Stripped P-40s v. Dinahs over Australia
 

Could anyone direct me to a source on the unsuccessful attempts by the USAAF to intercept Ki-46 Dinah high-altitude recon flights over Australia with stripped-down P-40s, during 1942-43?

The inability to catch the Dinahs contributed to the deployment of Spitfire Vs.

thanks,
David Isby

Re: Stripped P-40s v. Dinahs over Australia
 

Hello David,

A gentleman named Bob Alford likely has looked into what you are asking for. My last e-mail to him of 12/19/10 went unanswered. He was then in the middle of his latest book project, "Darwin's Air War". His prior e-mail of 11/29/10 spoke of it soon going into print. Contact me off line if you have more interest.

Regards,
Ken Glass

Re: Stripped P-40s v. Dinahs over Australia
 

It would be very hard for 49th Group P-40's whether stripped or not to intercept Army Type 100 HQ recon planes (Ki 46/Dinah) over Darwin since the JAAF 3rd Flying Brigade and its long range recon element (70th Ind Sq) did not deploy to Timor until after the 49th left the area. The navy did not operate this army a/c in the area until well into 1943.

RLD

Re: Stripped P-40s v. Dinahs over Australia
 

And the only 'stripping' down of USAAF P-40's based around Darwin in 1942 was done by Lt. George Kiser, of the 8th Pursuit Squadron, 49th Fighter Group.

Kiser removed his two outboard guns to reduce the weight of his P-40, so as to be able to dogfight better with the Zero's. The general consensus in the Group was that Kiser (known as the Kentucky Gentleman) was as mad as a hatter, as well as the most capable and dangerous pilot of the Group.

Not even Jim Morehead, considered by all to be a hothead and extremely competitive, would try dogfighting Zero's.

Re: Stripped P-40s v. Dinahs over Australia
 

Did Lt. George Kiser managed to manage any air claim with this 'lightened' P-40?

Re: Stripped P-40s v. Dinahs over Australia
 

Kiser made four claims over Darwin.