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- - USAAF chemical tanks (http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=8455)

Yves Marino

18th April 2007 19:18

USAAF chemical tanks

Hi everybody!
Can somebody help me with any information about the so called “chemical tanks” used by the USAAF during WW II. They could be carried on modified underwing bomb racks. Were they some type of chemical weapon or is this a common description for napalm-tanks? :rolleyes:

Graham Boak

18th April 2007 22:39

Re: USAAF chemical tanks

Possibly DDT sprayers. These were carried by T-6s in Korea, and other aircraft at other times.

Yves Marino

18th April 2007 23:22

Re: USAAF chemical tanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham Boak (Post 41562)

Possibly DDT sprayers. These were carried by T-6s in Korea, and other aircraft at other times.

Thanks Graham!
I found a note about the modified bomb racks to carry chemical tanks in the production data of one of the last B-25 blocks (-25), built in 1945.
DDT was used to combat insects, not against the enemy.
Or am I wrong?

Graham Boak

19th April 2007 00:20

Re: USAAF chemical tanks

There was considerable effort put into DDT spraying on the India-Burma front, I believe, to reduce the incidence of malaria, although I don't recall seeing any photos. I have seen a photo of a Fw 58 fitted with similar devices, though presumably not DDT in this case.

However, yet another possibility is smoke generators, as were carried by RAF Bostons in their bombbays.

Yves Marino

19th April 2007 06:01

Re: USAAF chemical tanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham Boak (Post 41565)

However, yet another possibility is smoke generators, as were carried by RAF Bostons in their bombbays.

Hi Graham!
Smoke generators were carried on the standard wing bomb racks of B-25, also by earlier models than B-25J-25, what is mentioned to be the first block with modificated racks for "chemical tanks".
I've found this photo of a chemical tank from the same period (not used on B-25!), which was strictly for use with chemical weapons, not for pesticides or napalm (as per my expectations).
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-6/1188196/VAP-6.jpg

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