM
As a patient I had once told me, "I flew PT-9s, P40s, and P38s state-side as I did most of the training new pilots received for the war in both in Europe and the Pacific. No air combat for me but I had dates every night I had a pass."

I think most of us would rather sit it out than risk certain death. Not only human nature, but it is also common sense.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Stampf on May 27, 2014, 11:23:48 AM
If I had too...

...The Courland Pocket, April/May of '45. 190F.

Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: SmokinLoon on May 27, 2014, 11:32:26 AM
As a patient I had once told me, "I flew PT-9s, P40s, and P38s state-side as I did most of the training new pilots received for the war in both in Europe and the Pacific. No air combat for me but I had dates every night I had a pass."

I think most of us would rather sit it out than risk certain death. Not only human nature, but it is also common sense.

My wife's grandfather was a flight instructor for the US Navy in WWII. He told me "he flew them all" but did most of his teaching in F4F's and F6F's.  He said the same thing, "it was a dream job". He got to "fly, have fun, and head off base as he wished.  Never got shot at, either."


 
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Someguy63 on May 27, 2014, 11:35:00 AM
If I had too...

...The Courland Pocket, April/May of '45. 190F.



Are you mad, man?! :eek:

 :lol
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Stampf on May 27, 2014, 12:58:10 PM
Are you mad, man?! :eek:

 :lol

...only when I think about it.  ;)

Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Someguy63 on May 27, 2014, 01:03:51 PM
...only when I think about it.  ;)




 :lol
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TheCrazyOrange on May 27, 2014, 01:54:07 PM
If I had too...

...The Courland Pocket, April/May of '45. 190F.



Someone's got balls.

I'm just waiting for someone to say a kamikaze pilot.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Stampf on May 27, 2014, 02:10:39 PM

Quote
Someone's got balls.

No. 

The men there and then did though. 

As a man who has never served or seen...like many, I would just hope I had the same courage as they did, in the face of such futility.  With the war lost, a good answer to the Original Post seemed to be one, where some good could possibly be pulled from the whole god awful mess.

 
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Ack-Ack on May 27, 2014, 02:25:58 PM
First flying with a P-38 squadron in the MTO and then moving over to the PTO when some of the MTO Lightning squadrons got transferred to that theater.

ack-ack
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Zoney on May 27, 2014, 03:08:27 PM
I would have started in an A5, moved into a Dora, then at the last of the war I would have been at high altitude, hunting in my TA152, knowing the war would not be won by Germany, just trying to win a fight or two before it was all over.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Ardy123 on May 27, 2014, 03:44:43 PM
because I like being alive... I'd have to go with flying p51s escorting bombers in the later years of ww2 over Europe... Still get to fly a fighter plane, not as risky as many of the other options.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: -ammo- on May 27, 2014, 03:48:23 PM
Tell that to the members of the 56, 78, and 4th FGs that were introduced to the LW in the Spring of 43. 

I love reading about the exploits of pilots of P-51 units in '44 and comparing them with those of those 8th AF fighter groups that learned the hard way in '43.  What a difference a few months made
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Ardy123 on May 27, 2014, 04:05:14 PM
Tell that to the members of the 56, 78, and 4th FGs that were introduced to the LW in the Spring of 43. 

I love reading about the exploits of pilots of P-51 units in '44 and comparing them with those of those 8th AF fighter groups that learned the hard way in '43.  What a difference a few months made

If you have some (internet links to those stories).. post it... I'd love to read them
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Charge on May 27, 2014, 04:17:42 PM
What would have been interesting: Flying a night fighter in ETO, either a Mossie or 110 or He219, however the chance of survival was not good in this job...
What would have been patriotic: Flying a Finnish fighter on eastern front.

But damn I'm glad that didn't have to be there.

-C+

Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: morfiend on May 27, 2014, 04:18:25 PM
If I had too...

...The Courland Pocket, April/May of '45. 190F.




   :rofl    :aok


   Why did I know that would be your answer!    


   If and it's a big IF I was forced to fly,my dream office would be in the Mossie,nightfight lowlevel intruder,wouldnt matter to me!

  Second choice would be eastern front at the beginning of hostilities,flying a 190 and being despised!



    :salute
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: -ammo- on May 27, 2014, 04:41:02 PM
If you have some (internet links to those stories).. post it... I'd love to read them

I am sure there are some on the internet (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF3YR-1ucIU), but I would rather refer you to a short reading list:

Thunderbolt; Robert S. Johnson
Wolfpack Warriors; Roger Freeman
Zemke's Wolfpack; Hubert Zemke
Honest John: The Autobiography Of Walker M. Mahurin, Walker Mahurin
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TonyJoey on May 27, 2014, 11:10:14 PM
I am sure there are some on the internet (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF3YR-1ucIU), but I would rather refer you to a short reading list:

Thunderbolt; Robert S. Johnson
Wolfpack Warriors; Roger Freeman
Zemke's Wolfpack; Hubert Zemke
Honest John: The Autobiography Of Walker M. Mahurin, Walker Mahurin


Thunderbolt was the first World War 2 autobiography I ever read, and it remains one of my favorites. My next venture I think will be to read from the Axis perspective, as all I have read up till now have been from the Allies. JG26 at Abbeville in 1942 and early '43 I think would have been some nice times (comparatively speaking) living in the heart of France, flying a sleek new Focke Wulf 190, and fighting over the Channel and friendly territory for the most part.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: BaldEagl on May 27, 2014, 11:56:50 PM
Most likely I'd have been a draft dodger moving to Canada to avoid the draft.

Not really.  I'd have sucked it up and gone but wouldn't have been happy to.

In my dreams I'd have been an RAF fighter ace in the Battle of Britan flying my Spitfire Mk I to glory or an F4F ace in the Battle of Midway or a P-51 pilot escorting bombers over Germany.

In reality I'd probably be dead for real attempting either of the first two.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Karnak on May 28, 2014, 12:15:26 AM
Most likely I'd have been a draft dodger moving to Canada to avoid the draft.
I don't suspect that moving to Canada would have facilitated that at that time.  Not unless you went out and lived in the wilderness with none to know.

You see, Canada was rather in it as well.  In fact some Americans snuck across the border to join up with the RCAF before the USA was in it.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Xavier on May 28, 2014, 02:48:38 AM
Mossie pilot. I guess that'd give me the biggest chance to make it out alive.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: mbailey on May 28, 2014, 05:54:09 AM
Late war 6th NFS based on Guadalcanal in P61s

Early war, P39s over New Guinea
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: kano on May 28, 2014, 12:24:00 PM
For me it would be a 109 pilot in jg52 on the eastern front. Preferably the earlier stages against rata's, sturmoviks, mig3s and lagg3s in my trusty 109f.

EatG
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: XxDaSTaRxx on May 28, 2014, 08:49:45 PM
Black Thursday?  :D
somebody's got to do the dirty work

or die trying
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TonyJoey on May 29, 2014, 03:47:48 PM
Late war 6th NFS based on Guadalcanal in P61s

Early war, P39s over New Guinea

How much combat were P-61s in before war's end?
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TheCrazyOrange on May 29, 2014, 03:50:09 PM
How much combat were P-61s in before war's end?

Relatively little.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: xPoisonx on May 31, 2014, 12:49:00 AM
In a Ta152 at 41,000 above Germany...
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: glzsqd on May 31, 2014, 04:29:50 AM
early 163 test pilots ;)
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TonyJoey on May 31, 2014, 12:05:44 PM
early 163 test pilots ;)

 :rofl Good luck with that one.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Blinder on May 31, 2014, 12:27:11 PM
Stateside at the Grumman plant test piloting new Hellcats by day and mingling with all the lonely ladies by night.  :aok
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Big Rat on May 31, 2014, 12:42:36 PM
I'd of liked to been one of the guys who got to fly all the captured stuff for the allies :aok  Those guys probably got to see and experience more aircraft then almost anyone else, as they also had to be familiar with their own aircraft to make comparisons.

 :salute
BigRat
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Someguy63 on May 31, 2014, 02:01:53 PM
early 163 test pilots ;)

You'll have an explosive time. :D
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: GScholz on May 31, 2014, 02:03:51 PM
I'd of liked to been one of the guys who got to fly all the captured stuff for the allies :aok  Those guys probably got to see and experience more aircraft then almost anyone else, as they also had to be familiar with their own aircraft to make comparisons.

