View allAll Photos Tagged cnaf
PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 21, 2024) – A U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk, assigned to the "Sea Hawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41, hovers over Peruvian Navy submarine, BAP Pisagua (SS 33), during a hoisting exercise off the coast of San Diego as part of a Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) exercise Oct. 21, 2024. The DESI program was established in 2001 by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and partners with South American submarine-operating navies as they participate in fleet readiness exercises. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Keenan Daniels)
SAN DIEGO (Aug. 16, 2021) An MH-60R assigned to the “Seahawks'' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 flies over a Chilean Navy Scorpene-class submarine during Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative Hoist Exercise 2021 (DESI HOISTEX). DESI is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen partnerships and enhance capabilities among partner nations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea D. Meiller)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 24, 2021) A CMV-22B Osprey from the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, carrying Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Naval Air Forces, approaches Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Vinson is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. Third Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd class Erin Zorich/Released)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 21, 2024) – A U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk, assigned to the "Sea Hawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41, hovers over Peruvian Navy submarine, BAP Pisagua (SS 33), during a hoisting exercise off the coast of San Diego as part of a Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) exercise Oct. 21, 2024. The DESI program was established in 2001 by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and partners with South American submarine-operating navies as they participate in fleet readiness exercises. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Keenan Daniels)
NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2023) A C-2A "Greyhound," assigned to the “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 performs a flyover as part of VRC-30’s final flight. VRC-30 began flying the C-2A "Greyhound" in 1981 and continued to use the aircraft for carrier onboard delivery (COD) to transport passengers, equipment, gear and supplies around the fleet for 42 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Keenan Daniels)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 21, 2024) – A U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk, assigned to the "Sea Hawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41, hovers over Peruvian Navy submarine, BAP Pisagua (SS 33), during a hoisting exercise off the coast of San Diego as part of a Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) exercise Oct. 21, 2024. The DESI program was established in 2001 by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and partners with South American submarine-operating navies as they participate in fleet readiness exercises. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Keenan Daniels)
From back, Navy Aviation Warfare Systems Operators Chief Jay Okonek and 1st Class Petty Officer Jason Blase, aircrew men from the "Merlins" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, help guide pilots as they fill a 360-gallon capacity precision helicopter firefighting Bambi bucket to help extinguish fires near Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu's base housing. Three helicopters from San Diego-based HSC 3 and HSC 21 are providing firefighting support in response to wildfires at NBVC. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 Public Affairs Officer supporting Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs/RELEASED.)
Commander U.S. THIRD Fleet, Public Affairs Office
Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Fahey
Date Taken:05.03.2013
Location:NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, CA, US
Read more: www.dvidshub.net/image/923293/naval-base-ventura-county-p...
SAN DIEGO (Aug. 16, 2021) An MH-60R assigned to the “Seahawks'' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 flies over a Chilean Navy Scorpene-class submarine during Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative Hoist Exercise 2021 (DESI HOISTEX). DESI is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen partnerships and enhance capabilities among partner nations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sara Eshleman)
SAN DIEGO (Aug. 16, 2021) An MH-60R assigned to the “Seahawks'' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 flies over a Chilean Navy Scorpene-class submarine during Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative Hoist Exercise 2021 (DESI HOISTEX). DESI is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen partnerships and enhance capabilities among partner nations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sara Eshleman)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 21, 2024) – A U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk, assigned to the "Sea Hawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41, hovers beside a Peruvian Navy submarine, BAP Pisagua (SS 33), during a hoisting exercise off the coast of San Diego as part of a Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) exercise Oct. 21, 2024. The DESI program was established in 2001 by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and partners with South American submarine-operating navies as they participate in fleet readiness exercises. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Keenan Daniels)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 24, 2021) A CMV-22B Osprey from the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, carrying Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Naval Air Forces, approaches the flight deck of Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Vinson is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. Third Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd class Erin Zorich/Released)
SAN DIEGO (Aug. 16, 2021) An MH-60R assigned to the “Seahawks'' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 flies over a Chilean Navy Scorpene-class submarine during Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative Hoist Exercise 2021 (DESI HOISTEX). DESI is a multinational exercise designed to strengthen partnerships and enhance capabilities among partner nations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea D. Meiller)
Line up of freighters at Birmingham-BHX, 18/01/17.
From the front:
D-CNAF Swearingen SA.227AC Metro III of Bin Air.
EC-JCV Swearingen SA.226AT Merlin IVA of Flightline.
SP-SPC Aerospatiale ATR 72-202 of Sprint Air.
Brig. Gen. Scott Pleus, 56th Fighter Wing commander, flew the wing’s flagship F-35 strike fighter from Lockheed Martin’s Forth Worth, Texas, facility to Luke AFB, Arizona, on April 28.
