He111H-8 balloon cable-cutter

[obdl3945]

Hi, David...

Thanks again for your contribution. Were they actually cable-cutters used by these units, and if so, do you have aircraft codes/colour schemes/insignia to go with them, perhaps?

Would there be any chance you could provide me with a copy of the Airfix magazine article, please? If so, I'll drop you a PM with my e-mail address. Would be much appreciated.

Regards...

Paul

Originally Posted by David Ransome

Hi Paul,

The H-8s were upgraded H-5s, as well as the ability to carry the cable cutter they had a lot of extra armour plating and the ETC mountings under the fuselage, as well as other less noticeable changes. 50 were ordered but only 30 produced. I have H-8s used by III./KG4, II./KG27 and KG55 - nothing on KG54 at present!

From comments made to me the balloon cutter worked very well but reduced the airspeed quite dramatically and altered the forward pitch and overall manouevrability making the aircraft an easier target, thus the increased armour. All of the cutter devices were eventually removed, many of the remaining aircraft were later used for towing purposes (H-8/R2).

I still have the Airfix mag with the article you mention!

Regards,

David