WesWorld

<time to start the way back machine...time for some brief news to catch mostly up. Don't want to get to far ahead of Italy. >

September 1936
Tuesday, Sept 7th, 1936
Prinsjedag

The Queen arrived in her carriage and gave her traditional Prinsjedag speech. The speech was traditionally flowery at the outset, but veered towards allegories on hard economic advice to reinvest current profits in the future. This indeed foreshadowed that the Queen would once again stray into directly addressing the people, and she concluded on a somber note :

“The events of recent years should serve as a reminder that our bucolic nation exists in a chaotic world. Unrest and warfare have never been strangers to our nation, and have darkened the doors of our friends.

It behooves us to support the League, even when it brings us coffins, for it is the rule of law that defends our freedoms and secures our trade which lets us prosper. Tyrants, such as Phillip II of Spain who anciently decreed the execution of the Dutch people, only exist because no greater law binds them.

We must stand firm, conduct our affairs in a righteous manner, be true to our friends, and be clear and constant in our dealings. It is always in the present that one lays the foundation for the future.”


The Batavia Bugle

September 10th
The Triannual games kicked off today with a simulated harbor raid on the fleet anchorage at Soerabaja
Large bomber formations cruised south from Sumatra seeking to surprise the Far East Fleet. Reportedly the raid was scheduled for the 11th, but Admiraal of the Dutch Pacific Fleet, Vice-admiraal Maarten Winters secretly advanced the schedule, informing only the judges, and early this morning, Admiraal of the Far East Fleet, Rear Admiraal Lodewijk van Kinsbergen.

Three locations have been chosen throughout the archipelago, where coastal defense battalions have awakened to find they have been selected for simulated amphibious assaults by regiments of the 2nd Marine brigade.

A large scale exercise is planned for Sumatra, where the XIV Division will pose as a “para assualt” force, seeking to block reinforcements to the Aceh area until the “Amphibious” force of the 1st Marines has landed. The Netherlands lacks paratroops, so the XIV Division will start dispersed in companies and will be only informed of their approximate location. Two battalions of Marines will come in via amphibious transport, joining the two regiments prepositioned on the beach. This will allow judges to asses the performance of the batteries at Banda Aceh.

Vice-Admiral Jacob De Boer's Indic and the Far East fleets will skirmish over the beachheads in the coming weeks. As is usual, Danish and Siamese forces will supplement the Indic fleet, and the Friesland class will substitute for battlecruisers.

The exercises are timed this year to coincide with the Army exercises in Siam. The exercises are expected to conclude in early October. Reacting to complaints registered in 1930, engineer battalions and compensation money are at hand to compensate civilians who experience excessive property damage.

October 1936

The Hague Herald
October 10th
The “Snellensoon report” was delivered today. More commonly known as the 1936 Defense Review, the report was developed under the auspices of Lithuanian Veteran, Generaal-Majoor Snellensoon is chief of the Quartermaster Corps. The review addresses every aspect of the Military, drawing on events in South America, Lithuania and elsewhere to inform decisions, as well as looking to foreign developments. As to be expected, a substantial portion of the report looks to depots and supply lines.

(1)I actually got about 8 pages into this, though it's a bit disjointed, but it is one of several reasons 1936 stalled, another writing project that just got to long. Like the 1934 Libreville exercises, or the 1933 Triannual games...

The Amsterdam Advocate
The treasury announced today that it had identified 'a considerable sum' of money traceable to HEBCO and would be notifying the appropriate banks.

The Government has rarely made public statements regarding the HEBCO case that has embroiled both Ireland and our Ally Siam. Rumors persist that the government is being quite active behind scene, and that the raids in Rotterdam last week were in fact aimed at HEBCO.

