“Category E-D-C-B-A” Damage?

[Rob Romero]

Are there any Set Definitions of the various Categories of Damage used by the USAAF in WWII?

-Are their known instances where an aircraft which received damage other than “Category E” were relegated to scrap yard, or else became a permanent ‘Hangar Queen’ (a source for spare parts for serviceable aircraft). If so, is there a sense of how prevalent this might have been?

-Conversely, are there any known instances of an aircraft assessed at “Category E” damage (or beyond economical repair) were eventually repaired and put back into service?

Thanks,

Rob Romero

[BIGVERN1966]

Originally Posted by Rob Romero

Are there any Set Definitions of the various Categories of Damage used by the USAAF in WWII?

-Are their known instances where an aircraft which received damage other than “Category E” were relegated to scrap yard, or else became a permanent ‘Hangar Queen’ (a source for spare parts for serviceable aircraft). If so, is there a sense of how prevalent this might have been?

-Conversely, are there any known instances of an aircraft assessed at “Category E” damage (or beyond economical repair) were eventually repaired and put back into service?

Thanks,

Rob Romero

I don't know if the USAAF system in WWII was the same as the RAF one used then (and still is today using Cat 1-5), however the RAF system worked in the following way:

Cat A (1) - Damage repairable on unit by Squadron personnel.
Cat B (2) - Damage repairable on unit by Station workshop personnel.
Cat C (3) - Damage repairable on unit by RAF specialist team / Manufacturers personnel or at RAF Maintenance unit.
Cat D (4) - Damage repairable at Manufacturers works only
Cat E (5) - Damaged beyond economical repair.