PV-1 Venturas

[spence]

[FONT=times new roman]Just wanted to mention that at least two squadrons of PV-1 Venturas were left out of the Allied OB in the game: VPB-138 and VPB-126 (?). Anyway the PV-1 was a descendant of the Hudson but considerably larger, faster (up to 300 mph) and more heavily armed (5x .50's in the nose, two in a top turret and 1 in a ventral tunnel position, plus a larger bomb load). Just seems a waste to have F2As formatted into the game when none appear and be missing this particular aircraft. The first USMC night fighter squadron (VMF(N)-531 used this plane and scored 12 kills before switching to F4Us though I am not sure exactly when they arrived in the South Pacific. It was said that these planes could outrun a Zero. [/FONT]

[Raverdave]

Good call.............but what about the Vultee Vengeance?

For those of you who no little about this aircraft have a read of the following:-




A27 Vultee Vengeance
The Vultee V72 dive-bomber was produced at a time when the German Air Force was having marked success with the Junkers JU87, or Stuka, dive-bomber. The American aircraft was first flown in July 1941, and large quantities were immediately ordered as the Vengeance, for the RAF. When the US entered the war, a number of these aircraft were re-possessed and in addition, Australia placed an order for 400. Export versions included Vengeance, Mks I, II, and III (USAAF equivalent A-3l) and Mk IV (USAAF equivalent A-35)
In all, 342 Vengeance Mks I, II and IV, operated with the RAAF under the following serials: A27-1 to A27-99, A27-200 to A27-321, A27-400 to A27-422, A27-500 to A27-549, A27-560 to A27-566 and A27-600 to A27-640. Although the first Vengeance A27-1 was received on May 30 1942, substantial numbers did not arrive until April 1943, by which time the crisis for which they had been ordered, had passed.

RAAF Vengeances operated with Nos 12, 21, 23, 24 and 25 Sqns and, after a somewhat indifferent career, the aircraft were withdrawn from operations following a bombing raid by 36 Vengeances, on March 8 1944, against Rempi village. At the time, 58 Vengeances were still to be delivered and, consequently, this balance from the original order was cancelled.

Vengeances also operated with Nos 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Communication Units, while others were used in the target-towing role and for experiments at No 1 APU. Vengeance flying ceased in 1946, and all aircraft were disposed of by 1951.

TECHNICAL DATA:
(Vultee Vengeance Mk IV (A-35B)

DESCRIPTION: Two-seat dive-bomber. All metal stressed-skin construction.

POWER PLANT: One 1,700 hp Wright Double Row Cyclone radial.

DIMENSIONS: Span, 48 ft; length, 40 ft; height, 15 ft 4 ins.

WEIGHTS: Empty, 10,300 lb; loaded, 16,400 lb.

PERFORMANCE: Max speed, 279 mph at 13,500 ft. Cruising speed, 230 mph. Service ceiling, 22,300 ft.

ARMAMENT: Four 0.303 or 0.50 guns in wing, and twin 0.303 or 0.50 guns in rear cockpit. Bomb load, 2,000 lb.

[jcjordan]

Also the C46 Commando did some duty in the SWPAC. Maybe finally get to transfer guns & engineer tractors which the C47 can't/won't in the game.