November 1936

The Hague Herald
November 3rd
After acrimonious debate, the Hawkish representatives of the DMZSBD pushed through a tax increase of 2% as well as a package of cuts to several programs. The additional funds thus freed are to be allocated to a further military expansion. P.M. Krook has argued that the events in Lithuania, South America, the rumblings from the Studetenland, and elsewhere all point to how easily tensions can build and military action be thrust upon the unwilling. The 1936 Defense Review highlighted many needs, and the Prime Minister has argued that it is vital to provide additional funds to meet those needs now.

Coupled with that bill was one extending the terms of service of all service people for one year. This latter bill has been extremely unpopular and was cause for substantial arm-wrenching by coalition members to ensure sufficient support. Remarkably the proposal to institute a system of military style juvenile summer camps was the source of less outcry and also passed.

Former P.M. Eduard Land, as well as Treasury Minister, and former P.M. Lodewyk van der Berg spoke against both bills. Their arguments led to a 'sunset' clause of 3 years for both bills, preserved several programs, including Land's pet T.I.D.E. expenditures, and provided for a bonus pay scale for the additional service year.

The Amsterdam Advocate
November 20th
The War Ministery announced the acceptance of the Czechoslovakian ZH-36 today. The ZH-36 is a semiautomatic rifle which has been developed from the ZH-33 to satisfy Dutch concerns. The ZH-36 will be license built by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium for the Dutch military. While the military had looked extensively at rechambering to an intermediate round, the decision was made to retain the Mauser round that has been in use.

The ZH-36 will first be issued to the Queen's regiments and the Marines.

The Marines separately announced that they will be adding an additional SMG to their TO&E at the squad level. The army is reportedly still considering at which level to add an SMG. Reports are the Army drew up plans to issue Mauser C/96 schnellfuer machinepistols to officers in lieu of SMGs, but that the proposal was removed after lobbying by a Colonel van der Kade, who strongly believe it would merely mark officers as targets.

The Kinshasha Klarion
November 21st
Defense Minister Count Kabaydi wa Tshimbombo announced that the Kongo Army shall adopted the Swiss Schmidt-Rubin K31 with the 7.5mm G11 round as the standard infantry rifle. “The weapon is very well made, and an order by Bulgaria promises to reduce the unit cost of the weapons. We feel it is better to spend the additional monies to equip with quality weapons that have performed well in testing, than settle for older worn rifles that happen to be cheaper.

The Hague Herald
November 22nd
The War Ministry issued orders for the production of 5 prototypes of the T-35C for trials. The T-35C uses the same chassis as the T-35 family, but relies on a different gun and armor distribution. The T-35C is believed a reaction to the sudden trend towards larger and heavier armed tanks.


T-35A

The War Ministry is also considering echoing Belgium's search for a light to medium tank in order to replace the Vickers-6ton “G”s. While hardly old, the “G”s are now underarmed, powered and armored compared to the most recent foreign offerings.

December 1936

The Rotterdam Regulator
December 5th
The War Ministry announced that the Dutch firm DAF has been awarded a large contract for producing 6x6 trucks. The unique suspension that DAF has devised allows for remarkable cross-country performance in shell torn terrain, including the option of converting to a half track in roughly 15 minutes.





As DAF lacks the vehicle production capacity, it is expected they will continue conversions of existing vehicles, likely ordered from Germany or Belgium. If the latter, the truck plant in Liege will likely be subcontracted.

The DAF 6x6 will form the lighter end of the motorized transport spectrum joining the Minvera 4x4 car, the Praga tractor and Brossels TAL prime mover.






The Batavia Bugle
December 10th
The military announced plans today to raise an additional two divisions the “Moluccan” and “Peranakan” from among the territorial population.

The Antwerp Atwitter
December 20th
The Queen and Princess Juliana hosted a Christmas Ball in the town square.
Awards were given for citizenship, contributions to Belgian society and dancing ability.
The presense of Prince Louis-Ferdinand was noted by many, the Prince has been spotted escorting the Princess to several occasions, prompting speculation.


