when landing on airfields with control towers, fire departments, emergency rescue crews... and with problems so bad that the pilot and crew were prepared to crash or need the fire dept... the flare was used to alert the field to clear off, be ready for the worst. Sure the planes had radio, but these warbirds were only flying to engage in war, and often returned or landed anywhere possible, after getting strafed, shot up, and chewed up. Many times the hydraulics, brakes, and other systems would not function on the return flight. Of course, in radio silence ops, a flare would be used for signalling the allied planes to commence bombing, or other possible things. Flares are quite useful. As a fact, submarines have 3" flare tubes also.
Jesse, This is really great stuff. I love WWII war birds. Don't know if you took the picture, but if so, great work. Thanks so much and keep it coming on all things motor.
OF course I took the photos! You seem to mean a particular one, I'm guessing the first of this gallery, as the rest are lousy due to lighting. You're welcome... the more I find and learn of the more I get to enjoy, photograph, and post! If I were only rich and able to travel, there'd be nothing to compare to the content I'd post. Having to work to pay the bills, and not afford to travel past a 6 hour drive, really limits the stuff I can see and do. Hell, a guy can dream I suppose
Do you know what the flare gun is for?
ReplyDeletewhen landing on airfields with control towers, fire departments, emergency rescue crews... and with problems so bad that the pilot and crew were prepared to crash or need the fire dept... the flare was used to alert the field to clear off, be ready for the worst. Sure the planes had radio, but these warbirds were only flying to engage in war, and often returned or landed anywhere possible, after getting strafed, shot up, and chewed up. Many times the hydraulics, brakes, and other systems would not function on the return flight. Of course, in radio silence ops, a flare would be used for signalling the allied planes to commence bombing, or other possible things. Flares are quite useful. As a fact, submarines have 3" flare tubes also.
DeleteJesse, This is really great stuff. I love WWII war birds. Don't know if you took the picture, but if so, great work. Thanks so much and keep it coming on all things motor.
ReplyDeleteOF course I took the photos! You seem to mean a particular one, I'm guessing the first of this gallery, as the rest are lousy due to lighting. You're welcome... the more I find and learn of the more I get to enjoy, photograph, and post! If I were only rich and able to travel, there'd be nothing to compare to the content I'd post. Having to work to pay the bills, and not afford to travel past a 6 hour drive, really limits the stuff I can see and do. Hell, a guy can dream I suppose
Delete