tumblingmirth

My father flew this aircraft before Ginger showed up and had it painted as a bounce fighter.

Graham, I do believe you've brought me around to your way of viewing this as I have enjoyed researching some Soviet designs. Their ubiquitous wing design was indeed homegrown. Certain new aerodynamic concepts were shared/copied by all nations' engineers, so it was unfair of me to single out the Soviets. I'll keep reading up on Soviet engine development. Good discussion. It forces me to shift some of my paradigms. Cheers.

Thanks for the suggested reading, Graham. I'll need to catch up on Soviet aircraft engineers and the Soviet engine developments. Ref timeline, the D.550 first flew on 23 June 1939, MiG-1 first flew Apr 1940. The D.551, military derrivative of the D.550, was ordered in Dec '39 and the first 3 were ready for test flights in June 1940 when France capitulated. Ref the strive for speed through aerodynamics, I've been trying to research the airfoil used on the D.550 / D.551, to no avail. It was clearly a thinner airfoil than the D.520 at 20% t/c ratio. The MiG-1 was 14% I believe and in keeping with lessons learned by Supermarine, Macchi, NACA & German aircraft designers. The Mig-3 (and I believe the MiG-1) also used the british Meredith effect with a buried radiator. From what I can tell, the D.550/551 did not. It was a fascinating time of innovation.

True enough on all counts. Soviets were emerging from their own technological dark ages and, IAW their philosophy, they "borrowed" western technology and let their own bright engineers adapt it to their needs and limitations. A fascinating history.

Jason, Construction was different certainly, however the aerodynamic concepts and configurations were stikingly similar.

Construction was different certainly, however the aerodynamic concepts and configurations were stikingly similar.

Good to meet you Dennis. Chicago's Butch O'Hare is one of my favorite Navy pilots.

Thanks for the welcome. It's interesting that you, as a Soviet fighter pundit, showed up now as I was just researching the similarities between the French Dewoitine D.550 and the MiG-1.

G'day Chris. I'm ex-military, so I'm from all over but Alberta is where my heart is. Will be moving back there soon.

Hello all. I used to build models decades ago. Life got in the way, but so did flying and working on my own aircraft. Now it's time to get back to models. There are some obvious experts on here regarding not just models but also the technical details of the real machines. I look fwd to the discussions.

I like your perspective (ref aces). I'll have to research your book as I've not read that one. Sadly, Malta was full of neophyte pilots, especially 605 Sqn. Skill decay added to their misfortune by not being allowed to fly until Jan '42, then not having enough aircraft to fly. When they did get into the air, the Hurricanes were seriously outclassed, but you know all that already. Yes, the old man flew off the Argus in Nov as well. Thanks for your ongoing great efforts to keep their memories alive.

Great work Tony, I'm curious as to why you chose this Sqn and this particular Hurricane UP-V. It isn't really associated with any one pilot. During those dark days of early 1942, few aircraft were serviceable and pilots from a variety of squadrons took turns on whichever fighter was available. My father flew BG753 in Feb '42. Best Regards Tumblin'