From the reference I cited earlier, the "distinctive markings" (aka "invasion stripes") visible on the fuselage were mandated by SHAEF on 4 June 1944. Removal of the upper fuselage stripes officially started 6 July 1944. So in the video, I think we're seeing Typhoons from the D-Day period.
Which fits the theory that drop tanks + rockets were useful for cross-channel operations.
Not to disagree with my learned colleague, but I can find multiple references that the RAF loaded Typhoon 1B's with both bombs and rockets. Actually the loadout could be changed by field mechanics between rocket and bomb rails & racks but this was eventually stopped and individual wings were designated "RP" or "Bomber" wings. I haven't researched the RCAF Typhoon operations at all.
Regarding 3 bladed vs 4 bladed props, it appears the conversion to the 4-bladed prop was a running change which started around April 1944, so the Typhoons in the video are still consistent with D-Day era planes that hadn't had the running change installed. Interestingly, the only significant performance change with the 3 to 4 blade conversion was a decrease in takeoff distance by 150 - 200 feet. - 10 April 1944 memo by Air Vice Marshall J.D. Breakey, Air Ministry.
Operationally, I cannot find a direct reference to the number of RP's (RAF-speak for rockets) fired from drop-tank equipped 1B's. However there is a small mention in the above reference (with photos) to double-stack rockets on Typhoon 1B's. Eventually, a total load of 12 RP's was fitted, with the two inner rails per wing mounting 2 rockets each and 1 on each of the 2 outer rails. Each pair of RP's on the inner 2 rails could only be fired as one item but the others could be fired individually.
Regarding operational use, the same reference as in my earlier post states that from this double-rocket fitment, only 590 RP's were fired from Mk.1A rails and a further 381 were fired from Mk.III rails by the 2nd TAF. Of the 210,028 RP's fired by the 2nd TAF that's definitely not a large fraction. I mention this double-rocket information only because if the ponderous double-rocket configuration was actually used operationally (albeit in relatively small numbers) it seems logical that the more-practical loadoout of RP's/DT's was also employed operationally.
I did find a B&W photo of a Typhoon 1B fitted with drop tanks and rockets but since we have video showing same it seems superfluous.
Soooooooo HTC, how about it? Could we see a RP/DT loadout option for the Typhoon?
