[archie1971]

what do twin mustang?

[Faucon]

Do you really need that?

It's like Lerche and all those strange things. There are more interesting planes to create than some prototypes that never fight (or fly!).

Just my opinion :wink:

[Whizz]

Not terribly interested in the F82 twin mustang myself but it did see combat in Korea with the USAF and scored kills against Yak 9s and IL10s in the early days of the war I believe, so it has in some ways more validity than a useless abomination (okay, now you know what I think of '46) like the Lerche and it's sisters.

[RAF_Magpie]

Do you really need that?

It's like Lerche and all those strange things. There are more interesting planes to create than some prototypes that never fight (or fly!).

Just my opinion :wink:

It aint a prototype, unlike the 109Z.... THIS would/could be a nice addition.

It DID see combat.

from wiki:

"Radar-equipped F-82s were used quite extensively by the Air Defense Command as replacements for the P-61 Black Widow night fighter. During the Korean War, Japan-based F-82s were among the first USAF aircraft to operate over Korea. The first three North Korean aircraft destroyed by U.S. forces were shot down by F-82s."

The Air Force accepted a total of 272 F-82s (including 22 prototype, test and early production aircraft).

On 11 June 1948, the newly-formed United States Air Force eliminated the P-for-pursuit category and replaced it with F-for-fighter. Subsequently, all P-82s were re-designated F-82. The F-82E was the first model to reach operational squadrons and its initial operational assignment was to the 27th Fighter Wing at Kearney Air Force Base, Nebraska in 1948. The 27th used the F-82E to fly long-range escort missions for SAC B-29 bombers. F-82Es continued to fly actively until 1953 escorting B-29s, B-50s and B-36s becoming Strategic Air Command's last operational piston-engined fighters.

However, the cessation of hostilities in World War II brought an end to the need for a long-range bomber escort though the F-82 would continue as a replacement for the aging P-61 Black Widow night fighter.

The night fighter versions, designated the F-82F/G, required numerous modifications to be made to make this possible. The right side cockpit was replaced with a radar operator's position lacking flight controls. More significant was the addition of a long radar pod attached to the underside of the center wing. Resembling a sausage, and irreverently known as a "long dong," the radar unit was installed in such a manner to keep its dish in front of aircraft's propellers. It was also necessary that it be hung from the underside of the wing to prevent it from interfering with six .50 caliber machine guns buried in the center wing. Surprisingly, this unconventional arrangement did little to affect the aircraft's speed or performance. Additionally the unit could be jettisoned in an emergency, or for belly landings and was sometimes lost during high-G maneuvers.

The first F-82F/G models began to reach operational squadrons in late 1948. By the middle of 1949 the F-82 was in widespread service with some 225 E/F/G models being in use by the USAF at Bergstrom, Hamilton, McChord, Mitchel and McGuire AFB. F-82Gs were also deployed to the 347th Fighter Group in Japan. Modified F-82s for cold weather (F-82Hs) were assigned to Ladd AFB, Alaska, and make a brief but memorable appearance in the movie "Top of the World." [2] (1955)


[edit] Korean War
See also: United States Air Force Aircraft of the Korean War
Although missing its opportunity to fight in World War II, the F-82G would go on to distinguish itself during the Korean War. In June 1950, U.S. forces in Seoul, South Korea were attempting to evacuate U.S. civilians, including many women and children, from the advancing North Korean Army. A total of 682 civilians had been evacuated on the 26 June aboard the Norwegian freighter Reinholte, then visiting Inchon Harbor and transported to Sasebo, Japan. The remaining civilians were to be evacuated the following day by an Air Force C-54. Fearing that the North Korean Air Force might try to shoot down the transport (a C-54 had been destroyed on the ground at Kimpo by North Korean fighters on June 25th) the Air Force requested air cover to protect the aircraft during takeoff. The F-80 Shooting Star was available, but its thirsty jet engine meant it could only remain over the airfield for a few minutes before having to return to base and no P-51 Mustangs were available.

