Bomber Pilots Fly Both B-17 & P-51

[cadetat6]

THE EXPERIMENT



General Doolittle liked the idea and, based on availability of the only aircraft capable of making it all the way to the targets with the bombers, the mighty P-51 Mustang, authorized Budd Peaslee to test the idea. In June 1944, supported by the 355th Fighter Group, the Scouting Force(Experimental) was formed at Steeple Morden, England. Budd arrived with 8 bomber pilots who had completed their combat missions. The 355th furnished 12 aircraft, Crew Chiefs and Assistants, quarters and all logistics support needed by the Scouts.

cadetat6

[b3196]

7 years ago the Aluminum Overcast, A restored B-17 which is part of the Confederate Air Force, was in Indianapolis to do a flyover for the Ind 500. I spent the day with the crew of which we spent most of the time just flying around doing test runs. The pilot actually let me take the controls which was too cool
Bob K

[Jerry D]

I always wanted to fly in the Nose Gunners position on the B17 A great aircraft !

[urbsdad6]

P51-D Mustang of which I built the Monogram model kit in 1961 called the "Phantom Mustang"(it was see through with working electric landing gear and prop and mechanical bomb release) has always been my favorite. Watching video of the Nevada Air Races and hearing the roar of that powerful Merlin engine is a huge rush. Would like to get there someday.


Doc Urb