The Hague Herald
December 23rd
The Queens annual Christmas Gala was a smashing success. The presence of Prince Louis-Ferdinand as Princess Juliana's escort has once again raised eyebrows and set rumors flying. It has been decided the Queen will conduct New Years celebrations in Belgium while the Crown Prince hosts here.

January 1937

The Amsterdam Advocate
January 5th
The War Ministry announced final acceptance of the D.XXIII for production. The aircraft has had a protracted development and has grown substantially since the prototype was used to highlight airflow problems with the pusher-puller design. A primary limiter on the plane has been sufficient cooling of the rear engine, which has been solved by careful attention to airflow over the fuselage and abandonment of the earlier aircooled engine approach. An important step was also the Danish development of an ejection seat. Fokkers progress on a workable seat that imposed acceptable g-loading and guaranteed the pilots passage past the rear propeller had been underdevelopment for several years. The combination of approaches has resulted in an ostensibly workable seat, although rumors of potential injury persist.



The D.XIXD is also engaged in trials. The D.XIXD is expected to replace the D.XIXD in naval service, while the D.XX supplants it on land.

February 1937

The Hague Herald.
February 13th
F.M. Van Grootvelds office commented today when asked about the Diplomatic protest Italy has lodged. ”The Italian state has protested Yugoslavia ground incursions repeatedly this year. It is far easier to wander a dozen miles off course in an reconnaissance aeroplane, which after all takes but minutes, than to march beyond ones own borders in rugged terrain. Had the Italians responded to shooting the Yugoslav soldiers, there would be an outcry, instead the Yugoslavs shot down the Italian plane, which people view as a machine, forgetting the fates of the Italian airmen trapped inside.

Kinshasha Klarion
The Government accepted the Fokker G-1B today as its final Zerstorer design. With adequate radial engines now fitted, performance is acceptable for the role. The type is also entering service in the Netherlands.

The newest version of the G-1, the G-2 reconnaissance plane, has been seen in prototype form.


March 1937

The Amsterdam Advocate
March 2nd
The Trials of the T-35C were started today, should they prove promising the type will be ordered into production. Initial deliveries are expected to go to the Netherlands East Indies.

The War Ministry has also been examining the results of the Belgian tank research and is reportedly in talks with M.A.N, which reportedly has excess capacity at this time.

The Amsterdam Advocate
March 12th
The Coronation of Chinese Emporer Pu Yi is scheduled for today.
Prince Alexander has come around the world to be on hand and will be joined by Ambassador Jacob Huyrluyt. The Cruisers of the 3rd Division, the sleek Breda class, as well as the 3rd Destroyer squadron were on hand to provide proper representation for the Netherlands.

The Chinese Empire is one of the oldest and most cultured on the face of the planet. With all Empires, there have been periods of decline and periods of revitalization. The end of the Warlord era, which ravanged China and led to the flight of many of its people, and the democratic choice of Emporer Pu Yi can only be seen as a rebirth of this ancient land, and a declaration that China has reclaimed her place among the nations of the world .

The Ambon Nation
March 13th
Yesterdays coronation of Emperor Pu Yi was cause for celebration among the Cina Totok, many of who arrived during the Warlord era and simply welcome lasting peace in their homeland. Celebration was muted among the Peranakan many of whom have been native to the Malay Archipelago for over 400 years and have limited ties to their ancient homeland.

Statements made by Chinese and Indian representatives preceding Emperors coronation caused consternation in some delegations prior to the ceremony.

Moluccas Governor Dr. Agustadi Sasongko was asked for comment : “I believe many misunderstood some of the more bellicose utterings prior to the ceremony. To foreigners, China has for many years been a large, but weak nation, wracked by war and opium. However it is easy for the uneducated not to comprehend that, for China, these past decades have been very unusual. For much of the past two millenia, China was the among the world elite. They are starting the long road back to their former status, and demand to recognized as a valid power and be fairly treated with. “

April 1937

April 4th , 1937
The Prague Postscript
Avia unveiled the new B-137 today. The plane is expected to undergo trials prior to acceptance for service with the Czechoslovakia air force.

