Author Topic: Apophenia's Offerings  (Read 906138 times)

Offline Old Wombat

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2250 on: July 16, 2019, 10:17:00 PM »
Really like the look of the Ju 188! :smiley:
"This is the Captain. We have a little problem with our engine sequence, so we may experience some slight turbulence and, ah, explode."

Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2251 on: July 19, 2019, 05:08:27 AM »
Junkers Ju 188C series - Co-winner of Luftwaffe's Bomber C Programm

Several Ju 188 prototypes were fitted with manual armaments to prove the proposed Ju 188B concept. None of these prototypes met with approval of the RLM or Erprobungsstelle Rechlin - the Luftwaffe's test centre. On Ju 188V9, two types of nose positions were tested - one based on the swivel mount from the Ju 86, the other on the in-production mount for the He 111 bomber. Neither option proved very useful within the tight confines of the very narrow Ju 188 fuselage. Several manual mounts were also tested in the C-Stand belly position. The Ju 188V9 trialled a single 2.0 cm MG FF cannon mount while the Ju 188V10 trialled both a 7.92 mm MG 81Z mount and paired 13 mm MG 131s. Neither approached proved completely acceptable.

Of the defensive weapon system trialled, the most promising was a hydraulically-operated rotating turret armed with an MG 131 machine gun. This Drehlafette DL 131 turret was made available for trials in late 1941 with production due to commence in early 1942. This was adopted as the solution for the B-Stand mid-upper position. For the A-Stand nose position, it was concluded that a flexible mount was impractical and probably tactically unnecessary - nose defence would consist of two fixed MG 81s. For the belly it was decided to return to the Me 210's remotely-controlled FDSL 131/1B turrets, albeit mounted lower on the fuselage and with the aiming 'tube' mounted in the  C-Stand position.

Change of Power - Junkers Ju 188C series' Jumo 321 M-18 Engines

While the Ju 188A had been powered by the same Junkers Jumo 211 V-12s as the Ju 88, it had always been planned to install more powerful engines in the Bomber C candidate airframe. Alas, the multi-block Jumo 222 engine was running late. More promising was the resurrected Jumo 231 expected to deliver a more modest 1,700 hp (for take-off). The Jumo 231 was a triple-banked 'M-18' engine - effectively comprised of three Jumo 211D cylinder banks. Having been test-flown in the nose of a Ju 52/3m, a second set of airworthy Jumo 231As were installed in a converted Ju 188A prototype - the Ju 188V7. To handle the extra weight of these larger engines, the Ju 188V7 was also fitted with the sturdier main undercarriage of the Ju 288. This installation was entirely successful other than its four-bladed propellers.

For the pre-production Ju 188C-0, three-bladed VDM 'paddle' props were fitted with improved performance at altitude - as did extended wing tips. To speed production start-up, the Ju 188C-1 abandoned the longer-span wing tips in favour of standard, Ju 188A-0-style wings. The Ju 188C-1 also differed from the 'C-0 in having the FDSL turrets fitted (whereas pre-production aircraft had manual gun mounts armed with MG 81Zs). In service, the triple-banks Jumo 231 engines were found to generally produce a maximum power closer to 1,600 hp. This was seen as a worthwhile increase over the Jumo 211D despite the Jumo 231's much increased dry weight. Finally, the RLM and Rechlin were satisfied with results. The Ju 188C joined the Do 217E as a production type to satisfy the Luftwaffe's Bomber C Programm.
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Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2252 on: July 19, 2019, 06:45:55 AM »
Those are so magnificently rendered I bet you could fool lots of people into thinking they were real.

Is it just me or is that tail begging for a gun position on the end?

Great stuff apophenia and always a treat to see more of your work!

Brian da Basher

Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2253 on: July 19, 2019, 07:15:25 AM »
Cheers Brian. I toyed with a B-25 style gun position but couldn't figure out how to get around that tailwheel  :P
Froglord: "... amphibious doom descends ... approach the alter and swear your allegiance to the swamp."

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2254 on: July 20, 2019, 03:11:29 AM »
Cheers Brian. I toyed with a B-25 style gun position but couldn't figure out how to get around that tailwheel  :P


Perhaps do something extended using the He-177 tail gun position as inspiration:



Either the earlier version:



or the later:




Of course, in keeping with the theme, perhaps the Ju288 tail gun position would be the way to go

« Last Edit: July 20, 2019, 03:13:44 AM by GTX_Admin »
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Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2255 on: July 23, 2019, 08:18:45 AM »
Great images Greg and surprisingly compact tail gun arrangements. However, I've been distracted from Ju 188s ... and its all Brian's fault!
http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=8647.msg157548#new

First, a little background about Liechtenstein's 'air force' ...

