UPL 19775
IMAGEPhoto caption - "P-38 Lightning Photo Plane Showing K-22 Aerial Camera" This is actually a P-38 'Droop Snoot*' serial # 44-23482, no cameras are fitted to this configuration and the A/C leads a formation of P-38 fighter bombers to the target where the bombardier signals bomb release to the formation. The "Camera" visible is actually a Norden bomb sight for the bombardier. * The 'Droop Snoot' field conversion entailed the removal of the nose armament and associated equipment to make room for a prone bombardiers/observers position with the installation of a plexiglass nose, a Norden bombsight, side windows and an emergency hatch. The theory was for a formation of P-38's to drop their bombs on the formation lead 'Droop snoots' signal with the precision of the Norden bombsight ensuring the accuracy of the formations bombing. An idea championed by Lt Col Cass Hough and Lt Col Dan Ostrander.
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: P-38 Lightning
- Unit: Base Air Depot 3
Locations
- Site type: Airfield