Fortunately, the 4th and 339th Fighter All Weather Squadrons F(AW)S with their F-82Gs were based in Japan and Okinawa at Misawa and Yokota Airfields, and the 68th F(AW)S was based at Itazuke airfield. With Lt. Col. John F. Sharp in command, 27 F-82Gs of the 35 in the theater answered the call. Arriving in the early morning, they orbited Kimpo Airfield in three flights, each above the other. Suddenly, at 1150 hours, a mixed lot of five North Korean fighters (Soviet-built Yak-9s, Yak-11s and La-7s) appeared, heading for the airfield. One of the Yak-9s immediately scored several hits on 68th F(AW)S pilot Lt. Charles Moran's vertical stabilizer. Moments later, Lt. William G. "Skeeter" Hudson, also of the 68th F(AW)S, initiated a high-G turn to engage the Yak. Soon Hudson was closing in on the Yak's tail. He then fired a short burst at close range, scoring hits with his six .50 caliber machine guns. The Yak banked hard to the right, with the F-82G in close pursuit. A second burst hit the Yak's right wing, setting the gas tank on fire and knocking off the right flap and aileron. The North Korean pilot bailed out, but his observer, who was either dead or badly wounded, remained in the doomed aircraft. Parachuting down to Kimpo Airfield, the North Korean pilot was immediately surrounded by South Korean soldiers. Surprisingly, he pulled out a pistol and began firing at them. The South Korean soldiers returned fire, killing the pilot. Moments later, Lt. Moran shot down an La-7 over the airfield, while a few miles away, Maj. James W. Little, commanding officer of the 339th F(AW)S, shot down another La-7. The C-54 was able to escape safely. Of five North Korean fighters, only two returned to their base. In the process, Lt. William G. "Skeeter" Hudson, with his radar operator Lt. Carl Fraiser had scored the first aerial "kill" of the Korean War.[citation needed]

It is generally believed that the aircraft Hudson and Fraiser flew that day was an F-82G named "Bucket of Bolts" (s/n 46-383), as their usual aircraft was down for repairs. "Bucket of Bolts" would survive the Korean War and eventually be reassigned to escort duty in Alaska. It is believed to have been scrapped at Ladd AFB, Alaska in 1953.

1951 was the last full year of F-82 operations in Korea, as they were gradually replaced by the jet-powered F-94 Starfire. Twin Mustangs destroyed 20 enemy aircraft, four in the air and 16 on the ground during the conflict.[1]

By summer 1952, the last surviving Korean War veteran F-82s were flown to Tachikawa, Japan to be upgraded to F-82H models with the addition of cold weather equipment and additional deicers. Many of these fighters would end up operating with Strategic Air Command from airfields in Alaska where they would serve as escorts for the massive Convair B-36 bombers during long flights over the Arctic, finally fulfilling their original mission as a bomber escort. The F-82 did not disappear from USAF inventory until 1953, when a lack of parts and high airtime made it impossible to keep them flying. Many were ultimately scrapped in Alaska.

[RGAF_JESTER]

this plane had some serious fire power, i think it was 10 50cal machine guns i mean wtf

[Faucon]

Yes it saw fight... in ~1950, not 1945 (or 46).

Depend of point of view. I think it would be better to (continue to) make mods which make the game more realist (rear view mirror, new cockpits, new gunsights, new clouds, ...) than adding again some planes just for fun.

I'm french and it's really boring to see that Oleg added crazy planes like all those Bf109Z, Lerche, Lagg3 RD,etc... but no Dewoitine 520.

[RAF_Magpie]

...Dewoitine 520...

Now THAT would be nice

[Trooper117]

it would be great if we could just stick to WWII stuff...

[Willy]

Depend of point of view. I think it would be better to (continue to) make mods which make the game more realist (rear view mirror, new cockpits, new gunsights, new clouds, ...) than adding again some planes just for fun.

Yes...

I'm french and it's really boring to see that Oleg added crazy planes like all those Bf109Z, Lerche, Lagg3 RD,etc... but no Dewoitine 520.

Yes...

it would be great if we could just stick to WWII stuff...

and Yes again :mrgreen:

[Whizz]

With you there Faucon, the D520 would be a beautiful add-on aircraft for this sim. One of my favourites.

[archie1971]

always preferable to various nonsense winter 1946