The aircraft, tail number 5056, with the last two numbers representing the wing, was the base’s 22nd F-35, according to a release. "The flagship's arrival is significant for Luke because it serves as a sign of our identity in who we are and what we're here to do," Pleus said. In May, the wing will “officially change our mission to training the world's best F-35 and F-16 pilots while deploying mission-ready warfighters,” he added. “This jet represents the fact that we prepare airmen to defend our country around the world wherever we're called." Luke will receive a total of 144 F-35s comprising six squadrons by 2024. Of the 22 aircraft already assigned to the base, two are from the Royal Australian Air Force. All are assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron. The 62nd Fighter Squadron, the base’s second F-35 squadron, will stand up in June and begin flying in September. It will host pilots from Norway and Italy.
PACIFIC OCEAN (June 27, 2020) - A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft assigned to the Tridents of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 flies over the Pacific Ocean, June 27, 2020. VP-26 is deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Langholf) 200627-N-FA490-2142
** Interested in following U.S. Indo-Pacific Command? Engage and connect with us at www.facebook.com/indopacom | twitter.com/INDOPACOM |
www.instagram.com/indopacom | www.flickr.com/photos/us-pacific-command; | www.youtube.com/user/USPacificCommand | www.pacom.mil/ **
+++ DISCLAIMER +++
Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based historical facts. BEWARE!
Some background:
The Supermarine Spitfire became the backbone of RAF Fighter Command, and saw action in the European, Mediterranean, Pacific and the South-East Asian theatres during World War II. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire served in several roles, including interceptor, photo-reconnaissance, fighter-bomber, carrier-based fighter, and trainer. It was built in many variants, using several wing configurations. Although the original airframe was designed to be powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine producing 1,030 hp (768 kW), it was adaptable enough to use increasingly powerful Merlin and later Rolls-Royce Griffon engines producing up to 2,035 hp (1,520 kW) and was exported and used by many countries, even after WWII. One of these operators was the Republic of China, which used late fighter versions like the powerful F Mk. 22 and the F Mk. 24. The Mk 24 was the last land-based fighter variant of the Spitfire. Very similar to Mk 22, this variant could also carry rocket projectiles and introduced some minor changes to equipment and installations, e .g. a larger, Spiteful-type tail with a double trim tab.
The Chinese Civil War was a civil war in China fought between forces loyal to the government of the Republic of China led by the Kuomintang (KMT) and forces of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The war began in April 1927, amidst the Northern Expedition and essentially ended when major active battles ceased in 1950. The conflict eventually resulted in two de facto states, the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC) in mainland China, both claiming to be the legitimate government of China.
From 1937 the USA started supplying aircraft to the KMT Air Force, and this support became especially clear from 1940, when the legendary „American Volunteer Group“ (later re-formed to become a part of the then US Army Air Force as the 23rd Fighter Group) – equipped with shark mouth-marked P-40s – was sent to China. From 1943 the USAAF also used bases in areas held by the Nationalists for flying B-29-raids against Japan. During the war, the USA supplied numerous P-40s, B-25s, and P-51Bs to the Nationalists, while the Communists also organized their own air force (or, better said, several of them), which flew a plethora of very different - mainly completely obsolete - aircraft.
By 1949 the KMT Air Force was a well-developed and equipped service, flying P-47 Thunderbolts, P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchells and even B-24 Liberator bombers, as well as a considerable number of C-46 and C-47 transports.
After the Japanese capitulation, the US were concerned about the widespread communist influence, and decided to continue the support of the Nationalists. In 1945, for example, the whole 3rd Amphibian Group of the USMC landed in China in order to help establish a supply system for different Nationalist garrisons.
The Marines eventually pulled out of China by June of 1946, however, and the Nationalists were now to fight alone against the communists which were increasingly supported by the Soviets. In that struggle, neither their relatively powerful air force - which boasted 40 P-47Ds, some 60 P-51C/Ds and 40 each of B-24Js and B-25Cs - could help the Kuomintang, nor the - more or less - clandestine US support, via such „private“ enterprises like „China Nationalist Relief and Rehabilitation Administration Air Transport“ (CNRRAAT), led by US General Claude Chennault. After several bases in China were overrun by the Communists - Chennault was forced to retreat together with nationalist forces to Kumming, and then to Hong Kong.
By late 1948, the Communists controlled the whole central and eastern China, while the nationalists held only Beijing and Tientsin - both of which fell in early 1949. The USA restrained from getting directly involved in the conflict again, but continued flying reconnaissance missions along the Chinese borders – and sometimes also behind them.
During their final operations against the KMT, in early 1949, the Communists captured some 134 aircraft of the Kuomintang Air Force, and they managed to press quite a number of P-51Ds into service, while the Nationalists managed to evacuate some 110 aircraft (primarily P-51s) to Formosa, which provided the bulk of their fighter strength in the coming years.
After being forced to cease CNAF operations over mainland China, in June 1950 the Nationalists had also to retreat also their last ground forces back to Formosa. This pull-back was supported by the USN carrier-battle-group (CVBG) lead by USS Valley Forge (CVA-45), which subsequently also had to take care for the Nationalists not to mount any counter-offensive. With the start of the Korean War, however, the attention of both - the USA and China - was turned away from the situation around Taiwan, and for the next four years there were no additional clashes, while the Nationalists were able to consolidate their regime.
In May 1951 the USA have sent a small group of instructors to Taiwan, the task of which was to reorganize the Nationalist armed forces. By 1953, this job was completed so far that the Chinese Nationalist Air Force (CNAF) could be equipped with more modern fighters, including enough Republic F-84G Thunderjets to form one squadron. Simultaneously, it still operated two squadrons of P-47s in the ground attack role and one of Spitfire Mk. 24s and one of P-51s, both of which as fighters. Additional deliveries were to follow soon, replacing the more and more outdated piston-powered aircraft.
The CNAF at the time was still in control of the airspace over the Fujian province, eastern Guangdong, and southern Zheijang. Most of the CNAF pilots were experienced from earlier operations during the Civil War and some were also recruited from the CAT, which was extensively involved in clandestine operations over mainland China at the time. They would badly need this experience very soon.
Most of this background is based on www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=v...
.
The kit and its assembly:
Another what-if model, even though a simple one. I must admit that I am not a big fan of the Spitfire (as well as the Bf 109), so I prefer other types, but the late Griffon-powered versions got something beefy about them, so I gave in and did this one.
This whif was inspired by a fantasy side profile from whatifmodelers.com, created by fellow user Darth Panda who did a range of several late Spitfires in China Nationalist/Taiwanese markings – obviously inspired by a sheet from Tiger Wing Decals (for P-51s). Very plausible, though, and this is just my interpretation of that nice idea – and another contribution to the 2013 Asiarama Group Build of the forum.
The basis for the build is the excellent Special Hobby Spitfire F Mk. 24 kit, which actually contains a vast collection of optional parts that allow LOTS of land- and sea-based late Spitfires (as well as fictional combinations…) to be built. The parts are crisply molded, fit is very good and surface details are just great – the kit almost falls together. The thing is pricy, but you get good value and lots of spares for future projects.
The kit was built almost 100% OOB as a Mk. 24, I just modified the propeller with a metal axis so that it can spin freely (for the pictures). The drop tank comes from the kit, as well as the (empty) rocket attachment points under the wings.
Painting and markings:
This whif was supposed to have a ‘Flying Tigers’ aura around it, so I settled for a simple Olive Drab/Neutral Grey livery, which was carried e. g. by P-47s. On a Spitfire this looks a bit odd, but that’s what makes the model interesting, as it combines a well-known and simple paint scheme with something unusual for it.
To add some excitement I decided to apply a worn and flaked look, with a primer coat in acrylic Aluminum (Revell) and some grinded salt as mask before the final colors were applied. Later the salt was rubbed away, revealing the bare metal in small clusters – the effect is good, even though the technique is rather dedicated to larger scale military vehicles.
The colors are ‘Olive Drab ANA 613’ from Modelmaster (#2050) and Humbrol 87 (Steel Grey) – the latter is lighter than true ‘Neutral Grey’ (e. g. FS 36173, Humbrol 176), which looks IMHO a bit dark on a 1:72 scale model. After a black ink wash the whole kit received additional weathering through dry-brushing, esp. on the upper surfaces in order to simulate sun-bleached paint. Tones used here are ‘Faded Olive Drab’ and FS 34087 from Modelmaster (#2051 and 1711), while Humbrol 128 (FS 36320) was used for the lower surfaces.
All interior surfaces were painted in Chromate Yellow primer – initially only as a color contrast to the green/grey livery, but later I found pics that suggest that such a color was actually used on/in the Mk. 22/24? Anyway it’s just for the look.
The decals were puzzled together. Roundels actually belong to a RoCAF F-100 (from a MicroScale sheet), the striped rudder was improvised and the tactical codes come from the scrap box. The shark mouth actually belongs to a Russian MiG-29, but makes a perfect detail on this Spitfire and suits the elegant aircraft very well! ;)
In the end, a simple project without much need for body work, and the worn look turned out very well!
Big Iron May 24, 25 & 26, 1990 Breckenridge, TX
Beech C-45H "Expeditor" (AF-834)(USAF 52-10904)(N40074)
SAN DIEGO (Jan. 11, 2018) Vice Adm. DeWolfe Miller III, right, is applauded during a ceremony where he relieved Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker as commander of Naval Air Forces (CNAF). Headquartered at Naval Air Station North Island, CNAF effectively mans, trains and equips 10 combat-ready aircraft carriers, 10 carrier air wings, 170 squadrons, and more than 100,000 personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paolo Bayas)
+++ DISCLAIMER +++
Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based historical facts. BEWARE!
Some background:
The Supermarine Spitfire became the backbone of RAF Fighter Command, and saw action in the European, Mediterranean, Pacific and the South-East Asian theatres during World War II. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire served in several roles, including interceptor, photo-reconnaissance, fighter-bomber, carrier-based fighter, and trainer. It was built in many variants, using several wing configurations. Although the original airframe was designed to be powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine producing 1,030 hp (768 kW), it was adaptable enough to use increasingly powerful Merlin and later Rolls-Royce Griffon engines producing up to 2,035 hp (1,520 kW) and was exported and used by many countries, even after WWII. One of these operators was the Republic of China, which used late fighter versions like the powerful F Mk. 22 and the F Mk. 24. The Mk 24 was the last land-based fighter variant of the Spitfire. Very similar to Mk 22, this variant could also carry rocket projectiles and introduced some minor changes to equipment and installations, e .g. a larger, Spiteful-type tail with a double trim tab.
The Chinese Civil War was a civil war in China fought between forces loyal to the government of the Republic of China led by the Kuomintang (KMT) and forces of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The war began in April 1927, amidst the Northern Expedition and essentially ended when major active battles ceased in 1950. The conflict eventually resulted in two de facto states, the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC) in mainland China, both claiming to be the legitimate government of China.
From 1937 the USA started supplying aircraft to the KMT Air Force, and this support became especially clear from 1940, when the legendary „American Volunteer Group“ (later re-formed to become a part of the then US Army Air Force as the 23rd Fighter Group) – equipped with shark mouth-marked P-40s – was sent to China. From 1943 the USAAF also used bases in areas held by the Nationalists for flying B-29-raids against Japan. During the war, the USA supplied numerous P-40s, B-25s, and P-51Bs to the Nationalists, while the Communists also organized their own air force (or, better said, several of them), which flew a plethora of very different - mainly completely obsolete - aircraft.
By 1949 the KMT Air Force was a well-developed and equipped service, flying P-47 Thunderbolts, P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchells and even B-24 Liberator bombers, as well as a considerable number of C-46 and C-47 transports.
After the Japanese capitulation, the US were concerned about the widespread communist influence, and decided to continue the support of the Nationalists. In 1945, for example, the whole 3rd Amphibian Group of the USMC landed in China in order to help establish a supply system for different Nationalist garrisons.
The Marines eventually pulled out of China by June of 1946, however, and the Nationalists were now to fight alone against the communists which were increasingly supported by the Soviets. In that struggle, neither their relatively powerful air force - which boasted 40 P-47Ds, some 60 P-51C/Ds and 40 each of B-24Js and B-25Cs - could help the Kuomintang, nor the - more or less - clandestine US support, via such „private“ enterprises like „China Nationalist Relief and Rehabilitation Administration Air Transport“ (CNRRAAT), led by US General Claude Chennault. After several bases in China were overrun by the Communists - Chennault was forced to retreat together with nationalist forces to Kumming, and then to Hong Kong.
By late 1948, the Communists controlled the whole central and eastern China, while the nationalists held only Beijing and Tientsin - both of which fell in early 1949. The USA restrained from getting directly involved in the conflict again, but continued flying reconnaissance missions along the Chinese borders – and sometimes also behind them.
During their final operations against the KMT, in early 1949, the Communists captured some 134 aircraft of the Kuomintang Air Force, and they managed to press quite a number of P-51Ds into service, while the Nationalists managed to evacuate some 110 aircraft (primarily P-51s) to Formosa, which provided the bulk of their fighter strength in the coming years.
After being forced to cease CNAF operations over mainland China, in June 1950 the Nationalists had also to retreat also their last ground forces back to Formosa. This pull-back was supported by the USN carrier-battle-group (CVBG) lead by USS Valley Forge (CVA-45), which subsequently also had to take care for the Nationalists not to mount any counter-offensive. With the start of the Korean War, however, the attention of both - the USA and China - was turned away from the situation around Taiwan, and for the next four years there were no additional clashes, while the Nationalists were able to consolidate their regime.
In May 1951 the USA have sent a small group of instructors to Taiwan, the task of which was to reorganize the Nationalist armed forces. By 1953, this job was completed so far that the Chinese Nationalist Air Force (CNAF) could be equipped with more modern fighters, including enough Republic F-84G Thunderjets to form one squadron. Simultaneously, it still operated two squadrons of P-47s in the ground attack role and one of Spitfire Mk. 24s and one of P-51s, both of which as fighters. Additional deliveries were to follow soon, replacing the more and more outdated piston-powered aircraft.
The CNAF at the time was still in control of the airspace over the Fujian province, eastern Guangdong, and southern Zheijang. Most of the CNAF pilots were experienced from earlier operations during the Civil War and some were also recruited from the CAT, which was extensively involved in clandestine operations over mainland China at the time. They would badly need this experience very soon.
Most of this background is based on www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=v...
.
The kit and its assembly:
Another what-if model, even though a simple one. I must admit that I am not a big fan of the Spitfire (as well as the Bf 109), so I prefer other types, but the late Griffon-powered versions got something beefy about them, so I gave in and did this one.
This whif was inspired by a fantasy side profile from whatifmodelers.com, created by fellow user Darth Panda who did a range of several late Spitfires in China Nationalist/Taiwanese markings – obviously inspired by a sheet from Tiger Wing Decals (for P-51s). Very plausible, though, and this is just my interpretation of that nice idea – and another contribution to the 2013 Asiarama Group Build of the forum.
The basis for the build is the excellent Special Hobby Spitfire F Mk. 24 kit, which actually contains a vast collection of optional parts that allow LOTS of land- and sea-based late Spitfires (as well as fictional combinations…) to be built. The parts are crisply molded, fit is very good and surface details are just great – the kit almost falls together. The thing is pricy, but you get good value and lots of spares for future projects.
The kit was built almost 100% OOB as a Mk. 24, I just modified the propeller with a metal axis so that it can spin freely (for the pictures). The drop tank comes from the kit, as well as the (empty) rocket attachment points under the wings.
Painting and markings:
This whif was supposed to have a ‘Flying Tigers’ aura around it, so I settled for a simple Olive Drab/Neutral Grey livery, which was carried e. g. by P-47s. On a Spitfire this looks a bit odd, but that’s what makes the model interesting, as it combines a well-known and simple paint scheme with something unusual for it.
To add some excitement I decided to apply a worn and flaked look, with a primer coat in acrylic Aluminum (Revell) and some grinded salt as mask before the final colors were applied. Later the salt was rubbed away, revealing the bare metal in small clusters – the effect is good, even though the technique is rather dedicated to larger scale military vehicles.
The colors are ‘Olive Drab ANA 613’ from Modelmaster (#2050) and Humbrol 87 (Steel Grey) – the latter is lighter than true ‘Neutral Grey’ (e. g. FS 36173, Humbrol 176), which looks IMHO a bit dark on a 1:72 scale model. After a black ink wash the whole kit received additional weathering through dry-brushing, esp. on the upper surfaces in order to simulate sun-bleached paint. Tones used here are ‘Faded Olive Drab’ and FS 34087 from Modelmaster (#2051 and 1711), while Humbrol 128 (FS 36320) was used for the lower surfaces.
All interior surfaces were painted in Chromate Yellow primer – initially only as a color contrast to the green/grey livery, but later I found pics that suggest that such a color was actually used on/in the Mk. 22/24? Anyway it’s just for the look.
The decals were puzzled together. Roundels actually belong to a RoCAF F-100 (from a MicroScale sheet), the striped rudder was improvised and the tactical codes come from the scrap box. The shark mouth actually belongs to a Russian MiG-29, but makes a perfect detail on this Spitfire and suits the elegant aircraft very well! ;)
In the end, a simple project without much need for body work, and the worn look turned out very well!
+++ DISCLAIMER +++
Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based historical facts. BEWARE!
Some background:
The Supermarine Spitfire became the backbone of RAF Fighter Command, and saw action in the European, Mediterranean, Pacific and the South-East Asian theatres during World War II. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire served in several roles, including interceptor, photo-reconnaissance, fighter-bomber, carrier-based fighter, and trainer. It was built in many variants, using several wing configurations. Although the original airframe was designed to be powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine producing 1,030 hp (768 kW), it was adaptable enough to use increasingly powerful Merlin and later Rolls-Royce Griffon engines producing up to 2,035 hp (1,520 kW) and was exported and used by many countries, even after WWII. One of these operators was the Republic of China, which used late fighter versions like the powerful F Mk. 22 and the F Mk. 24. The Mk 24 was the last land-based fighter variant of the Spitfire. Very similar to Mk 22, this variant could also carry rocket projectiles and introduced some minor changes to equipment and installations, e .g. a larger, Spiteful-type tail with a double trim tab.
The Chinese Civil War was a civil war in China fought between forces loyal to the government of the Republic of China led by the Kuomintang (KMT) and forces of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The war began in April 1927, amidst the Northern Expedition and essentially ended when major active battles ceased in 1950. The conflict eventually resulted in two de facto states, the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC) in mainland China, both claiming to be the legitimate government of China.
From 1937 the USA started supplying aircraft to the KMT Air Force, and this support became especially clear from 1940, when the legendary „American Volunteer Group“ (later re-formed to become a part of the then US Army Air Force as the 23rd Fighter Group) – equipped with shark mouth-marked P-40s – was sent to China. From 1943 the USAAF also used bases in areas held by the Nationalists for flying B-29-raids against Japan. During the war, the USA supplied numerous P-40s, B-25s, and P-51Bs to the Nationalists, while the Communists also organized their own air force (or, better said, several of them), which flew a plethora of very different - mainly completely obsolete - aircraft.
