10.03.2009, 10:09
The Hawk 75A-7s used in the NEI could carry two 50 kg bombs, one under each wing, like the Dutch Brewsters (B-339C and D). The three .30s + one .50 was armament "as delivered by Curtiss". However, the NEI did not have the facility to make .50 rounds with 100% reliable percussion caps at the time- this could cause misfiring or delayed firing of the round and thus damage to the prop blades, but did have facilities for 100% reliable .30 ammo. The .50 was therefore replaced by a fourth .30 in the NEI, which was how the Hawks saw combat against Japan.
The NEI repeatedly tried to obtain at least one further batch of 28 Hawks, but permission to order them was refused by the US Government- Britain, and later the USSR, had far higher priority for war material. The Hawks saw action over Malaya, Sumatra and Java, but by the time of the Japanese landings on Java only two were left, with totally worn out engines, and they saw no further service.
The NEI repeatedly tried to obtain at least one further batch of 28 Hawks, but permission to order them was refused by the US Government- Britain, and later the USSR, had far higher priority for war material. The Hawks saw action over Malaya, Sumatra and Java, but by the time of the Japanese landings on Java only two were left, with totally worn out engines, and they saw no further service.