[DIRTY-MAC]

Just wanted to point out to less known American fighter for you modelers that fought in the Chines airforce against Japan, and was infact also used by US forces to.



Republic P-43 Lancer in Chinese service
Thanks to Richard Dunn, we have a long article (or short book!) on the Republic P-43 Lancer, 108 of which were Lend-Leased to China as part of the "Special Air Unit" that Roosevelt authorized in the winter of 1940-1941. Originally intended to equip the 3rd American Volunteer Group, the planes were instead transferred directly to the Chinese Air Force. (The 1st AVG bcame famous as the Flying Tigers. The 2nd AVG, a bomber group, was ready to go when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The 3rd AVG was to have been a fighter group, recruited early in 1942.)
As Rick Dunn explains, many of the P-43s were lost en route, many as a result of ferry accidents by inexperienced Chinese pilots. At least one was preempted by Col. Robert Scott, who wanted it to escort Ferry Command transports. And some may have been cannibalized to provide replacement engines for those same transports, flying supplies over the Hump from India to China.

Evidently China received 41 P-43 Lancers in 1942, along with some Vultee P-66 Vangards, also originally intended for the AVG. Some of these planes wound up in the China Air Task Force, General Channault's branch of the 10th Air Force, and the embryo of the 14th Air Force. In his article, Richard traces the mostly-untold history of the P-43, a plane that grew out of the Seversky P-35 and that was the daddy or at least the elder brother of the redoubtable Republic P-47.

Read the whole story here:http://www.warbirdforum.com/richdunn.htm




The Vultee P-66 in Chinese service
Here Richard Dunn tells the story of the Vultee fighter built for Sweden, embargoed by a nervous U.S. government, sold instead to Britain, and finally provided to the Chinese under the U.S. Army designation of P-66. Though intended for the 3rd American Volunteer Group

[KG64_Ðørvånski]

good story :!: i thought that they used only P-40s and I-15s in China against the Japanese.

[DIRTY-MAC]

You should really read the whole story on these two aircraft, I think you could do some really cool cenarios with these figters, they even flew some alon with the AVG, Bomber interceptions, strafing rounds and dogfightings.

This is the best sources on the net:
P-43 Lancer
http://www.warbirdforum.com/richdunn.htm
P-66 Vanguard
http://www.warbirdforum.com/dunnp66.htm

[DIRTY-MAC]

P-43s performed in the fighter role as ground strafers, interceptors, and along with P-40s as bomber escorts and as photo and visual reconnaissance planes.

P-43 was used in combat both by the C.A.F. and the U.S.A.A.F. The P-43 flew combat missions with the U.S. 23rd Fighter Group as early as August 1942 and by October 1942 had claimed its first air victory with the C.A.F.

On August 17th the P-43 entered combat for the first time. The 75th Fighter Squadron (FS) was at Kweilin en route to its new base at Changyi when a Japanese intruder was reported by the warning net. Two P-40s and two P-43s scrambled. The P-40s were unable to intercept but both P-43s made contact. Lt. Phillip B. O'Connell got within range only to have his guns jam and then his radio fail. Lt. Burrell Barnum then followed the speedy Japanese craft in a lengthy chase involving climbs, dives and straight runs. Barnum fired from long range but never got close enough to inflict serious damage. Barnum reported the "I-45" to be equal in speed to the P-43 at 20,000 feet [50]. Barnum most likely encountered a Type 100 Headquarters reconnaissance plane of the 18th Independent Squadron, an airplane credited with a maximum speed of 375 mph. at 19,000 feet [51].

The P-43's next air combat came on September 3rd when Lt. Martin Cluck of the 75th aborted a reconnaissance mission with mechanical trouble. At low altitude near base attacking Japanese fighters jumped him and riddled his P-43. Cluck landed safely and escaped from his aircraft but the P-43 was destroyed by strafing. A P-40 was also destroyed on the ground. The 24th FR and 10th Squadron claimed ten aircraft destroyed on the ground [52].



On October 27th no less than twelve P-43s flying from Taipingsu escorted nine A-29s in a raid on Yungcheng in Shansi, Province. One aircraft was claimed destroyed on the ground without loss to the Chinese [56]. P-66s flew another mission in November. A-29s flew two additional missions in November on one of which they were joined by old SB bombers. An A-29 and three SBs were lost in bad weather [57]. This mission on November 27th was the C.A.F.'s last of 1942. The C.A.F. filled the rest of 1942 with training as additional P-66s were received and P-40Es arrived to supplement the P-43s of the 4th Group.

On September 12th Major Frank Schiel, commander of the 74th FS, flew a notable mission. This was a reconnaissance flown from Kunming to Hanoi. Three enemy fighters rose to intercept but Schiel avoided them and returned with information that led to a successful bombing mission a few days later. Schiel was awarded the Silver Star for this P-43 mission.

In late November 1942 F-4s (the reconnaissance version of the P-38 fighter) arrived in China and gradually took over the photo reconnaissance mission. Both P-40s and P-43s continued to fly visual reconnaissance missions as well. P-43s occasionally flew photo missions with a makeshift camera arrangement.