 :salute
BigRat

You'd want to be "Winkle" Brown then. He's flown more types than anyone else. He even flew the Me 163.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Shifty on May 31, 2014, 02:56:22 PM
Hard question to answer, I'm a fan of all the Air Forces of WWII. Each has it's own distinct honor and flavor. Both sets of my grandparants were born to Dutch and German immigrants so if I had been born 35 years earlier.. I'd still be born in America. So more than likely I would have ended up in a USAAF unit.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Gman on May 31, 2014, 08:33:24 PM
Fighters anywhere would be interesting, but to do something different, maybe some of the ASW type patrol work, dropping skip bombs on to surfaced subs, and air dropped depth charges on to ones that rapidly crashed dived would be a pretty diverting way to spend the war. 
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: LilMak on June 02, 2014, 11:03:53 AM
Three options for me.

1. Flying a Jug in the ETO. I wouldn't be the type to want to avoid the fight. I'd want to hurt the enemy every way I could and there wasn't a single airframe I can think of that did everything as well. It could dogfight, it could escort, and it could deliver massive pain to ground targets. it was also comfortable and robust. Having confidence that the thing could take a beating and bring me home would make me a much more dangerous in every aspect of it's role.

2. Flying a Hellcat in the PTO. For many of the same reasons I'd choose a Jug.

3. A C-47 pilot in just about any theater. The DC-3 made a greater contribution to the war and beyond that any other single aircraft I can think of. Flying the hump, dropping troops, delivering supplies, towing gliders, the Berlin airlift. Like it or not, logistics win wars. You can't fight without ammo, food, fuel, and people. The goon did it all and is STILL doing it as I write this. I can't think of another aircraft which can claim that.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: pembquist on June 02, 2014, 11:37:12 AM
LilMak are you familiar with "A Fighter Pilots Story", its a documentary that came out in 1993 and seems impossible to find but is a must see if you are interested in ETO p-47. It is one man's diary, unburnished.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: PanosGR on June 03, 2014, 02:02:07 PM
You'll have an explosive time. :D
Why you say that. Me 163s and Me 262 are extremely safe in AH and reliable, no overheats or engine failures plus you can eject at any speed and any height.  :noid
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: kilo2 on June 03, 2014, 03:22:54 PM
I think with JG-5 in the north. Or Laggs with the Russians.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TheCrazyOrange on June 03, 2014, 04:06:20 PM
I think with JG-5 in the north. Or Laggs with the Russians.

Couldn't get me to fly anything for the Russians pre 1944 with anything in the world. Could offer me money and the genuine love of any woman in the world. Early loss rates for anything with a red star on it were simply appalling.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Nefarious on June 03, 2014, 09:08:40 PM
JG 3 Pitomnik Defender.

(Yes, I am a Luftwaffle at heart)
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Slate on June 04, 2014, 11:01:42 AM
   C-47 Pilot shuttling nurses from base to base.    :banana:  :O

  or a 109 pilot until my 190-d was ready.  :ahand
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: mbailey on June 05, 2014, 05:33:51 AM
   C-47 Pilot shuttling nurses from base to base.      

Winner  :aok
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: earl1937 on June 05, 2014, 10:21:00 AM
If you were given the choice to fly in any theatre of war, in any plane, at any point in the war, where/when would it be? Would it be facing Lancasters at night in a Bf-110, with the Flying Tigers in China, or maybe flying Spitfires over Malta? Or maybe you would want to help bring down the Rising Sun from the cockpit of a Dauntless Dive Bomber? It's all up to you to decide. There are numerous factors to take into account, for example I would have a hard time surviving in a tropical environment such as that endured by the members of the Cactus Air Force at Henderson Field. Would you prefer to fly from a base close to the front and see combat everyday, like the Luftwaffe on the Eastern Front, or would you want to have a base relatively far away and isolated from the action, as those pilots of the 8th AF were able to return to after a mission. Or, in the case you were shot down, where would you want to plop down?