_______________________________________

Luftverteidigung für das Fürstentum Liechtenstein - Air Defence for Liechtenstein

Aerial defence of the Principality of Liechtenstein was always the responsibility of the Armee des Fürstentums Liechtenstein - Luftfahrtbranche. As the full name suggests, the AFL-LFB was part of the Principality's army. Properly speaking, the AFL-LFB was a component of the air defence section - the AFL-Luftverteidigung or AFL-LV - which also included 'Flabtruppen' (Flab Trp) anti-aircraft units and a Fliegertelegraphen-Kompanie. [1]

Princely Trainers

The first powered military aircraft in Liechtenstein was a German Dietrich DP VIIa parasol-winged trainer. Although a modest little 2-seater with a 65 hp Siemens-Halske Sh 4 engine, this monoplane proved too 'hot' for the AFL-LFB's original field at the Vaduz sports ground. The DP VIIa was sold to private Swiss interests and replaced by a used Austrian Hopfner HS.8/29 pending a more considered trainer selection. The winner of that contest was a German Udet U 12 Flamingo biplane (beating out the rival Austrian Phoenix Meteor 2c). The new Udet joined the HS.8/29  trainer at a new airfield constructed at Schaan. [2] In the lead-up to WW2, attempts were made to purchase two new Wiener Neustädter-built Lampich NL-XXII biplane trainers. However, these Austrian-built trainers were never delivered. The Anschluss would likely have complicated this purchase but, in the meantime, a deal was made for all AFL-LFB flight training to be done under contract with the Swiss Flugwaffe. [3]

One Wiener Neustädter-built Lampich design did serve ... in a sense. The AFL-LFB had access to Aeroklub der Liechtenstein's Gerle 16 2-seater for use as a glider tug for the military's pair of Aecherli Pfau 7 training gliders. Those 1927 Swiss biplane gliders were scheduled to be replaced by Aecherli Zögling copies but available funding was, instead, redirected towards the purchase of combat aircraft. In the meantime, a second-hand, civilian Hopfner HS.8/29 two-seat trainer was acquired from Austria to replaced the written-off Udet U 12Ö.

Uberwacht - Reconnaissance Aircraft for the Principality

The first AFL-LFB 'combat' type had been an unarmed Hüffer H 9 biplane bought used in 1932. Many sources mis-identify the Hüffer as a 'DLFW D.VIIIa' - an understandable confusion as the H 9 and DLFW D.VIIIa are virtually identical 2-seat derivatives of the wartime Fokker D.VIII fighter. [4] The first real combat type was the Fokker C.V-E reconnaissance biplane. Four of these Doflug-built Fokkers were bought second-hand from the Swiss in 1935. To that point, all AFL-LFB aircraft fell under Luftkommando 1 at Flugplatz Schaan. So too did the new Fokkers but, at this stage, sub-units were formed. The 2-seat C.V-Es were assigned to the newly formed Aufklärungsstaffel 3 (AufklSt 3). [5] The Fokker purchase was part of a package deal which also included Liechtenstein's second combat type - four EKW-built Dewoitnine D.9 biplane fighters.

(To be continued ...)

____________________________________________________

[1] The Flab Trp - or Fliegerabwehrtruppen in full - also acted as Alpine Pioneers since these units had plenty of experience emplacing Flak cannons into mountainsides.

[2] Although not ideal, the valley floor at Schaan made for a better airfield than the Vadux Sportsplatz. Judged surplus to AFL-LFB needs, the Hopfner trainer was quickly sold off to an Austrian civilian owner.

[3] AFL-LFB basic aircraft maintenance training was also undertaken by the Flugwaffe at Thun. The AFL-LFB retained its glider fleet and single Udet Flamingo biplane to vet potential candidates for flight training in Switzerland.

[4] This confusion likely stems from the AFL-LFB having briefly considered the DLFW D.VIII which differed from the Hüffer H 9 (and D.VIIIa) only in the engine type installed.

[5] All non-combat aircraft were assigned to LK1's training unit, Schulstaffel A (SchSt A)
« Last Edit: July 23, 2019, 08:20:22 AM by apophenia »
Froglord: "... amphibious doom descends ... approach the alter and swear your allegiance to the swamp."

Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2256 on: July 23, 2019, 08:19:48 AM »
Dewoitine 'Wansti' - Tubby Teeth for Liechtenstein's AFL-LFB

Bought along with the Fokker C.V-E recce biplanes, the four Dewoitine D.9s were being phased out in Switzerland. However, the D.9s suited Liechtensteinische needs ideally. With gentle handling and relatively short field requirements, the tubby parsol-winged fighters were well-matched to conditions on Liechtenstein's single airfield. The Dewoitnines were given the appropriately warlike name of Degen - meaning both 'warrior' and 'sword'. But, the fighter was more commonly referred to simply as a 'D9' (after their tail markings) or 'Wansti' ('Paunchy' after dickwanst), because of its underslung belly tank). [1]

Top 'Schwartz 4' - a Dewoitine (EKW) D.9 Degen of Jagdstaffel 4, LK2, Flugplatz Schaan, Liechtenstein, August 1935. As these fighters logged few flying hours, 'erks' had plenty of time to maintain those shiny surfaces. Originally the D.9s had coloured fins inherited from the Swiss. These were later over-painted with silver dope.

Within two years of entering AFL-LFB service, the 1930-vintage D.9s were showing their age. One Dewoitine was out of service after a ground-loop. The remaining three had dire serviceability issues. With funding approved by the Landstag, two D.9 upgrade programmes were considered - a limited Degen Erneuerung Tragflächen und Leitwerke (Wings and Tailplane Replacement) or a more complete Degen Nutzungsdauererweiterung Programm (Degen Life Extension Programme). The more extensive DNP prevailed ... but only for the three still-flying fighters. The damaged 'Schwartz 2' would be reduced to spares to support the other three D.9s.

The upgraded Liechtensteinische Dewoitines became hybrids of sorts. Although still recognizable as D.9s, EKW had incorporated some Dewoitine D.26 components into their rebuild. Externally, there was little to distinguish the rebuilt D.9s other than their new wheel-scrapers and variable-pitch metal propellers. As a concession to gathering war-clouds, the restored Dewoitines were painted in the same two-tone camouflage scheme being applied to Swiss fighters - olivgrün on all upper surfaces with grau below. The effect was dull ... but that was the whole point.

