Special Aircraft Service

the SAS Hangar => The Lounge => Topic started by: Captain Dawson on October 25, 2016, 09:40:44 AM

Title: An interesting A-20 modification
Post by: Captain Dawson on October 25, 2016, 09:40:44 AM

Hello chaps!

I came across this pic while looking for images of A-20s.

(https://s18.postimg.cc/5hb8cs4y1/hevok_mk_ii_douglas_a_20.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/vcuyvz6rp/)

This A-20 appears to have a large spotlight fitted on the nose! Is this perhaps a P-70 nightfighter variant, though officially it was never used by the British? I've got my own thoughts, but just out of curiosity, does anyone know what the purpose of this configuration was, and how it was used? Are the night Hurricanes just there to escort the A-20, or are they a part of the plan?  ;)

Title: Re: An interesting A-20 modification
Post by: SAS~GJE52 on October 25, 2016, 09:46:35 AM

Quote

   The unarmed Havoc Turbinlite was intended to find the enemy bomber using its RDF equipment and then use the Turbinlite to illuminate the target for the accompanying Hurricanes to find and shoot down.   

(http://www.wardrawings.be/WW2/Images/2-Airplanes/Allies/3-UK/01-Fighters/Douglas-HavocMk2-Turbinlite/p1.jpg)(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Douglas_Havoc_II_Turbinlite_1459_Flight_RAF_c1942.jpg)

Title: Re: An interesting A-20 modification
Post by: western0221 on October 25, 2016, 09:47:34 AM

I see at the first time about your post.

I search and find it was "Turbinlite".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbinlite

Title: Re: An interesting A-20 modification
Post by: Captain Dawson on October 25, 2016, 09:56:13 AM

Quote

The Helmore/GEC Turbinlite was a 2,700 million candela (2.7 Gcd) searchlight fitted in the nose of a number of British Douglas Havoc night fighters during the early part of the Second World War and around the time of The Blitz. The Havoc was guided to enemy aircraft by ground radar and its own radar. The searchlight would then be used to illuminate attacking enemy bombers for defending fighters accompanying the Havoc to shoot down... ...The Turbinlite was later considered in the search for a method of illuminating surfaced enemy U-boats at night, but lost out to the competing Leigh light.

-Wikipedia

Quite interesting! Thank both Western and GJE52 for sharing these links!

From GJE52's pic:

Quote

Heavy Night Fighter

Wonder why it's considered a fighter, when the guns had to be removed?

Title: Re: An interesting A-20 modification
Post by: Captain Dawson on October 25, 2016, 09:57:19 AM

Equipped with both radar, and a huge spotlight, this A-20 could be a serious help to fighters in shooting down enemy bombers. Now you know what I will ask next.  :D

Can we have mod of this? ;D

Title: Re: An interesting A-20 modification
Post by: max_thehitman on October 25, 2016, 12:05:21 PM

Very interesting. Never heard of such an A-20 airplane.

I remember seeing another mod many years ago which also had this spotlight thing
in its nose. I cannot remember which airplane at this moment, but I think it might have been
a  Mosquito.

Title: Re: An interesting A-20 modification
Post by: Captain Dawson on October 25, 2016, 12:48:00 PM

Quote from: max_thehitman on October 25, 2016, 12:05:21 PM

Very interesting. Never heard of such an A-20 airplane.

I remember seeing another mod many years ago which also had this spotlight thing
in its nose. I cannot remember which airplane at this moment, but I think it might have been
a  Mosquito.

Cool! I will look for it.  ;)

Title: Re: An interesting A-20 modification
Post by: Gaston on October 25, 2016, 01:58:41 PM

There is such a light for a helicopter, the Bell 47, I think... but lateral... see here : https://www.sas1946.com/main/index.php/topic,30336.0.html (https://www.sas1946.com/main/index.php/topic,30336.0.html)