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Re: Loss of Ju 86 2nd July 1943
Yep! I used the word "modified" on purpose. 103 MU stripped down their Spitfire IX by removing the armour plating, rearview mirror, rear gas tank and fuel, G45 camera, Dinghy, radios and mast ... about 1000 lbs. Then they added a four bladed propeller, more effective in thin air.
To guide a radioless pilot, a pointer aircraft with a radio was used by ground control to lead the pilot on the proper vector to about 35000 ft. At this height, the pointer aircraft had to break off and the pilot of the stripped down aircraft hopefully would attain visual contact with the enemy and reach his height.
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