1948 “Fighter Squardon” Movie Gun Camera Footage 3

[Rob Romero]

Another Gun Camera discussion from the 1948 COLOR WWII flick “Fighter Squadron” which as stated previously has some great color footage of Air National Guard P-47s and P-51s (the Mustangs as Bf-109G stand ins). Some of the P-47N take-off, landing, formation, and belly tank drop footage is remarkable. The gun camera footage is preserved in a slightly higher quality from what is usually found online and may thus reveal new details.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Il1JH5ujIk&t=896s

The clip at 49:36 shows something which may be UNIQUE IN GUN CAMERA FOOTAGE HISTORY. What appears to be an Imperial Japanese Army Ki-43 Hayabusa is shot to flames from point blank range. What I describe may reflect torn aircraft skin flapping in the wind HOWEVER, I rather strongly suspect it shows the left arm of the startled pilot (who had been cruising with the canopy open) reacting to getting shot. The motion does not appear to be in anticipation of bailing out (which would require manipulation inside the cockpit -not outside). Reactions welcome.

[Broncazonk]

Starting at 49:29: a Fw-190 A (w/ drop tank) is flying straight and level (and getting shot to pieces) with three (3) other aircraft in the far background.

By 49:33 another aircraft (fighter) appears much lower in altitude, (but on the same course) as the other three.

1) Are we seeing the last of five (5) Fw-190s (Tailend Charlie) being engaged?

2) That is a very small centerline drop tank on that unfortunate 190, no?

At 49:36-37, I'm seeing fabric, not an arm.

Thanks Nick!

Bronc

[Rob Romero]

49:29 -Tail End Charlie in a ragged Fw-190A formation -the highest percentage of actual -rather than claimed- air kills. Typical rather than unusual. The rule rather than the exception.