My initial choice would be with Mustangs in the 8th AF escorting buffs over Germany. Fighting the Luftwaffe of 1944 with a numerical advantage, and often altitude advantage from the comfort of a Mustang cockpit might be my ideal situation, but 8 hour missions are no joke. If I were shot down and able to bail out, being able to speak French at a conversational level might help me escape back to safety, or it would get me shot if I screwed up.  :uhoh  Je suis americain!!

Option B involves my childhood favorite airplane, the Hellcat. Flying some of the first F6F's from the deck of a carrier in early 1943 and tangling with the unsuspecting Zeroes would be my other choice. I would love the feeling of flying in something that could take a hit and keep on trucking, as well as the idea of flying off a carrier. I've always been partial to Navy fighters in my heart as well. Then again, floating in the water if I were shot down, or falling into the hands of the Japanese would probably make me lean back towards my first choice.

Either way, the guys who did this stuff for real had no choice for the most part where or in what they would partake in the air war of World War II, but if you were given the chance to choose, where would you be? 
:airplane: While there are many interesting theaters of war during 42 to 44, to me, one the most interesting would be a pre-dawn launch in a F4F, from the 38th Task force, going looking for the Japanese task force coming down the famous slot in the Philippine sea! Nothing much to help you locate them except your wing mates, I would guess 3 others on the heading you were given. Other fighters would be on different headings to locate the Japs! Wonder what would be going through your 22 year old mind, how many fighters would I encounter, how many ships would you see? The only thing helping you are your two eyes and the fact that the sun would be behind you, if you encountered some Zero's. If you encountered some, how far have I flown, how much ACM time do I have on station and will I be able to return to "home Plate"? I really think I was born to late to serve in the greatest war ever fought!
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Brooke on June 05, 2014, 01:46:01 PM
I really think I was born to late to serve in the greatest war ever fought!

I'd bet a lot of AH'ers have had that thought at some point.

You got to fly B-29's, though!  :aok
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TheCrazyOrange on June 05, 2014, 04:32:46 PM
I'd bet a lot of AH'ers have had that thought at some point.

You got to fly B-29's, though!  :aok

I'm waiting for WWIII.
Title: Two era's
Post by: Bomberdriver on June 05, 2014, 05:03:36 PM
First August 1940, RAF, Hurricane, one of 'The Few'

2nd like my father, August 1943, USAAF, B-17F the early raids till Black Thursday.  His flight logs of this era are real interesting reading.  Learning how to do it, and from what we talked about all those years ago, not like the movies.  He would watch the opening of 12 o'clock High, as Maj. Stoval bicycled up to the abandoned airfield, Dad would have tears in his eyes, and as the scene shifts to the sounds of engines and the returning bombers, he would turn it off and walk outside.

24 missions as pilot, ditched in channel #24, hurt back bad, returned to states where he worked on the B-29 pilot training/instructor.  Only one faded picture of his plane "Laid Back" in the album, rest just pictures of friends and friends lost.  I can not imagine doing this for real, and I have paid for a 45min ride in a B-17G, and just tried to imagine.
Title: Re: Two era's
Post by: earl1937 on June 05, 2014, 05:11:58 PM
First August 1940, RAF, Hurricane, one of 'The Few'

2nd like my father, August 1943, USAAF, B-17F the early raids till Black Thursday.  His flight logs of this era are real interesting reading.  Learning how to do it, and from what we talked about all those years ago, not like the movies.  He would watch the opening of 12 o'clock High, as Maj. Stoval bicycled up to the abandoned airfield, Dad would have tears in his eyes, and as the scene shifts to the sounds of engines and the returning bombers, he would turn it off and walk outside.

24 missions as pilot, ditched in channel #24, hurt back bad, returned to states where he worked on the B-29 pilot training/instructor.  Only one faded picture of his plane "Laid Back" in the album, rest just pictures of friends and friends lost.  I can not imagine doing this for real, and I have paid for a 45min ride in a B-17G, and just tried to imagine.
:salute <S> to Dad!
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Brooke on June 05, 2014, 07:16:55 PM
I'm waiting for WWIII.

