Ta154 after the war in UK?
 

Hello,

in the flight log (copy) of Hauptmann Heinz Braun I read that after the war (6.-7. July) he transferred a Ta154 from Flensburg via Eindhoven, Amiens, Cherbourg (bound for shipment to the USA?) to "Bagstead(?), England".

Now I just wonder whether this was indeed a Ta154. A Ta152 would fit much better. Any comments?

Karl

Re: Ta154 after the war in UK?
 

I doubt there would be many, if any, Ta 154s airworthy at war's end.

Re: Ta154 after the war in UK?
 

Hi guys...

According to his book "Testing for Combat", Erich Brown flew an airworthy example at Stade in Germany on a 15 minute restricted test flight in late October 1945. He makes mention that in his opinion there was little point recommending that the Ta154 be shipped back to the RAE. However, according to "War Prizes" by Phil Butler, three dismantled examples found at the Luftpark at Paderborn were selected for shipment to the RAE at Farnborough. It appears that at least one arrived at Farnborough where it was subjected to engineering investigation, resulting in the issue of report EA 262/1. Butler also suggests that is may have received an untraced Air Min number.

Kind regards

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Ta154 after the war in UK?
 

Very interesting information about Erich Brown there, Peter, I wasn't aware of that! It would be interesting if photos of this Ta 154 in British markings(?) would turn up. I don't think I've seen it before!

Re: Ta154 after the war in UK?
 

...as you know yourself, you can never say never Ronnie! I myself only found out about his Ta154 flight recently so you never know what might turn up :)

Cheers,

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Ta154 after the war in UK?
 

I also forgot to mention that War Prizes also says that a single Ta154A night-fighter was received in the US and was listed amongst the exhibits to be shown to the Institute of Aviation Sciences during the Exhibition held at Freeman Field during Sept'45. The aircraft was captured at Lage in slightly damaged condition and was shipped from Cherburg to the US on board SS Richard Gatling in July'45.

Not wishing to hijack this thread, but does anybody have any additional info on this mysterious American example? Also, does anybody know where I could gain access to the RAE engineering investigation Report EA 262/1?

Thanks in advance,

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Ta154 after the war in UK?
 

Very interesting thread. I've never seen any reference, or hint, suggesting a Ta 154 actually arrived in America. However, look in the old Monogram book on "German Interiors" by Merrick, and you will see 3 photos of Ta 154 A-1, W.Nr. 320003, on pages 156-157, captured intact by US troops at Lechfeld; so it's at least possible this one made it to the States.

Hal

Re: Ta154 after the war in UK?
 

I've seen those images too Hal... that is one beautifully camouflaged machine... :)

Cheers

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

Re: Ta154 after the war in UK?
 

Any links to those pics?

Re: Ta154 after the war in UK?
 

There are a series of images (possibly 4 or more) taken of what is captioned in "German Aircraft Interiors 1935-45" as the Ta154A-1, WNr.320003 coded KU+SP which was found by US troops at Lechfeld... and if I remember correctly there are signs that an explosive charge may have been detonated in the cockpit. Anyway, the image below is reproduced from "Wydawnictwo Militaria 110 - Focke-Wulf Ta154 Moskito"

Cheers

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator