Tojo - Hudson - EXPLORED
The Lockheed Hudson general reconnaissance bomber first flew on 10 December 1938, and was the military version of the Lockheed 14 Super Electra which, in turn, was derived from the Lockheed 10 Electra. Later in 1938, the Hudson was ordered for the RAAF and the first aircraft, A16-1, was received at No 2 Aircraft Depot on 9 February 1940, and the last, A16-247, on 20 May 1942.
By August 1940, Hudsons of Nos 1 and 8 Squadrons had deployed to Malaya and these aircraft made the first RAAF retaliative missions against the Japanese on 8 December 1941. Hudsons continued to strike back during the following months of adversity and wreaked tremendous damage on enemy ships and landing forces. In the Pacific area, Hudsons served with Nos 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 32 and 38 Squadrons, while RAF-serialled Hudsons operated with No 459 RAAF Squadron in the Middle East. With the introduction of Beauforts, the Hudsons were gradually relegated to communication and training duties.
RAAF Hudsons included Mks I, II, III and IV. Mks I and II had different airscrews, and the Mk I carried a spinner. Mk IIIs were fitted with 1200 hp Wright Cyclones, and carried an additional ventral gun and two beam guns; Mk IVs were fitted with 1050 hp Pratt and Whitney Wasps. One all-silver Hudson, A16-142, was conspicuous during the war years, and another, A16-214, was used for airborne lifeboat experiments.
Tojo - Hudson - EXPLORED
The Lockheed Hudson general reconnaissance bomber first flew on 10 December 1938, and was the military version of the Lockheed 14 Super Electra which, in turn, was derived from the Lockheed 10 Electra. Later in 1938, the Hudson was ordered for the RAAF and the first aircraft, A16-1, was received at No 2 Aircraft Depot on 9 February 1940, and the last, A16-247, on 20 May 1942.
By August 1940, Hudsons of Nos 1 and 8 Squadrons had deployed to Malaya and these aircraft made the first RAAF retaliative missions against the Japanese on 8 December 1941. Hudsons continued to strike back during the following months of adversity and wreaked tremendous damage on enemy ships and landing forces. In the Pacific area, Hudsons served with Nos 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 32 and 38 Squadrons, while RAF-serialled Hudsons operated with No 459 RAAF Squadron in the Middle East. With the introduction of Beauforts, the Hudsons were gradually relegated to communication and training duties.
RAAF Hudsons included Mks I, II, III and IV. Mks I and II had different airscrews, and the Mk I carried a spinner. Mk IIIs were fitted with 1200 hp Wright Cyclones, and carried an additional ventral gun and two beam guns; Mk IVs were fitted with 1050 hp Pratt and Whitney Wasps. One all-silver Hudson, A16-142, was conspicuous during the war years, and another, A16-214, was used for airborne lifeboat experiments.