The DNP rebuild added years to the remaining Dewoitine airframes but no-one within the AFL-LFB believed that these aged parasols represented any kind of aerial deterrent to overflights of Liechtensteinische airspace by more powerful neighbours. The hunt was on for more potent fighters - of which more later - and more suitable roles for the rebuilt D.9s. An obvious use was a fighter-trainers. One possibility was for the D.9s to be sent to Thun in Switzerland as dedicated trainers. Alternatively, they could be kept at home ... ready to act as emergency fighters when needed. The later concept won out and the Dewoitines joined the U 12Ö Flamingo at Schulstaffel A (SchSt A). But training tiro fighter pilots was not to be the final fate of the 'Wansti'.

By early 1941, it was obvious that the D.9s performed no truly useful role at SchSt A. It was proposed that these armed fighters would do a far better job of the aerial protection of Liechtenstein's railways than the overworked U 12Ö biplane. Henceforth, the two remaining flightworthy Dewoitines - 0381 and 0383 - would take turns flying Eisenbahn-Transportschutz (ETr, or Railroad Protection) missions. [2] They would continue these patrol flights for the rest of their careers - 0381 until she crashed in February 1944, 0383 until May 1943 when the last surviving Liechtensteinische Dewoitine could finally be stood down.

Bottom An updated AFL-LFB Dewoitine 'Wansti', 0384 of JSt4, LK2 in mid-1943. This D.9 is finished in the special 'ETr-tarnung' scheme for flying railway patrols. Despite these ETr missions, the D.9s remained assigned to the training unit Schulstaffel A (SchSt A) at Schaan.

(To be continued ...)
____________________________________________________

[1] Although 'mascot' names were officially discouraged, one Dewoitine (Nr.0382) was briefly dubbed 'Dackel' ('Dachshund') leading to the erroneous conclusion that this was another unofficial name for ALF-LFB D.9s.

[2] Degen 0384 was written-off in a hard landing by a student pilot. EKW had shipped back all useful parts 'cannibalized' from 'Schwartz 2' but stocks were running low. As a result, it was decided that 0384 should be reduced-to-produce to replenish the D.9 spares supply.
Froglord: "... amphibious doom descends ... approach the alter and swear your allegiance to the swamp."

Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2257 on: July 23, 2019, 03:58:31 PM »
Your Dewoitine is such a natural for Liechtenstein I can only tip my cap to your imagination for thinking of it.

I especially like how you rendered the metal parts on the top one as well as that most-appropriate camo on the bottom one and your take on the almost-famous Liechtenstein rudder stripes sure beats my fiddling with tiny decal bits.

I'd apologize for distracting you, but the result is so magnificent I'm tempted to see how I can do it again...

Most excellent!

Brian da Basher
« Last Edit: July 23, 2019, 04:00:29 PM by Brian da Basher »

Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2258 on: July 26, 2019, 07:30:04 AM »
Cheers Brian. And all but inevitable that you'll distract me again  ;D
_______________________________________________________________

Liechtenstein Gets Up-to-Date - The Coming of the Curtiss H75As

Although the Dewoitine 'Wansti' was extremely popular in Liechtenstein, no AFL-LFB pilot relished the thought of going to war in this antiquated parasol monoplane. By the Summer of 1939, the search was on for a more modern replacement fighter type. Unfortunately, every other small country in Europe now had exactly the same sense of urgency.

The situation changed for Liechtenstein after the fall of France. Immediate concerns of a Nazi invasion eased and discrete inquiries were made through German investors in the Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB) about the availability of combat aircraft. Through LLB agents, word arrived in Vaduz that German authorities were more than willing to trade captured French aircraft for hard currency. A deal was struck and six ex-Armée de l'Air Curtiss Hawk 75A fighters were delivered by rail through Switzerland. After another dip into the substantial stash of Swiss francs at the Liechtensteinische Landesbank, a further six Hawks were received from German stocks in France.

In the first batch were four Curtiss H75A-1 models (one of which was a write-off purchased for spares), an H75A-2, and a heavily-damaged H75A-3 (again, bought for spares). Two of the airworthy H75A-1s were left at the Swiss Flugwaffe's Thun base for assembly. Another H75A-1 and the H75A-2 were assembled for the ALF-LFB by contracted personnel at Flugplatz Schaan. The damaged H75A-1 was put into storage at Thun while the H75A-3 was immediately stripped for parts by ALF-LFB maintenance trainees.

High Calibre? - The AFL-LFB and Armaments Confusion in Liechtenstein

The standard machine gun round of the Armee des Fürstentums Liechtenstein was the Austrian Mannlicher 8 mm M93 cartridge. [1] However, the first machine guns in ALF-LFB service were Lewis guns firing the Swiss 7.5 mm Patron M11. As a result, the flying service needed Swiss cartridges while the rest of the Armee - including the 'Flabtruppen' providing airfield defence - required Austrian rounds. [2] Supply of different cartridges to different AFL Branches was a challenge which multiplied with the arrival of the Curtiss H75As. These new fighters carried FN-Browning Mle 38 guns firing yet another type of cartridge - French 7.5 mm Cartouche Mle 29 - which were of the same calibre as the Swiss 7.5 mm but otherwise completely different rounds.

