|
Allied and Soviet Air Forces Please use this forum to discuss the Air Forces of the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Tall RAF pilots?
Bob Jones (rest his soul), told me many years ago, that the reason early production Spitfire I machines changed from "flat" to "blown" canopies later in the series is that university reserve pilots training were taller than earlier regular pilots.
Any truth to this? |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Tall RAF pilots?
Maybe this is a more generalised description of a relaxation in the height percentiles given the need to accept more and more pilots? Just a suggestion, not informed in any way. I'd have thought that the prewar university reserve pilots would be coming from much the same social strata as the regulars, and the better fed/fitter strata anyway.
However, it's not something I've seen mentioned anywhere else, and given the low profile a more general need for head room would seem sufficient. |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Re: Tall RAF pilots?
Bulged canopy not because the Oxbridge types were that tall, rather big-headed.
In August 1938, K9789 & K9792 were alloctad to 19 & 66 Sq for operational trials. among the complaints inadequate starter, engine leaking oil, u/c pumping and low cockpit canopy (yes, because of taller pilots hitting their head). On 4 May 1939 there was a Press Day at Duxford and there is some pics of a row of 19 Sq Spitfires WZ° (no Sq letter) bulged canopy with unpainted frame WZ°C low canopy WZ°(I or L) bulged canopy WZ°(H or U) bulged canopy At this date UAS were probably flying open-cockpit aircrafts and their members were called-up for active service not earlier than September 1939. |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Friendly fire WWII | Brian | Allied and Soviet Air Forces | 803 | 8th July 2023 15:47 |
RAF and RAAF ORBs available on the Web | Laurent Rizzotti | Allied and Soviet Air Forces | 43 | 23rd October 2015 14:46 |
Operation Jubilee aircrew list | Steve49 | Allied and Soviet Air Forces | 39 | 12th December 2010 22:00 |
German claims and Allied losses May 1940 | Laurent Rizzotti | Allied and Soviet Air Forces | 2 | 19th May 2010 11:13 |
V-1 bombs shot down by U.S. Air Force | strafer | Allied and Soviet Air Forces | 12 | 3rd April 2010 03:31 |