By 1949 the KMT Air Force was a well-developed and equipped service, flying P-47 Thunderbolts, P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchells and even B-24 Liberator bombers, as well as a considerable number of C-46 and C-47 transports.
After the Japanese capitulation, the US were concerned about the widespread communist influence, and decided to continue the support of the Nationalists. In 1945, for example, the whole 3rd Amphibian Group of the USMC landed in China in order to help establish a supply system for different Nationalist garrisons.
The Marines eventually pulled out of China by June of 1946, however, and the Nationalists were now to fight alone against the communists which were increasingly supported by the Soviets. In that struggle, neither their relatively powerful air force - which boasted 40 P-47Ds, some 60 P-51C/Ds and 40 each of B-24Js and B-25Cs - could help the Kuomintang, nor the - more or less - clandestine US support, via such „private“ enterprises like „China Nationalist Relief and Rehabilitation Administration Air Transport“ (CNRRAAT), led by US General Claude Chennault. After several bases in China were overrun by the Communists - Chennault was forced to retreat together with nationalist forces to Kumming, and then to Hong Kong.
By late 1948, the Communists controlled the whole central and eastern China, while the nationalists held only Beijing and Tientsin - both of which fell in early 1949. The USA restrained from getting directly involved in the conflict again, but continued flying reconnaissance missions along the Chinese borders – and sometimes also behind them.
During their final operations against the KMT, in early 1949, the Communists captured some 134 aircraft of the Kuomintang Air Force, and they managed to press quite a number of P-51Ds into service, while the Nationalists managed to evacuate some 110 aircraft (primarily P-51s) to Formosa, which provided the bulk of their fighter strength in the coming years.
After being forced to cease CNAF operations over mainland China, in June 1950 the Nationalists had also to retreat also their last ground forces back to Formosa. This pull-back was supported by the USN carrier-battle-group (CVBG) lead by USS Valley Forge (CVA-45), which subsequently also had to take care for the Nationalists not to mount any counter-offensive. With the start of the Korean War, however, the attention of both - the USA and China - was turned away from the situation around Taiwan, and for the next four years there were no additional clashes, while the Nationalists were able to consolidate their regime.
In May 1951 the USA have sent a small group of instructors to Taiwan, the task of which was to reorganize the Nationalist armed forces. By 1953, this job was completed so far that the Chinese Nationalist Air Force (CNAF) could be equipped with more modern fighters, including enough Republic F-84G Thunderjets to form one squadron. Simultaneously, it still operated two squadrons of P-47s in the ground attack role and one of Spitfire Mk. 24s and one of P-51s, both of which as fighters. Additional deliveries were to follow soon, replacing the more and more outdated piston-powered aircraft.
The CNAF at the time was still in control of the airspace over the Fujian province, eastern Guangdong, and southern Zheijang. Most of the CNAF pilots were experienced from earlier operations during the Civil War and some were also recruited from the CAT, which was extensively involved in clandestine operations over mainland China at the time. They would badly need this experience very soon.
Most of this background is based on www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=v...
.
The kit and its assembly:
Another what-if model, even though a simple one. I must admit that I am not a big fan of the Spitfire (as well as the Bf 109), so I prefer other types, but the late Griffon-powered versions got something beefy about them, so I gave in and did this one.
This whif was inspired by a fantasy side profile from whatifmodelers.com, created by fellow user Darth Panda who did a range of several late Spitfires in China Nationalist/Taiwanese markings – obviously inspired by a sheet from Tiger Wing Decals (for P-51s). Very plausible, though, and this is just my interpretation of that nice idea – and another contribution to the 2013 Asiarama Group Build of the forum.
The basis for the build is the excellent Special Hobby Spitfire F Mk. 24 kit, which actually contains a vast collection of optional parts that allow LOTS of land- and sea-based late Spitfires (as well as fictional combinations…) to be built. The parts are crisply molded, fit is very good and surface details are just great – the kit almost falls together. The thing is pricy, but you get good value and lots of spares for future projects.
The kit was built almost 100% OOB as a Mk. 24, I just modified the propeller with a metal axis so that it can spin freely (for the pictures). The drop tank comes from the kit, as well as the (empty) rocket attachment points under the wings.
Painting and markings:
This whif was supposed to have a ‘Flying Tigers’ aura around it, so I settled for a simple Olive Drab/Neutral Grey livery, which was carried e. g. by P-47s. On a Spitfire this looks a bit odd, but that’s what makes the model interesting, as it combines a well-known and simple paint scheme with something unusual for it.
To add some excitement I decided to apply a worn and flaked look, with a primer coat in acrylic Aluminum (Revell) and some grinded salt as mask before the final colors were applied. Later the salt was rubbed away, revealing the bare metal in small clusters – the effect is good, even though the technique is rather dedicated to larger scale military vehicles.