Some consideration was given to converting the FN-Browning guns to fire the Swiss cartridge. This would ensure that ALF-LFB aircraft, at least, used the same round. Negotiations had begun on having this conversion job done by a nascent Liechtensteinische machine works - the oHG Hilti engineering firm - being set up across the field at Schaan. Funding problems thwarted this machine gun conversion work and the fledgling oHG Hilti had no experience with weapons technology. In the end - as we'll see later - the principals behind oHG Hilti would be forced to flee Liechtenstein. The Schaan works was taken over as an Armee des Fürstentums Liechtenstein machine shop ... but the AFL-LFB would be forced to juggle disparate ammunition supplies throughout the war years.

___________________________________

[1] A standard AFL infantry Swartzlose machine gun had been trial-fitted to the Hüffer H 9 biplane's rear cockpit but 'Rot 2' was never flown with this weapon mounted.

[2] The 8 mm Swartzlose machine gun remained the major weapon type of the Fliegerabwehrtruppen. The Flab Trp had received a handful of 2.0 cm Solothurn anti-aircraft guns in early 1939. However, attempts to obtain heavier anti-aircraft artillery for Liechtenstein failed completely.
Froglord: "... amphibious doom descends ... approach the alter and swear your allegiance to the swamp."

Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2259 on: July 26, 2019, 07:31:21 AM »
With a Little Help From our Friends - Getting Ready for the Curtiss Habicht

Re-dubbed Habichte (Goshawks), some of Liechtenstein's 'new' fighters came straight from French Bases de Stockage, others had been operational AdA H75As captured by the Germans. [1] Many in the latter category had suffered some degree of damage - from heavy use or in  battle. Those held in the Bases de Stockage were brand new airframes, usually awaiting some missing, French-made components ... but at least they were undamaged. The 'veterans' were mainly intact but almost all had been robbed of their reflector gun sights and several lacked radio-transmitters. As the ex-French Hawks were re-assembled at Flugplatz Schaan, some attempts at standardization were made.

Due to missing components and differing variants, full commonality was impossible to achieve. A major change was the removal of the 217 litre fuel tank from the H75As' rear fuselage. That resulted in a weight-savings of over 55 kg (around 600 lbs) in fuel alone and the fighter's balance was improved. Of course, range was correspondingly reduced to around 875 km - but a tiny country like Liechtenstein had no need for the H75A's original range of over 1,300 km. Other weight-savings were less desirable. In their ex-French packages, the ALF-LFB did not receive sufficient machine guns to completely arm their H75A fleet. Many of the fighters flew with reduced armament. Not ideal, but it did make the ALF-LFB Habichte rather sprightly compared with other Curtiss Hawks.

Two Habichte were stationed at the Swiss airbase at Thun for training. [2] Thun H75As were stripped of weapons other than a single synchronized FN-Browning gun for armaments training. [3] The Thun pair also received different seats. This was because the Swiss insisted upon the use of standard Flugwaffe seat parachutes. (By contrast, the ALF-LFB had elected to retain the original French Lemercier back parachutes). In late 1943, one of the Thun aircraft was damaged when its undercarriage refused to extend on landing. In that case, 0386 had its seat transferred to its replacement - Nr.3813. [4]

Bottom Curtiss H75A-1 Habicht (Nr. 0388) fighter-trainer in Swiss Flugwaffe markings at Flugplatz Thun in 1941. Marked 'J-88' after Swiss practice, [5] this Habicht was then unarmed (lacking even its ring-and-bead sights.

Top Out with the old: An EKW-built Dewoitine D.26 trainer on loan to Liechtenstein (note that the Flugwaffe individual aircraft number has been removed). The D.26 was gentle enough for tiro fighter pilots but also an ideal refresher for those Liechtensteinishe pilots with prior experience on the ALF-LFB's Dewoitine D.9 'Wansti'.

____________________________________

[1] Although publicised as the Habicht, foreign media sometimes translated their original 'Hawk 75' name. In fact, this spurious 'Falke 75' name was never used in official AFL-LFB documentation.

[2] In Swiss sources, the Habichte were included within the Flugwaffe's Fliegerkompanie 15. There were initial concerns that Liechtensteinische dialect heard over radio transmissions might give the game away. That became a moot point when the R/T sets were removed from the Thun aircraft to ensure supplies for the ALF-LFB's operational fighters.

[3] Initially, the Thun aircraft were unarmed. The later, reduced armament was partly to conserve available guns for operational use and partly to reduce demands on 'alien' ammunition at Thun.

[4] H75A-1 0386 was then repaired by EKW, fitted with 3813's machine guns, and resprayed in the new Bergsplittertarnung camouflage scheme before rejoining JSt4 at Flugplatz Ruggell.

[5] The two-numeral 'J-88' codes were distinct. This was likely to avoid any potential Swiss clerical confusion with the J-3xx serials of Flugwaffe Messerschmitt Bf 109E fighters.
Froglord: "... amphibious doom descends ... approach the alter and swear your allegiance to the swamp."

Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2260 on: July 26, 2019, 05:11:36 PM »
Ohhh a Swiss Curtiss Hawk 75! Be still my heart!  :-*

The natural metal finish is rendered most excellently and I never imagined how good this pursuit would look in those markings!

I rather enjoyed the nod to Liechtenstein too.

Well done, apophenia!

Brian da Basher
« Last Edit: July 26, 2019, 05:15:30 PM by Brian da Basher »

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2261 on: July 27, 2019, 03:11:58 AM »
Oh that Swiss Curtiss Hawk 75 is sweet. :-*
All hail the God of Frustration!!!

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Offline elmayerle

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2262 on: July 27, 2019, 04:13:39 AM »
Beautiful renderings and a most intriguing and plausible story.  Bravo, sir!

Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2263 on: July 27, 2019, 07:26:51 AM »
Cheers folks! Back to Liechtenstein proper ...

Habichte Jägern - Liechtenstein's Operational Curtiss H75As

Two airworthy Habichte immediately entered ALF-LFB service with  at Flugplatz Schaan, replacing a pair of surviving Dewoitine Degen fighters. [1] However, comparatively little flying was done. Only once the first cadre of fully-trained ALF-LFB fighter pilots arrived back from Switzerland did the pace of operations pick up. Meanwhile the second batch of six Hawks arrived at EKW in Thun for refurbishing. These airframes consisted of three H75A-1s (one with some battle damage), and one each of H75A-2, H75A-3, and H75A-4 (which was engineless). The damaged H75A-1 remained with EKW at Thun to act as a source of spares for the two H75A-1 fighter-trainers.

With the delivery of the second batch of refurbished Habichte from Thun, Jagdstaffel 2 could be brought up to full strength. More importantly, it allowed for dispersed basing. As the only airfield in the Pricipality, Flugplatz Schaan made an obvious target for any potential agressor. By the beginning of 1942, a satellite field had been created in the far north of Liechtenstein. Flugplatz Ruggell was an emergency, wartime facility which combined valley-bottom farmers' fields with the main road in the village of Ruggell. This was not ideal - the harvest was disrupted and local road traffic had to be halted when aircraft were taking-off or landing. However, it allowed the ALF-LFB to divide its operational fighter fleet now that Liechtenstein had two airfields.

The operational fleet was divided into two Flights of four aircraft each. Based at Schaan were: H75A-1s Nr. 0389 and 3812; H75A-2 Nr. 0385; and H75A-3 Nr. 3816. Detached to Ruggel were: H75A-1s Nr. 3810 and 3813 (later swapped for repaired former-Thun trainer, Nr. 0386), an H75A-1/H75A-4 hybrid, Nr. 3815; and H75A-2 Nr. 3814.

Top ALF-LFB Curtiss H75A-3 Habicht of JSt2/LK2 at Flugplatz Schaan. Nr. 3816 briefly wore an unauthorized personal emblem - an airborne haubenmeise (Crested Tit) - in the Summer of 1942. This 'Haubenmeise' decoration was quickly removed by official order.

For the first full year of operations, the AFL-LFB Habichte kept a fairly low profile - carefully avoiding border incursions into either Swiss or German airspace. That came to an end on 24 March 1942 - the anniversary of a failed 1939 Vaduz coup by VDBL Nazi sympathizers. [2] Trouble was first revealed when Flugoffizier Jürgen Hilti took off from Ruggell in Habicht Nr. 3814 without permission. As he crossed the German frontier, Hilti shouted a VDBL slogan "Liechtenstein den Liechtensteinern!" (Liechtenstein for the Liechtensteiners!) over his radio. Within moments, Hilti's H75A-2 was over his intended target - the German airfield at Hohenems-Dornbirn.

A younger brother of VDBL official Martin Hilti, the Habicht pilot intended to attack German military aircraft on the ground, thus prompting a Nazi take-over of Liechtenstein. Unfortunately for FO Hilti, Flugplatz Hohenems-Dornbirn never was a Luftwaffe base. Overflying Hohenems-Dornbirn field, Hilti found nothing but a handful of civilian gliders staked out. Lacking sufficient fuel to attack other targets, the frustrated young pilot turned back towards Liechtenstein. His intentions at that point are unclear but his aircraft crashed into the western slope of Drei Schwestern in Planken. The remains of the H75A and Flugoffizier Hilti were not found until later in the summer of 1942. [3]

Thereafter, allowing for lapses in serviceabilty, that Schaan/Ruggel Habichte mix remained fairly stable. In late 1943, the Ruggel detachment lost a pilot when Nr. 3812 crashed near Mauren after losing part of its tailplane in flight. In early 1944, the Schaan Flight lost Nr. 3815 - an H75A-1/H75A-4 hybrid airframe - which burnt out after a ground collision with a taxiing Fokker C.V-E. No aircrew casualties resulted from that ground incident but, unfortunately, a base firefighter was badly burned while extricating the Fokker's trapped gunner.

By the Summer of 1944, AFL-LFB Habichte serviceabilty started to drop quickly. Ironically, that was just as regular incursions into Liechtensteinische airspace began in earnest. Fuel and ammunition supplies were low and, generally, two or more operational Habichte were out of service in Thun for rebuilds. Those refurbishments were modest but the opportunity was taken to apply a new camouflage finish - the Bergsplittertarnung (Alpine Splinter Camouflage) scheme. Unfortunately, the otherwise effective Bergsplittertarnung camouflage was almost immediately compromised by official orders to apply bright, Swiss-style 'Neutrality Stripes' in a repeating pattern of Liechtensteinische national colours.

Bottom ALF-LFB Curtiss H75A-1 Habicht (Nr. 3810) of JSt2/LK2 (Flugplatz Ruggell detachment)  wearing the 1944 Bergsplittertarnung scheme with partial 'Neutrality Stripes' (not yet applied to the wing tips).

In early 1945, design work began on arming some of the Habichte with 2.0 cm Solothurn cannons - the so-called 'Kanonen-Curtiss Projekt'. Work began at the AFL's Schaan repair facility - the former oHG Hilti plant [4] - but progress was slow on the new under-wing mounts. By March 1945, the air war over southern Germany was intensifying. In a reverse of policy, the ALF-LFB cancelled further work on cannon-armed Habichte. It was concluded that, if anything, weight-reduction was required to keep the aging Habichte fleet in any way competitive with potential aerial interlopers.

