FAA Hellcats vs. the Tirpitz

[runeha]

Hi!

Does anyone have pictures showing Hellcats used in the raids against the Tirpitz in Kaafjord (both spring and summer of 1944)? I'm especially interested in the markings on these planes, and whether they were Mk I's or II's (or maybe a mix of both)?

I'm also interested in knowing what differed a FAA Hellcat from a US Hellcat. I've seen FAA machines were the antenna mast was removed leaving only a small stub. I guess these Hellcats used the whip antenna instead? Was this a common configuration?

Any info appreciated

Best regards
Rune
Norway

[Kjetil Aakra]

Well, I have some photos and information on these, but I'd like to refer you to the book section of this forum where you can see more on the book in which such information was recently published!

Regards,

Kjetil

[runeha]

Originally Posted by Kjetil Aakra

Well, I have some photos and information on these, but I'd like to refer you to the book section of this forum where you can see more on the book in which such information was recently published!

Regards,

Kjetil

Aha! The new book about the Tirpitz. Then I'll just have to wait for the book to show up, because I've ordered it already Thanks for reminding me, Kjetil.

Looking forward to read it.

Mvh
Rune Haugen

[runeha]

Hi!

While I'm waiting for the book. How about bomb-carrying FAA Hellcats? What kind of ordonance were used, and what configurations existed on Hellcats used in the ETO?

PS! Still interested in answers on questions in my first post.

Best regards
Rune
Norway

[kolya1]

There was a two-parts article about the various raids on the Tirpitz in the november and december 2003 issues of the French magazine "Avions"...

They mentioned only Hellcats Mk1s which used only guns in April (which they used against AAA positions and the Tirpitz itself), but also 500 lb bombs in August, with which they reportedly got a couple of hits.

There was a (quite bad) photograph of Hellcat on the Emperor, another (better) one of Hellcat about to be catapulted from the same ship, and a Hellcat colour profile, the other photos depicting mostly Wildcats and Barracudas.

Hope this can help.

Kolya.