Placing the Bell P39 Aircobra.

[Franek Grabowski]

I do not know what Churchill tank has to Airacobra, but there is no doubt that licence production was not possible in the UK for technical reasons. The aircraft is overestimated and Soviet data clearly show it was no surgical hit and run aircraft. Apart of that one must have in mind that British industry was not that very modern and it was not capable to build aircraft in demanded quantities, so RAF relied on large part on US deliveries.

[tcolvin]

Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski

I do not know what Churchill tank has to Airacobra, but there is no doubt that licence production was not possible in the UK for technical reasons. The aircraft is overestimated and Soviet data clearly show it was no surgical hit and run aircraft. Apart of that one must have in mind that British industry was not that very modern and it was not capable to build aircraft in demanded quantities, so RAF relied on large part on US deliveries.

I seem to remember hearing that Beaverbrook and Stalin discussed an IL-2 production licence during a Kremlin dinner in October 1941. Do you know about that?

In any case, why did the Russians, and particular Stalin, have such faith in the aircraft? And weren't most of them destroyed by LW fighters rather than Flak?

[Franek Grabowski]

Originally Posted by tcolvin

I seem to remember hearing that Beaverbrook and Stalin discussed an IL-2 production licence during a Kremlin dinner in October 1941. Do you know about that?

No, I have not heard about it. Any source?
It does not change the fact it was virtually impossible to quickly put it into series, if only because of metric system. Otherwise, Beaverbrook as a politician and journalist had several very bright ideas which were pure nonsense. Otherwise British aircraft production output had little to his work.

In any case, why did the Russians, and particular Stalin, have such faith in the aircraft? And weren't most of them destroyed by LW fighters rather than Flak?

You should read my article. Also, would you be so kind to read loss data I have provided in one of your threads?

[tcolvin]

Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski

No, I have not heard about it. Any source?
It does not change the fact it was virtually impossible to quickly put it into series, if only because of metric system. Otherwise, Beaverbrook as a politician and journalist had several very bright ideas which were pure nonsense. Otherwise British aircraft production output had little to his work.

You should read my article. Also, would you be so kind to read loss data I have provided in one of your threads?

Franek.

a) Where can I find your article? I will go back to your loss data. Sorry.

b) I can't remember the source, but it sounds likely because;
Beaverbrook and Stalin had a lot in common;
- neither believed strategic air power could win wars
- both bought from Vultee; Stalin bought a fighter production plant from the Vultee Aircraft Division of Aviation Manufacturing Corporation of Downey, California which was built in Moscow in 1937-38. Beaverbrook bought the Vengeance in 1940
- Beaverbrook was looking for sources of supply for aircraft
- Beaverbrook was also a great campaigner for a 'second front now' to help 'Uncle Joe'. You know Beaverbrook had responsibility for all British aircraft production?
In fact on second thoughts I would say it's almost certain IL-2 production under license was discussed. That was after all one of the reasons Beaverbrook was there with Averill Harriman.

Tony