____________________________________

[1] The first two operational aircraft were an H75A-2 (Nr. 0385) and an H75A-1 (Nr. 3810).

[2] In March 1939, members of the Volksdeutsche Bewegung in Liechtenstein (VDBL or German National Movement in Liechtenstein) had attempted a coup. Their aim was to prompt a German invasion with the hope of having Liechtenstein incorporated into the Third Reich. Unfortunately for the VDBL, their erstwhile masters in Berlin showed no interest. The VDBL failed to seize power but Vaduz avoided prosecuting the perpetrators until 1946 to avoid any Nazi repurcussions.

[3] FO Hilti's actions also had consequences for his older brothers. Martin and Eugen Hilti had just formed the engineering company oHG Hilti at Schaan. In the aftermath of his brother's fatal flight, Martin Hilti's fled across the border to Germany. After being briefly detained, older brother Eugen followed. Both men joined the Waffen SS.

[4] The elder Hilti brothers would never return to Liechtenstein. In early 1945, Eugen was killed in France during Unternehmen Nordwind. Martin was captured on the OstFront after being wounded in March 1945 (during Unternehmen Frühlingserwachen, the final German offensive in the East). Martin Hilti was last seen alive at a Siberian work Gulag for Waffen SS prisoners in the Spring of 1951.
« Last Edit: July 30, 2019, 02:30:35 AM by apophenia »
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Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2264 on: July 27, 2019, 08:35:06 AM »
You've totally taken this to the next level! I especially like the splinter camo and recognition stripes on the bottom one.

That's a gripping good read to compliment the fine art too. "In the far north of Liechtenstein" is a magnificent turn of phrase not often heard and worth an adult beverage. Or two.

I was also delighted with the reference to Thun which, according to Michael Lonsdale in "Smiley's People" is noted for its excellent banking facilities.

Your Liechtenstein Hawks made my evening, apophenia!

Brian da Basher

Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2265 on: July 30, 2019, 02:32:56 AM »
Cheers Brian  :D
______________________________

At dusk on the evening of 16 April 1945, Flugplatz Ruggell received an unexpected visitor. As the light faded, a Messerschmitt fighter approached the airfield with its undercarriage down and landing lights on. Somewhat embarassingly for the 'Flabtruppen', the low-flying Luftwaffe aircraft wasn't even noticed until it was on final approach. After landing, the German pilot taxiied over to where the Habichte were parked, switched off, and immediately requested asylum in the Principality of Liechtenstein.

The alien aircraft - a Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2, seemingly employed by the Luftwaffe as a fighter-trainer - was quickly pushed into the cover of the barn used by the AFL-LFB for Habicht maintenance at Ruggell. That may have been unnecessary. Apparently, German authorities had no idea what had become of their fighter-trainer. It may have crashed somewhere in the Austrian Alps, it may have been shot down by the Allied fighters plaguing Austrian skies, or the pilot may have deserted and flown to Switzerland. An informal Luftwaffe query was sent to Switzerland but it never seems to have occurred to German officialdom that the Messerschmiirtt might have landed safely in Liechtenstein.

The identity and origin of the Bf 109G-2 pilot has never been revealed but he is believed to have been an instructor at a Luftwaffe training base in Austria. Likewise, no details were revealed for two further Luftwaffe pilots interned in Liechtenstein. These two landed a pair of Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6s at Flugplatz Schaan in quick succession on the morning of 02 May 1945. Again, the German fighters were quickly hidden and no German enquiries were ever made to Liechtensteinische authorities. By then, all was in chaos for the Germans and the collapse of the Third Reich imminent.

The 'gift' of these German fighters was well-timed for the AFL-LFB. The Habichte fleet was on its last legs and plans were quickly put into place to restore the Messerschmitts to take over the Flugplatz Ruggell detachment. This would free up the Habichte airframes in poorest condition for desperately-needed cannibalization. With the war in Europe at an end, work on the Messerschmitts could proceed more openly. Sources of spares proved tricky. The Swiss had supply problems for their own Messerschmitt fighters and could be of no assistance. [1] The ALF-LFB would have to look further afield.

Frustratingly, the ALF-LFB had no access to the vasts stocks of idle Bf 109s and their parts now scattered across the former wartime airfields of central Europe. As it happened, the region of Austria bordering Liechtenstein was to become the French-occupied zone. It was time for diplomatic manoeuvring. First it was acknowledged that the Fürstentum Liechtenstein was in possession of former French fighter aircraft. The Principality now offered to return those ex-Armée de l'Air Curtiss H75A fighters to their rightful owners. Vaduz was thanked for its offer but Paris saw no need for the Hawk fighters to be returned. The next missive from Vaduz enquired as to whether the French would be willing to sell surplus aircraft parts to Liechtenstein.

The French reply was that no Curtiss components were available in the Métropole - all H75As had been sent to North Africa early in WW2. [2] On the other hand, Paris was more than happy to supply ex-Luftwaffe aircraft and parts from the French-occupied zones of Germany or Austria. This resulted in the sale of two more Bf 109G-6 fighters, six Arado Ar 96B armed as attack aircraft, [3] two Fieseler Fi 156 observation aircraft, and stocks of spares for all three types. It had now been concluded that a pair of Habichte could be kept airworthy by sacrificing the rest of the fleet. [4] So, the post-war ALF-LFB fleet would consist of three Messerschmitts (with one held in reserve), two H75As, four Ar 96Bs (with two in reserve), and a pair of Storchs.

