« Elizabeth Warren still fakes left, but she seems to know her limitations. | Main | Thomas Friedman is a wellspring of ignorance that never stops flowing. »

October 22, 2014

Stuka

divingstuk.jpg

We approached our target at an altitude of 5000 meters,
extended the hydraulic speed brakes shortly before the target, then making the target move into the bottom window in the cockpit below our feet. When it disappeared at the back edge, we turned the plane down at a dive angle of 70 degrees. With the gas shut off, the plane quickly gained speed by its own weight, whilst the diving brakes kept it at a steady pace of 450 kms/hr. We aimed through a reflector sight keeping the whole plane in the center of the target and allowing for velocity and direction of the wind, with the aid of the right lead angles. A continuously adjustable red marking arrow was mounted on the altimeter, set to local altitude above mean sea level, whereby the required bomb releasing altitude could be set. When passing that altitude in the dive, a loud and clear horn signal was sounded, warning the pilot to press the bomb releasing button on the control stick and to pull out the plane.
-- Memories of a Stuka Pilot

Posted by gerardvanderleun at October 22, 2014 8:21 AM. This is an entry on the sideblog of American Digest: Check it out.

Your Say

I was born 50 years too late.

Posted by: ghostsniper [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 22, 2014 1:02 PM

The A10 of it's day. Ugly, slow and deadly in veteran hands.

Anyone know how far along Barry's plans have gone in decommissioning the A10?

Posted by: Onthenorthriver [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 22, 2014 1:19 PM

The sooner the better, otherwise you may have to learn how to shoot them down in the near future.
Lead time hint: 1 hand width per 100 mph.

Posted by: ghostsniper [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 22, 2014 5:12 PM

Post a comment




Remember Me?

(you may use HTML tags for style)