No humans will fly anything in that.  It will be Skynet and the terminators.  ;)
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TheCrazyOrange on June 05, 2014, 11:25:41 PM
No humans will fly anything in that.  It will be Skynet and the terminators.  ;)

Don't be so sure; countries like NK are getting nukes. If it happens in the next 50-60 years, we'll still see manned aircraft.
Title: Re: Two era's
Post by: Oldman731 on June 06, 2014, 07:27:51 AM
2nd like my father, August 1943, USAAF, B-17F the early raids till Black Thursday. 


What group?

- oldman
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Cremator on June 06, 2014, 10:43:54 AM
Ju-87 or f6f
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: -ammo- on June 06, 2014, 10:48:33 AM
No humans will fly anything in that.  It will be Skynet and the terminators.  ;)

I am gonna apply for a job with Skynet when they come online.  I bet the pay and benefits will rock
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Blinder on June 08, 2014, 02:20:49 PM
I am gonna apply for a job with Skynet when they come online.  I bet the pay and benefits will rock

Yeah. Right up to the point where a terminator slaughters you with a 40 watt plasma rifle. Or perhaps it's bare metal hands.  :aok
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: FLOOB on June 08, 2014, 02:35:09 PM
I would've flown to canada. America should've never gotten involved in that war.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: LCADolby on June 08, 2014, 02:43:17 PM
I would've flown to canada. America should've never gotten involved in that war.

Remember Pearl Harbour  :old:
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: FLOOB on June 08, 2014, 03:04:34 PM
That was between Hawaii and Japan.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Karnak on June 08, 2014, 03:54:21 PM
I would've flown to canada. America should've never gotten involved in that war.
And what do you think the Canadians would have thought of you?  They were, after all, rather conspicuously part of it.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: FLOOB on June 08, 2014, 05:11:01 PM
And what do you think the Canadians would have thought of you?  They were, after all, rather conspicuously part of it.
Wtf?? Nobody cares what canadians think.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: TheCrazyOrange on June 09, 2014, 11:57:22 AM
Can't tell if Floob is trolling, or just very dumb and slightly racist.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Muzzy on June 09, 2014, 11:59:29 AM
It's true, nobody cares what we think...until we put a slug in the back of their head at 2 000 meters. Canadians have been known to do that...
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: XxDaSTaRxx on June 09, 2014, 06:15:04 PM
It's true, nobody cares what we think...until we put a slug in the back of their head at 2 000 meters. Canadians have been known to do that...
Drink some beer have some ham as an excuse for bacon and chill man  ;)
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Bruv119 on June 09, 2014, 06:22:22 PM
Probably Malta,  

on the odd occasion that Gerry wasn't blowing the place up, a beautiful island and people.  

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/Bruv119/warrooms/P1000834.jpg)

Some R+R

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/Bruv119/527662_10151012673471154_1043441086_n_zps4b485d26.jpg)

Adrian Warburton's book is a great read, he left from an airfield down the road from me and much like in AH where one pilot can make the difference between winning and losing he was testament to that with his PR work.  

Gutting that after everything he went through he upped a P38 sortie over Germany towards the end of the war and it ended up a smoking hole in the ground.  Silly P38's!    :old:
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Muzzy on June 09, 2014, 06:33:29 PM
Ideally, Air Group Ten, post-refit Enterprise, then transfer to Night Air Group Ninety, still off of Enterprise.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: FLOOB on June 09, 2014, 06:54:17 PM
Canada = the rest of Minnesota.

I've been to Canada, saying Canada isn't America is like saying Guatemala isn't Mexico.
Title: Re: Where would you have flown?
Post by: Slash27 on June 17, 2014, 01:06:08 AM
How much combat were P-61s in before war's end?
Over 700 were produced and were in service in the ETO,PTO,MTO,and CBI starting in 1944. They got little to no action in the MTO but were used in the ground attack role in the other theaters along with their solely designed purpose of a nightfighter. They straffed the Germans at Bastonge and even knocked down several V1s. I don't know what "relatively little" means, maybe compared to other fighter types I guess, but they saw their share of action for filling a smaller role.

For fantansy what if purposes, put me in one somewhere in the Pacific Theater.


(http://www.strangeoldepictures.com/images/content/131671.jpg)