Top The ALF-LFB's sole Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2 in Liechtenstein's postwar markings. The Prince's crest - a patronage symbol for JSt4 - is worn on the cowling. Note that this fighter is missing its reflector DF loop.

Bottom Curtiss H75A-1 Habicht (3810) fighter-trainer of ALF-LFB Jäger-Schule. This aircraft wears postwar roundels but retains its wartime rudder stripes. Note that 3810 is missing its Baille-Lemairie gun sight (although ring-and-bead sights are mounted).

Under local political pressure, Flugplatz Ruggell was closed in October 1945. Flugplatz Schaan was going to become a busy place. From late 1945, basic pilot training was performed at private flying schools in Switzerland. The Habichte were struck off in early 1947 and the surviving four Ar 96Bs moved to an advanced training role. The attack role was transferred to the Messerschmitts of JSt2 but these fighters rarely had bomb racks mounted. By 1950, the combat fleet had dwindled to two airworthy Bf 109s - the 'G-2 and a 'G-6 - three Ar 96Bs, and two Fi 156s (one a replacement bought in Austria). After another fatal Ar 96B crash in March 1951, the Arados were phased out.

To remain effective, the ALF-LFB required a fleet-wide replacement programme. But, five years after the end of the European war, many in neutral Liechtenstein were questioning whether their nation really needed an air force. The tensions building along the Iron Curtain seemed a long distance away from little Liechtenstein. In September 1951, the Landtag put the question to a vote. With a three-quarter majority, it was decided to disband the ALF-LFB at the end of 1951. By November, all operational flying had ceased. All aircraft were disposed of for scrap except for the two Fieselers - these were refurbished in civil markings, operating as air ambulances until finally being replaced by SE 313 Alouette helicopters in the Summer of 1960.

____________________________________

[1] Now that the war in Europe was over, the Swiss were also anxious to end their agreement to train ALF-LFB pilots and erks.

[2] This explanation made sense but French reasons for refusing to export 7.5 mm Mle 38 machine guns was harder to fathom.

[3] The Arados filled the gap left when the last Fokker C.V-E had to be retired in late 1943.

[4] By this stage, the FN-Browning Mle 38 guns had been rebuilt to fire the same 7.92 mm rounds as the Bf 109G-2.
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Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2266 on: July 30, 2019, 04:39:23 AM »
Adding a 109 to Liechtenstein's air fleet is a natural and you sure made it look believable, apophenia!

I really like the new markings, especially the big tail stripes on the 109.

Pure eye-candy!

Brian da Basher

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2267 on: July 31, 2019, 01:42:44 AM »
 :smiley:
All hail the God of Frustration!!!

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But you can make the Bastard work for it.

Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2268 on: August 01, 2019, 07:33:11 AM »
Thanks folks! A few more Liechtenstein types to follow ...
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Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2269 on: August 02, 2019, 06:56:21 AM »
A few more Liechtensteinian birds, just 'cuz ...
________________________________________

While the ALF-LFB needed fresh fighter aircraft, of necessity, the attack role had gone into hiatus with the retirement of the Fokker C.V-Es in October 1943. That role would not be resumed until the arrival of French-supplied, ex-Luftwaffe Arado Ar 96s from Austria in early 1946. Such was the perceived urgency that, initially, Liechtenstein's Arados flew in their original Luftwaffe camouflage with the ALF-LFB's postwar insignia overmarked.

The ALF-LFB's Arados were a mixed bag. Four were armaments trainers with a single, synchronized 7.92 mm MG 17 machine gun in their cowlings. [1] Two were early, unarmed Ar 96B-1 models. In ALF-LFB service, the armaments trainers were eventually fitted with wing racks for light bombs. The two Ar 96B-1s were fitted with Revi gun sights and armed with underwing 2.0 cm MG 151/20 cannon pods taken from the Bf 109G-6s. It was intended that the Arados would work in pairs - one cannon-armed, one bomb carrier.

Top An ALF-LFB Arado Ar 96B-5 in its original Luftwaffe scheme with Liechtenstein's postwar national markings painted over top (full rudder paint being dictated by the position of the wartime swastika). Note that machine (Nr.4630) has not yet had its individual aircraft number applied.

Bottom An ALF-LFB Ar 96B-1 (Nr.4634) repainted in the postwar Bergsplittertarnung scheme. This scheme was unique to the Arados as were the 'lo-viz' national markings applied in matt paint.

In April 1947, the  remaining four Ar 96Bs were moved into the training role. [2] As these aircraft were rotated through scheduled heavy maintenance, they were stripped and repainted in overall silver like the rest of the ALF-LFB fleet. In March 1951, Ar 96B-1 Nr.4631 crashed while attempting to put down engine-out on a Alpine just north of Vaduz. After this fatal crash, the Arados were phased out of ALF-LFB service.

____________________________________

[1] The armed Arados comprised one Ago-built Ar 96B-2 and three Ar 96B-5 (two Letov-built and one Avia-built aircraft).

[2] The survivors were one Ar 96B-1 (Nr.4631), an Ar 96B-2 (Nr.4632), and two Ar 96B-5 (Nr.4633 and 4635). Ar 96B-1 Nr.4630 had been quickly written-off and broken up for parts. Ar 96B-5 Nr.4634 was lost in a landing accident at Schaan in January 1947.
____________________________________

BTW, these were based on an excellent French Ar 96B profile by Olivier Beernaert. I revised a few items for accuracy - prop hub, cowling outline, some access hatches, etc. - and then Liechtensteinified 'em.
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Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2270 on: August 02, 2019, 08:53:39 AM »
The Arado 96 is a natural in Liechtenstein colors, apophenia!