Avia B-137
Crew: 1
Length: 29.78 ft. Span: 37.47ft Wing Area: 202 ft2
Empty Weight: 4,754 lbs Maximum Weight: 5,732lbs
Engine: 1x 1,100hp Minerva-Avia 105
Stresses : 362 IAS, 10G

Clean performance :
Clean Weight : 5,315lbs
Maximum Speed: 325kts (374mph) @ 13,123ft. Service ceiling: 39,500feet
Wingloading : 26.2 lbs/ft2 Range: 508nm

Rate of climb:
Clean: 2,927 fpm
Light : 3,364 fpm
Armament: 1x 20mm motorcannon, 4 x 7.92mm MGs, 250kg
Armor : 8mm disk



The plane is available for export

April 16th, 1937

The War ministry announced today that the M.A.N. light tank, the Pz-IIbel will be aquirred to replace the Vickers 6ton G model currently in service.
The War ministry also released field test results documenting the failures of Siamese shoulder launched rockets. These rockets came to the attention of observers last fall during the joint AEGIS exercises in that nation, and led to several members of the DMZSBD to loudly call for their adoption. Of particular note was the nearly 5% severely premature detonation rate, and other flaws which include over 15% of the rockets are still burning fuel when they exit the tube, caused in part by the rapid degradation of the propellant binder in temperatures over 5C. These deficiencies in conjunction with the small warhead, limited range, tactical limitations for defensive fire has led to the weapon being rejected.

The War Ministry has long had a history of expressing interest in rocketry but not actively fielding such weapons. Several European nations do field such, and the German Nebelwerfer is believed to be superior to the Dutch approach, the towed “Sonic” multiple-spigot mortar

April 22nd, 1937
The Batavia Bugle.
News filtering back from the Chinese hinterland indicate disturbances in the Tibetan region. This region has long been under tentative control, which worsened during the Warlord years, leading to natavist movements in that region. Extremely few materials are produced in that region and exported, so effects on international markets should be negligable.


May 1937

May 5th, 1937
The Hague Herald
The royal family suffered a blow today. The Princess Juliana, who has grown to be quite the equestrian since her husbands passing, had purchased a herd of Icelandic horses. This herd was led by a stallion she christened as Schat* . The vessel carrying the herd from Iceland to Den Hague was reported missing several days ago, and a ransom note for the “Princess's Treasure” was received. The Royal Family refuses to comment on the matter.
*treasure according to babelfish.

May 10th, 1937
The Batavia Bugle.
The War Ministry announced a new Air Wing to be established in the DEI near Medan.
The Wing is to start forming in Quarter three and consist of a mixture of aircraft types, including two T.VII squadrons, two G.1B squadrons, and one FA-10 squadron.

May 15th, 1937
The Amsterdam Advocate
Koolhoven unveiled their revamped F.k.55 fighter. With the same basic concept, the plane is essentially a new design. The new plane is called the F.K.59

Koolhoven has come out with two new planes.
The first, a small aircraft for multiple roles, called the “Frog”.
The second is a scaled up version of the F.K. 55. The F.K. 55 featured an innovative midbody engine and nose mounted cannon, allowing a highly tapered profile, good speed and maneuverability. However the design suffered from poor cooling, an underpowered engine, and weak landing gear which led to collapse on hard landings. 
By time a redesign solved the landing gear issue, the South American conflict had occurred.  The South American  war saw pilot loss rates soar, leading to many nations to add defensive measures to their planes. Further, bombers proved more vulnerable than feared. The basic FK55 design of a large bore cannon mated with a small light airframe lacking armor was ill suited for the new considerations. This led to the FK 59.
The new prototype F.K.59, or FK55 II, took flight earlier this month.  The new plane is larger the FK55 and incorporates the lessons of that fighter. A bigger plane with tricycle landing gear and larger and more efficient ducts, as well as a coolant system embedded in the wing roots.  Self-sealing tanks and armor are fitted. 
The three Oerlikon FF L cannons not yet delivered, FN 7.62mm MGs have been mounted  in their place. The expected Hispano-Suiza HS-12z-17 not being available, a HS 12y-49 with only two thirds the horsepower was fitted, substantially reducing performance.
Still the prototype plane has reportedly performed very well, reaching 314 knots in speed trials with the smaller engine, a figure expected to increase substantially with the proper engine.




