German Pilots and captured Allied Aircraft query

[NUPPOL]

What did Gemran Pilots think of flying advantages/disadvantges of following Allied Aircraft?
B-17
B-24
P-38
P-47
P-51

[Flitzer]

Read the reviews of a book by a German test pilot that flew them all, better yet get the book.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...bestbookbuys00

[WEISNER]

I will say this is a very good book, I have read it and plan to re read it during down time between new releases that interest me. can be found on Abe books also at times for good price...
Kevin

[George Hopp]

Heinz Knoke (JG 1/11) liked the B-24 because it caught fire more easily than the B-17.

[WEISNER]

Great point Felix, I would say MOST pilots agreed with Knoke.....fewer shots fired, Bigger Bang and fire resulting!!!! Also due to the difficulty of keeping the B-24 flying tight in a combat box, the formations were looser and easier targets.
Kev

[John Beaman]

Originally Posted by George Hopp

Heinz Knoke (JG 1/11) liked the B-24 because it caught fire more easily than the B-17.

Hi George:

One reason the B-24 caught fire more easily than the B-17 was the incredibly complex, fuel transfer system between tanks. This resulted in most a/c having a lot of gasoline (petrol) fumes in the bomb bay and other areas. Fume and hot bullets do not mix!

[George Hopp]

Thank you both, Kevin and John, for your excellent comments. I know it wasn't a comment on the flying of the a/c, but it was a comment of how at least one German pilot perceived one American a/c.

And, yes, until the B-24 got servo tabs on the ailerons, the pilots of a B-24 were always easily spotted because they had arms like Arnie Schwarzenegger to move those ailerons, because the Davis wing was so very stable. And, a good reason for the B-24 combat formations being looser.

[Kapper]

Hi all,

I've just read Gunther Rall's book "MyLogbook". He states that in late 1944 while commander of the Unit Leaders school, the unit was co-located with "Zirkus Rosarius" that flies exclusively captured allied aircraft. He got to fly the P-51, P-47, P-38 and Spitfire making a few interesting comments and comparisons to German Aircraft (page 214-215).

He described it as a visit to Aladin's cave, It's worth a read.

Regards,

Craig...