Looks a treat in those colorful markings!

Brian da Basher

Offline apophenia

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2271 on: August 04, 2019, 07:27:47 AM »
Reggiane Resurgent? - The Delta-Powered Re.2010

This one was prompted by reading about Reggiane. Apparently, in 1943, work was underway on 300 or so Re.2005 fighters when Allied bombing put a stop to it. The though emerged: Were there many surviving Re.2005 components? If yes, what were the postwar possibilities?

So, I'm whiffing what the Officine Meccaniche Italiane "Reggiane" might have come up with for late '40s Re.2005 developments. The possibilities are near endless, of course. So, I've contained things by assuming that OMI Reggiane followed Giuseppe Gabrielli's example with the Fiat G.55 lineage over in Torino.

First up are the Re.2010 trainers. The Re.2010A was simply an Re.2005 airframe powered by an inverted V-12 Isotta-Fraschini Delta RC.40-I engine - the AMI's preferred engine for trainers at the time. Like the Fiat G.48A, the Re.2010A was intended as an advanced fighter-trainer with potential application - particularly for export - as a light fighter. A single prototype Re.2010A/0 was completed and test-flown but, by then, the AMI had already selected the G.48A.

In production form - beyond the engine change - it was intended that the Re.2010 airframe would differ from a wartime Re.2005 primarily in a re-arrangement of internal equipment, having a fixed tailwheel (from the Re.2001), and the elimination of the outer main wheel covers. These changes were intended primarily to reduce the maintenance load on AMI ground crews. A range of armament options were also on offer (see below).

Like the Re.2010A, the two-seat Re.2010B (sometimes referred to as the Reggiane Re.2012) trailled behind its Fiat rival. However, the more extensive conversion work required delayed the two-seater even more than the Re.2010A. As a result, the AMI chose the 2-seat Fiat G.48B. The Re.2010B/0 prototype conversion wasn't finished and the type never submitted for military trials at Guidonia. With no real interest from potential export customers, the unfinished Re.2010B/0 was broken up to provide spares to maintain the company's single-seat Re.2010A/0 demonstrator.

The planned Re.2010 lineage is listed below:

Re.2010 - Single-seat light fighter or 2-seat advanced trainer
 - Re.2010A/0: Prototype, Isotta-Fraschini Delta RC.40-I
 -- 2 x synchronized 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT mgs, 2 x wing-mounted MG 151/20 cannons
 - Re.2010A/1: (Project) Production type, armed as prototype
 - Re.2010A/2: (Project) Production type, 4 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT mgs
 - Re.2010A/3: (Project) 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT mgs, wing bomb racks
 - Re.2010B - 2-seat tandem advanced training aircraft
 - Re.2010B/0: (Project) Prototype, I-F Delta RC.40-I, unarmed
 - Re.2010B/1: (Project) Production type, unarmed
 - Re.2010B/2: (Project) Production type, 1 or 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT mgs

Further unrealized developments were to be:

Re.2011 - Single-seat fighter-trainer, Isotta-Fraschini Gamma

Re.2012 - 2-seat production trainer, Isotta-Fraschini IV-12 engine
 - Re.2012A: Similar to Re.2010, Isotta-Fraschini Gamma
 - Re.2012B: Same as Re.2010B/1, Isotta-Fraschini Delta
 - Re.2012C: Same as Re.2010B/2, Isotta-Fraschini Delta

Re.2013 - (Designation not applied)

Re.2014 - Export 2-seat trainer, Alvis Leonides 502/4 radial
 - Re.2014: Originally designated Re.2012L

Re.2015 - Export 2-seat trainer, Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior
 - Re.2014: Originally designated Re.2012P

Re.2016 - 2-seat advanced trainer, R-R or Packard Merlin
 - Re.2016: Redesignated Re.2022
________________________________________________________________

BTW: These sideviews began life as an Re.2005 profile by Angelo Brioschi.
Froglord: "... amphibious doom descends ... approach the alter and swear your allegiance to the swamp."

Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2272 on: August 04, 2019, 07:59:43 AM »
That's an excellent concept and trainers are certainly ripe territory for The Treatment, apophenia!

One again, your artistic rendering is without peer.

You've taken that famous Italian design sense and cranked it up a notch.

Bravo!

Brian da Basher

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2273 on: August 05, 2019, 02:20:26 AM »
Interesting developments.  The Isotta-Fraschini Delta RC.40 had about half the power of the Fiat R.A. 1050 RC 58 Tifone, (license built DB 605A-1) in the real world Re.2005 @ ~750hp vs 1,455 hp but that would be less of an issue in a trainer.  Removing things such as the outer main wheel covers would help with weight reduction and thus performance too.  One of the interesting things also with the Isotta-Fraschini Delta was that it was an air-cooled inverted V-12 thus also reducing the weight through liquid coolant and radiators etc.

What might also be interesting is if either the Isotta Fraschini Zeta or better yet, the Sigma X-24 engines were also developed further and used.  See here for some details.
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Offline elmayerle

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Re: Apophenia's Offerings
« Reply #2274 on: August 05, 2019, 09:29:27 AM »
So, will we be seeing a Reggiane equivalent of the Fiat G.59?   I quite enjoy your evolution so far.