Author Topic: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service  (Read 3495 times)

Offline b29r

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USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« on: November 22, 2017, 04:36:22 AM »
Postwar Air Force leadership in the US recognized the value of intruder/night interdiction aircraft during WWII, and sought to develop more capable aircraft for this role.  The newly minted Fairey Gannet seemed to be a natural candidate in this role, and the US arranged for the lease of three aircraft for trials and evaluation.  The Gannet was given the A-43 designation and retained it’s name in USAF service.

Trials proved successful during early 1950, and the USAF ordered 54 new build aircraft from Fairey, with changes mainly centered on elimination of the naval equipment needed for carrier operations.  The radar carried was the AN/APQ-13W ground search radar to facilitate identification of ground targets in the tactical role.  The first aircraft was accepted in November, 1951 with the last unit being delivered on October 28, 1952.

With the outbreak of the Korean War, eight available aircraft and crews of the 452nd Night Interdiction Squadron were initially sent to the Far East, and based at Itazuki AB in Japan.  After familiarization and operational  training, they moved to  Pusan East (K-9) Airbase.  There they were detached to the 37th Bomb Squadron, flying B-26 Invaders as part of a Hunter/Killer operation.  The role of the Gannet was to locate by radar movements of truck convoys and rail units at night, and mark them for attack by orbiting B-26 “killers”.  The usual method was to drop M-69 incendiary bombs at the head and tail of the convoy or train to immobilize it, thus marking it for the B-26’s to effectively cover the target.  Another method was to drop flares over the target, which would illuminate it for attack.

Cooperating with the bombers, the Gannets contributed to the destruction of about 38,000 trucks, and over 400 locomotives and associated rolling stock.  A number of enemy aircraft and facilities were also destroyed in this manner.  During May of 1952, the Gannets were inactivated and returned to their home bases.  Gannet Night Intruders continued in regular and reserve roles until 1962, when they were retired.   A number of them were employed as Gate Guardians, and can also be found in various museums in the US.











This is of course the ancient UPC/Frog kit, which was an enjoyable old school build, stand and all.  Image quality is just terrible, so many apologies.

Best regards,
Kem



Offline The Big Gimper

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #1 on: November 22, 2017, 06:55:12 AM »
This is so cool. Like the hybrid paint scheme which is 1/2 B-26 and 1/2 USAF fighter?
« Last Edit: November 22, 2017, 07:22:29 AM by The Big Gimper »
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Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2017, 08:27:36 AM »
That's just great and the color scheme is a real stunner!

I wish my old friend that had a thing for Gannets was here to see it.

Well done!

Brian da Basher

Offline elmayerle

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2017, 11:10:08 AM »
Stunning model and highly plausible back story.

Offline finsrin

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2017, 12:49:33 PM »
Ditto on all above.
First I seen Gannet in alternate color scheme.  Looks good and more dynamic. :smiley:

Offline Robomog

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2017, 05:13:08 PM »
This really looks the business, always had a soft spot for the Gannet.

Am I right in thinking its the original Frog Kit ?

Mog
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Offline arctic warrior

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2017, 08:49:48 PM »
Great idea and backstorey and the model is really well done and great paintjob.  8)

Offline GTX_Admin

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #7 on: November 23, 2017, 02:36:45 AM »
 :smiley:
All hail the God of Frustration!!!

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Offline KiwiZac

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #8 on: November 23, 2017, 06:27:20 AM »
Ooooh yes, I like this a lot! Big smile on my face upon seeing your photos! Congratulations on an excellent build.
Zac in NZ
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Offline Kelmola

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #9 on: November 23, 2017, 02:07:11 PM »
The colour scheme actually makes Gannet look good. Well played sir, well played. 8)

Offline Buzzbomb

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #10 on: November 23, 2017, 03:23:41 PM »
Pretty much loving the stand.. what a blast from the past, with a very nice build to set it off

Offline The Big Gimper

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #11 on: November 23, 2017, 09:39:29 PM »
A Wyvern in the same paint scheme would be uber cool.
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I am giving up listing them. They all end up on the shelf of procrastination anyways.

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Offline KiwiZac

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #12 on: November 24, 2017, 03:14:10 AM »
A Wyvern in the same paint scheme would be uber cool.
If I hadn't sold mine months ago...damnit!
Zac in NZ
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Offline b29r

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #13 on: November 28, 2017, 02:37:33 AM »
Thanks everybody!  I appreciate your support and encouragement.  I hope someday to improve upon these terrible pictures . . . .I have given up on improving my modeling skills  ;).

Big G:  The Invader influenced my thought process here a LOT . . . one of my favorites.
Brian:  I wish your friend could have seen it as well . . . although he may have been disappointed  ???
Mog:  Yes, this is the old Frog kit, but it came out of a UPC box.  The parts were really nicely molded in a lovely turquoise blue  :smiley:
GTX:   :smiley:
Big G:  I think the Wyvern would also look good in this or similar scheme.

Best regards,
Kem

Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: USAF A-43A Gannet in Korean War Service
« Reply #14 on: November 28, 2017, 06:27:48 AM »

<snip>

Brian:  I wish your friend could have seen it as well . . . although he may have been disappointed  ???

<snip>

All sleek & shiny like that, my friend would've thought this the Gannet of his dreams. If there's any major flaws, I can't see them.

Brian da Basher