The colors are ‘Olive Drab ANA 613’ from Modelmaster (#2050) and Humbrol 87 (Steel Grey) – the latter is lighter than true ‘Neutral Grey’ (e. g. FS 36173, Humbrol 176), which looks IMHO a bit dark on a 1:72 scale model. After a black ink wash the whole kit received additional weathering through dry-brushing, esp. on the upper surfaces in order to simulate sun-bleached paint. Tones used here are ‘Faded Olive Drab’ and FS 34087 from Modelmaster (#2051 and 1711), while Humbrol 128 (FS 36320) was used for the lower surfaces.
All interior surfaces were painted in Chromate Yellow primer – initially only as a color contrast to the green/grey livery, but later I found pics that suggest that such a color was actually used on/in the Mk. 22/24? Anyway it’s just for the look.
The decals were puzzled together. Roundels actually belong to a RoCAF F-100 (from a MicroScale sheet), the striped rudder was improvised and the tactical codes come from the scrap box. The shark mouth actually belongs to a Russian MiG-29, but makes a perfect detail on this Spitfire and suits the elegant aircraft very well! ;)
In the end, a simple project without much need for body work, and the worn look turned out very well!
Freedom Flight America Glendale AZ July 31, 1995
Beechcraft C-45H "Expediter" (AF-604)(USAF 52-10674)(N9172Z)
+++ DISCLAIMER +++
Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based historical facts. BEWARE!
Some background:
The Supermarine Spitfire became the backbone of RAF Fighter Command, and saw action in the European, Mediterranean, Pacific and the South-East Asian theatres during World War II. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire served in several roles, including interceptor, photo-reconnaissance, fighter-bomber, carrier-based fighter, and trainer. It was built in many variants, using several wing configurations. Although the original airframe was designed to be powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine producing 1,030 hp (768 kW), it was adaptable enough to use increasingly powerful Merlin and later Rolls-Royce Griffon engines producing up to 2,035 hp (1,520 kW) and was exported and used by many countries, even after WWII. One of these operators was the Republic of China, which used late fighter versions like the powerful F Mk. 22 and the F Mk. 24. The Mk 24 was the last land-based fighter variant of the Spitfire. Very similar to Mk 22, this variant could also carry rocket projectiles and introduced some minor changes to equipment and installations, e .g. a larger, Spiteful-type tail with a double trim tab.
The Chinese Civil War was a civil war in China fought between forces loyal to the government of the Republic of China led by the Kuomintang (KMT) and forces of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The war began in April 1927, amidst the Northern Expedition and essentially ended when major active battles ceased in 1950. The conflict eventually resulted in two de facto states, the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC) in mainland China, both claiming to be the legitimate government of China.
From 1937 the USA started supplying aircraft to the KMT Air Force, and this support became especially clear from 1940, when the legendary „American Volunteer Group“ (later re-formed to become a part of the then US Army Air Force as the 23rd Fighter Group) – equipped with shark mouth-marked P-40s – was sent to China. From 1943 the USAAF also used bases in areas held by the Nationalists for flying B-29-raids against Japan. During the war, the USA supplied numerous P-40s, B-25s, and P-51Bs to the Nationalists, while the Communists also organized their own air force (or, better said, several of them), which flew a plethora of very different - mainly completely obsolete - aircraft.
By 1949 the KMT Air Force was a well-developed and equipped service, flying P-47 Thunderbolts, P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchells and even B-24 Liberator bombers, as well as a considerable number of C-46 and C-47 transports.
After the Japanese capitulation, the US were concerned about the widespread communist influence, and decided to continue the support of the Nationalists. In 1945, for example, the whole 3rd Amphibian Group of the USMC landed in China in order to help establish a supply system for different Nationalist garrisons.
The Marines eventually pulled out of China by June of 1946, however, and the Nationalists were now to fight alone against the communists which were increasingly supported by the Soviets. In that struggle, neither their relatively powerful air force - which boasted 40 P-47Ds, some 60 P-51C/Ds and 40 each of B-24Js and B-25Cs - could help the Kuomintang, nor the - more or less - clandestine US support, via such „private“ enterprises like „China Nationalist Relief and Rehabilitation Administration Air Transport“ (CNRRAAT), led by US General Claude Chennault. After several bases in China were overrun by the Communists - Chennault was forced to retreat together with nationalist forces to Kumming, and then to Hong Kong.
By late 1948, the Communists controlled the whole central and eastern China, while the nationalists held only Beijing and Tientsin - both of which fell in early 1949. The USA restrained from getting directly involved in the conflict again, but continued flying reconnaissance missions along the Chinese borders – and sometimes also behind them.
During their final operations against the KMT, in early 1949, the Communists captured some 134 aircraft of the Kuomintang Air Force, and they managed to press quite a number of P-51Ds into service, while the Nationalists managed to evacuate some 110 aircraft (primarily P-51s) to Formosa, which provided the bulk of their fighter strength in the coming years.