P-43s performed in the fighter role as ground strafers, interceptors, and along with P-40s as bomber escorts. Because of their small numbers and distribution among the squadrons seldom did more than one or two P-43s fly on any given mission. An exception occurred on December 14th when four P-43s joined fourteen P-40s in an escort mission to Hanoi covering the P-40s in a successful combat. On December 30th three P-43s gave top cover to six P-40s on a mission to Lashio, Burma, enabling the P-40s to claim one of six Japanese fighters encountered.

VI. FINAL YEAR OF COMBAT - 1943
The C.A.F. celebrated New Year's Day by flying its first combat mission with three of its new P-40Es, an uneventful patrol searching for a Japanese reconnaissance plane [58]. On the 10th ten P-43s joined five P-40s in attacking Kingmen airdrome and targets of opportunity. Two P-40s were lost to ground fire [59]. Two days later two P-43s flew a reconnaissance mission along the west bank of the Han River. Near Itu (southeast of Ichang) the P-43s met two "Zeros" claiming one shot down in flames and one badly damaged [60].
As of the end of January 1943 the C.A.F. had three groups of bombers but only one squadron of A-29s and one squadron of SBs were rated combat capable. Its four fighter groups were deployed to defend Chengtu and the wartime capital of Chungking. Three groups were equipped with a mix of P-66s and I-153s but only two squadrons in each group were considered combat capable. The 4th Group at Taipingsu equipped with P-40s and P-43s was the sole group with four squadrons (21st - 24th) rated combat capable. It alone had an offensive mission ("attack enemy aircraft.active over the upper Yangtze") in addition to a defensive mission [61]. An American technical representative who spent three months with the C.A.F. estimated that as of February 1, 1943, the C.A.F.'s serviceable American equipment amounted to: nine A-29s, forty-five P-66s, 18 P-43s and 18-20 P-40s [62].

On February 1, 1943, the C.A.T.F. still consisted of just four fighter squadrons and one squadron of medium bombers. Serviceable strength was eighty-six fighters and twelve B-25s [63]. It is interesting to note that the operational strength of the C.A.F. (in new American equipment) and C.A.T.F. was virtually identical at this point. The C.A.F. was essentially inactive at this time while the C.A.T.F. was actively flying fighter missions and occasional bomber missions whenever weather permitted and targets were available.

The Japanese Army Air Force (J.A.A.F.) line-up had changed since the previous summer. There was still a strong contingent of army cooperation and reconnaissance aircraft but the striking force now consisted of two regiments of Type 99 twin-engine light bombers (16th and 90th) and two regiments of Type 1 model 1 fighters (25th and 33rd), together constituting the 1st Flying Brigade (FB) [64].

The 1st FB carried out a series of raids on the advanced bases of the C.A.T.F. in early 1943 during which it encountered little aerial opposition. In late February part of the 1st FB supported ground operations in southern China while the bulk of the Brigade concentrated in the vicinity of Hankou to take on the C.A.F. as a preliminary to resuming attacks on the C.A.T.F. [65].

The Japanese were presented an opportunity when they discovered C.A.F. aircraft at Liangshan. The Headquarters of the 4th Group had moved to Chungking in mid-February but P-43s of the 22nd Squadron were based at Liangshan. On February 24th fifteen Type 1 fighters of the 25th FR escorted twelve twin-engine light bombers of the 16th FR to attack Liangshan. The 22nd Squadron scrambled four P-43s under its squadron commander Wang Tejian. The Japanese reported encountering three P-43s and claimed one shot down. The Chinese records confirm this [66].

The C.A.F. may have suffered other losses during this period but Japanese accounts suggest air combats were few during early 1943 [67]. Quite possibly the C.A.F. was under severe logistical strain. In any event, on March 19th General Chow advised Stillwell that the C.A.F. could no longer defend Chungking and requested U.S. support [68].

For the American P-43s the New Year began with a routine weather reconnaissance flight to Schwebo in Burma by a single P-43 of the 76th FS. A similar mission to Bhamo on January 2nd proved anything but routine. Capt. Jeffrey O. Wellborn was on his return flight when he encountered an "I-45." The Japanese aircraft was above the P-43 but Wellborn climbed on to its tail without being detected. Wellborn's first burst took the Japanese by surprise. The Japanese aircraft then attempted to escape by diving but Wellborn followed and shot the aircraft down in flames. Like Barnum in the P-43's first combat the previous August, Wellborn probably encountered a Japanese reconnaissance plane rather than an I-45 (Japanese designation, Type 2 two-seat fighter or Ki 45). It was quite a start to the New Year for the P-43 and Wellborn's only aerial victory.



A nice lttle story of the P-66

The action began with a C.A.F. mission against Niehkiako by three A-29s escorted by 13 P-40s and eight P-66s. Ground targets were bombed and strafed. One P-40 went down to ground fire. After the mission the P-40s returned to their base at Liangshan while the P-66s returned to Peishiyi by way of Enshih.

