Me-163 being loaded onto USAAF transport plane

[edwest]

What? They couldn't put it on a boat?


http://www.ebay.com/itm/WW2-Captured...item3f1f8c3423




Usual disclaimer,
Ed

[PhilippeDM]

Thanks Ed, for your unbeatable input!

Strange picture indeed. I was'nt aware that C46 were in use in Europe. Could it be a transfert flight somewhere in the states?

Best Regards,

Philippe

[DavidIsby]

1. Lots of C-46s in Europe 44-45, flown by Air Transport Command, Transport Groups and Troop Carrier Groups (used them in the Rhine drop -- big mistake -- and lifted British 1st Airborne Division to Norway 5/45).

2. What appears to be a US hangar in the background suggests a stateside location, as well as the lack of tactical/unit markings/codes on the C-46D.

3. No clue from the C-46 history in: A.B. Eastwood, Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando, v.2, LAAS, n.d. [1971], n.p. [London], p. 18.

[edwest]

You're welcome, Philippe.


David, I'm totally unfamiliar with cargo aircraft markings. But, if the tail codes are like those used on B-17s during the war, for example, the first two digits are 47 so perhaps this is a 1947 built bird? And this is a transfer flight in the States?




Best,
Ed

[edNorth]

Thanks Ed,
seems this be Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando 44-77588 (?)
(so built late 44/early 45)

Wonder if they used shuehorn to get it in ... or off. :-)

regards
ed

[RolandF]

self-censorship

[edwest]

Originally Posted by RolandF

Now everybody should know why the Komet is shaped like a suppository...

Roland

Ah yes. Of course. We need more statements like this.



Ed

[John Beaman]

Originally Posted by edwest

Ah yes. Of course. We need more statements like this.



Ed

Now, now, Ed. A little humor goes a long way.

Actually, I was also wondering how they got the thing into the C-46? Looks like a very sharp left turn!

[udf_00]

Crafty Kraftei :
http://www.indianamilitary.org/Freem...KOMET/0495.htm

[udf_00]

Hangar at Brandis nowadays :
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/11461043