After being forced to cease CNAF operations over mainland China, in June 1950 the Nationalists had also to retreat also their last ground forces back to Formosa. This pull-back was supported by the USN carrier-battle-group (CVBG) lead by USS Valley Forge (CVA-45), which subsequently also had to take care for the Nationalists not to mount any counter-offensive. With the start of the Korean War, however, the attention of both - the USA and China - was turned away from the situation around Taiwan, and for the next four years there were no additional clashes, while the Nationalists were able to consolidate their regime.
In May 1951 the USA have sent a small group of instructors to Taiwan, the task of which was to reorganize the Nationalist armed forces. By 1953, this job was completed so far that the Chinese Nationalist Air Force (CNAF) could be equipped with more modern fighters, including enough Republic F-84G Thunderjets to form one squadron. Simultaneously, it still operated two squadrons of P-47s in the ground attack role and one of Spitfire Mk. 24s and one of P-51s, both of which as fighters. Additional deliveries were to follow soon, replacing the more and more outdated piston-powered aircraft.
The CNAF at the time was still in control of the airspace over the Fujian province, eastern Guangdong, and southern Zheijang. Most of the CNAF pilots were experienced from earlier operations during the Civil War and some were also recruited from the CAT, which was extensively involved in clandestine operations over mainland China at the time. They would badly need this experience very soon.
Most of this background is based on www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=v...
.
The kit and its assembly:
Another what-if model, even though a simple one. I must admit that I am not a big fan of the Spitfire (as well as the Bf 109), so I prefer other types, but the late Griffon-powered versions got something beefy about them, so I gave in and did this one.
This whif was inspired by a fantasy side profile from whatifmodelers.com, created by fellow user Darth Panda who did a range of several late Spitfires in China Nationalist/Taiwanese markings – obviously inspired by a sheet from Tiger Wing Decals (for P-51s). Very plausible, though, and this is just my interpretation of that nice idea – and another contribution to the 2013 Asiarama Group Build of the forum.
The basis for the build is the excellent Special Hobby Spitfire F Mk. 24 kit, which actually contains a vast collection of optional parts that allow LOTS of land- and sea-based late Spitfires (as well as fictional combinations…) to be built. The parts are crisply molded, fit is very good and surface details are just great – the kit almost falls together. The thing is pricy, but you get good value and lots of spares for future projects.
The kit was built almost 100% OOB as a Mk. 24, I just modified the propeller with a metal axis so that it can spin freely (for the pictures). The drop tank comes from the kit, as well as the (empty) rocket attachment points under the wings.
Painting and markings:
This whif was supposed to have a ‘Flying Tigers’ aura around it, so I settled for a simple Olive Drab/Neutral Grey livery, which was carried e. g. by P-47s. On a Spitfire this looks a bit odd, but that’s what makes the model interesting, as it combines a well-known and simple paint scheme with something unusual for it.
To add some excitement I decided to apply a worn and flaked look, with a primer coat in acrylic Aluminum (Revell) and some grinded salt as mask before the final colors were applied. Later the salt was rubbed away, revealing the bare metal in small clusters – the effect is good, even though the technique is rather dedicated to larger scale military vehicles.
The colors are ‘Olive Drab ANA 613’ from Modelmaster (#2050) and Humbrol 87 (Steel Grey) – the latter is lighter than true ‘Neutral Grey’ (e. g. FS 36173, Humbrol 176), which looks IMHO a bit dark on a 1:72 scale model. After a black ink wash the whole kit received additional weathering through dry-brushing, esp. on the upper surfaces in order to simulate sun-bleached paint. Tones used here are ‘Faded Olive Drab’ and FS 34087 from Modelmaster (#2051 and 1711), while Humbrol 128 (FS 36320) was used for the lower surfaces.
All interior surfaces were painted in Chromate Yellow primer – initially only as a color contrast to the green/grey livery, but later I found pics that suggest that such a color was actually used on/in the Mk. 22/24? Anyway it’s just for the look.
The decals were puzzled together. Roundels actually belong to a RoCAF F-100 (from a MicroScale sheet), the striped rudder was improvised and the tactical codes come from the scrap box. The shark mouth actually belongs to a Russian MiG-29, but makes a perfect detail on this Spitfire and suits the elegant aircraft very well! ;)
In the end, a simple project without much need for body work, and the worn look turned out very well!
D-CNAF Fairchild Swearingen SA-227AC Metro III
Northern Air Charter
Edinburgh Airport, Scotland
July 2001
SAN DIEGO (Jan. 22, 2015) Vice Adm. David H. Buss, former Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF), is saluted while departing the CNAF change of command and retirement ceremony Jan. 22 aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) while pier side at Naval Air Station North Island. During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker relieved Buss as CNAF. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shannon E. Renfroe/Released)