Hi Folks, Mainly directed towards Peter, but if anyone else can help please. I'm trying to evidence Coastal Command (CC) Liberator GR III-V's aircraft fitted with ventral (belly} retractable radomes. Now I know that the GRVI-VIII's were fitted with these, but I've only got some minor evidence that the earlier models was fitted with this type of radar. There are quite a few photos of III-V's without apparent radar. Which could mean three things, no radar fitted(!), wartime censorship of aerials and SE, or some are fitted with ventral radar but in a landed configuration is obviously retracted and therefore cannot be seen. There is anecdotal evidence that Jan Irving of 311 Sqn (Czech), with a colour plate, which points towards a GRV with this configuration (see below). I know there are great changes in the Liberator and it's equipment from '41 to '45. it's an absolute minefield of trials, improvements and upgrades. If anyone who's interested in the CC, has not read Robert Stitt's Boeing B17 Fortress in RAF CC service, then go get it. Excellent book, and I wish he would do the same for the B24 in CC service, it would be much more involved than the B17, as the subject is so diverse. Thanks Cheers Mark
Hello Mark, The attachment is of Liberator GR.V BZ880 just about showing its radome lowered, sorry but at the moment I can't find a clearer photo of a GR.V with retractable dome. The GR.V was a development of the B-24D / MkIII with centimetric ASV radar the scanner was mounted either under the nose in a 'Dumbo' fairing or in a rotating retractable unit under the fuselage aft of the bomb-bays. I believe the majority of GR.Vs had the 'Dumbo' nose fairing. Liberator GR.V BZ880 ex 42-63921 Delivered Dorval 14 August 1943 Dorval - Gander 21 August 1943 Gander - Prestwick 21-22 August 1943 To Scottish Aviation Ltd 22 August 1943 To 86 Squadron 20 September 1943 To 311 Squadron 11 November 1943 To Scottish Aviation Ltd 7 January 1944 for Leigh Light modification To 1674 HCU 31 January 1944 (At the time the photo was taken) Overshot landing at Aldergrove and undercarriage collapsed 22 May 1945
Hello Peter, Many thanks for the reply and info. Good photo, and good to see hard evidence of a GR V with ventral radome. A couple of interesting things about BZ880, you can see it has the /G - guard suffix to the serial number. I wonder why it is has the /G - guard? Did it have it added when it was fitted with the later mark of radar in the ventral radome? It's unlikely it had it added when the Leigh light was fitted, although not impossible. Also I find it odd that this ac was transfered to an HCU and not an OTU? With all the kit fitted (radar/Leigh light), more likely for operational training than conversion to 4 engined type? This ac was 'J' whilst with 311. Also would you agree that this has a two colour camouflage scheme on top, rather than the all grey scheme? Regards Mark
Hello Mark, No idea why the aircraft carries the 'G' it could be for many reasons. As for the camouflage scheme, if the aircraft was still attached to Coastal then the scheme would be upper surfaces Extra Dark Grey, under surfaces, including Fins, Rudders and Spinners would be Glossy White. Hope this is a help. Regards Peter.