The Japanese sent formations against both Liangshan and Enshih. At Liangshan eight Type 99 light bombers of the 90th Flying Regiment were escorted by fourteen Type 1 Model II fighters of the 33rd Flying Regiment. The formation of eight light bombers sent against Enshih was unescorted.



Type 1 fighter of the 33rd Flying Regiment
At Liangshang the twelve Chinese P-40s landed. Also on the field were at least two American P-40s as well as a stray P-66 that had apparently landed with a wounded pilot. When aircraft were reported approaching there was no immediate concern as these were taken to be the formation of P-66s.

East of Enshih P-66s encountered the unescorted Type 99 light bombers that had just attacked the airfield. Although the Japanese identified their radial-engine opponents as P-43s, they were actually P-66s a type not previously encountered by the Japanese. The successful Chinese pilot was Chen Zhaoji of the 41st Squadron. The Ki 48 that went down took Lieut. Iwamura and the rest of his crew to their deaths.

At Liangshan the last Chinese pilot to land was Capt. Chow Chi-Kai (known as "Fatty") squadron leader of the 23rd Squadron who landed with his fuel tanks almost empty. Chow taxied his P-40 off the rain soaked runway. As he did he heard a radio warning of eight unidentified airplanes headed for the field. Chow had seen his first group commander killed trying to take off in the middle of a Japanese air raid in 1937 but he was determined to take to the air.

China Newsweek recorded what occurred. The aircraft referred to merely as "another plane" was identified in a 14th Air Force daily intelligence summary as a P-66. "Without hesitation he ordered his ground crew to push away his ship and climbed into another plane parked there. The pilot of that plane had been wounded and removed for medical care. Before he could check on the fuel or other equipment, however, Chow saw eight black planes approaching the field from the north on a bombing run...

"He started the engine...and taxied to take off without taking time to adjust his parachute, to buckle his safety belt or to close his cockpit cover." Chow was still in his take off run when bombs exploded on the runway just behind him and machine gun bullets hit nearby. "Before he was two hundred feet in the air he pulled for a 270 degree sharp, climbing turn, forgetting that such a maneuver might finish him in a stall. He followed the attacking Japanese bomber without even retracting his landing wheels and started to attack the leading flight which was coming back for another bombing run as soon as they came into range. He aimed at the flight leader and gave him a long burst. He turned away for another short attack on the starboard plane." This flight of bombers broke off the attack and headed eastward low over the Szechuan Mountains.

Five other bombers were strafing the field along with more than a dozen "Zeros." Chow debated briefly whether to take on these new opponents or follow the fleeing bombers. With his seat belt still unfastened and cockpit open, Chow decided a dogfight with fighters and bombers over the airfield made no sense. He decided to continue his attack on the first flight of bombers.

"Fatty" Chow attacked the port bomber, which was lagging slightly behind the other two. With his landing gear still extended he fired a long burst. The bomber burst into flames.

"Fatty" observed the rear gun of starboard bomber pointing idly in an upward direction. Suspecting the gunner might be killed he closed to thirty yards. The pilot immediately swung to the left to come under the protection of his leader's rear gun. "Fatty" fired a burst into the leader's right engine. The engine poured heavy black smoke and the bomber headed downward.



Type 99 light bomber with guns at the ready
The third bomber headed north. Chow followed, finally taking time to adjust his parachute and safety belt and retract his landing gear. When he was ready "Fatty" opened fire at the bomber's right engine. However, this bomber didn't catch fire. Instead it gyrated terrifically and became an erratic target for the Chinese pilot.

Chow fired a burst into the left engine. The Type 99 light bomber refused to catch fire. Chow pulled close to the bomber and flew parallel to it thirty yards off its wingtip and waggled his wings. The Japanese pilot had no intention of surrendering and turned sharply toward Chow. "Fatty" evaded and on his next pass aimed for the cockpit and fired a long burst. The bomber spun into the ground.

Back at Liangshan ten Chinese P-40s and a trainer had been destroyed, as had two U.S. P-40s. Three trucks and gas supplies also went up in flames. The wreckage of Chow's three victims was later found and his claims were verified.

Twenty-eight year old "Fatty" Chow received the Blue Sky - White Sun award from Chiang Kai-Shek as only the fourth recipient of China's highest award. He was soon promoted Major and appointed acting Group commander.

[fly_zo]

.... moving this to discussion section


more chance to get noticed :wink:

Z

[BH_Blue]

it would be nice to have the Predecessor of the Thunderbolt, however im not too familiar with Vultee and their P-66 vanguard.

[Chaoic16]

If you could gather up more information, incluidng blueprint, I will be more than glad to add them to aircraft requests library at (The link is inoperative) for the modders when time comes for this warplane.


Chaoic out...

[Fay King]

+100000000000

These aircraft would be awsome!

[Guest]

Just wanted to point out to less known American fighter for you modelers that fought in the Chines airforce against Japan, and was infact also used by US forces to.

look at the similarity




shrinking the p-47

with the nose of p-36 a3

com a cauda do macchi202


and ready