The plane is available for export


The Amsterdam Advocate
May 21st, 1937
The latest in a series of clashes between Columbia and Peru was reported to have occurred two days ago. Peruvian claims of Columbian weapons smuggling has led to Peruvian naval forces searching frieghters in the Pacific. Reportedly Atlantian warships fired warning shots in one instance. These developments are most disheartening after the speeches made by the Peruvian president seeking to overturn the treaty willingly entered into in 1928. Peru, a member of AEGIS, is casting itself in a poor light by these seemingly belligerent actions, when simple proof of the smuggling would do much to show that in fact Peru is the injured party.

May 28th
Aulde Saud, Riyadah
The Ministry of Defense has announced that a battalion of enlistees will be sent to Turkey for maritime training.

June 1937

June 10th, 1937
The Hague Herald
The Naval Ministry announce today that an agreement has been made with the South Afrikan Empire. The proud South Afrikan Battleships Konig Wilhelm and Konig Phillip III are to be purchased for use in the KM. South Afrikan ships were recently tested in South America and found quite worthy, These ships, built by our cousins to exacting standards, emerged from refit in 1929 and are quite modern and shall as an important part of the fleet for years to come. Responding to inquiries, the Naval spokesman said there was no intent to rename the vessels.

The deal was negotiated by representative, and former Prime Minister, Eduard Land. Herr Land was in South Afrika on a fact finding tour. Herr Land has stated that once he learned of the South Afrikan government's announcement to dispose of the vessels, he knew this was the proper action to take. Contacting the appropriate officials in our two governments, he quickly drummed up interest in the deal.

Herr Land said “The situation was simple, our navy will gain two very good ships, built to similar standards and arrangements and quite capable of operating with our De Rutyer class in squadron. In return, our friends and cousins obtain a substantial amount of capital to continue the transition of their fleet.” Herr Land stated that he will be staying in South Afrika through July as “It is a large and rich country, there is more to do and I expect there may be some interesting developments”.

The government has submitted a revised budget to pay for the vessels and arrangements are being made to attempt to combine the ceremonial return of the vessels leased between the two navies and the turnover ceremonies for these two ships. While Prince Alexander, who schooled in South Afrika, has already made arrangements to represent the Netherlands, arrangements for crews must be made. It is expected that the government will utilize crewmen training for the new Ijelsik class and call up reservists to provide interim crews.

Quoted

Originally posted by Kaiser Kirk
May 5th, 1937
The Hague Herald
The royal family suffered a blow today. The Princess Juliana, who has grown to be quite the equestrian since her husbands passing, had purchased a herd of Icelandic horses. This herd was led by a stallion she christened as Schat* . The vessel carrying the herd from Iceland to Den Hague was reported missing several days ago, and a ransom note for the “Princess's Treasure” was received. The Royal Family refuses to comment on the matter.
*treasure according to babelfish.

Hmm... you should ask the Irish about that!

Why, whatever do you mean ?

Quoted

Originally posted by Kaiser Kirk
June 1937

June 10th, 1937
The Hague Herald
The Naval Ministry announce today that an agreement has been made with the South Afrikan Empire. The proud South Afrikan Battleships Konig Wilhelm and Konig Phillip III are to be purchased for use in the KM. South Afrikan ships were recently tested in South America and found quite worthy, These ships, built by our cousins to exacting standards, emerged from refit in 1929 and are quite modern and shall as an important part of the fleet for years to come. Responding to inquiries, the Naval spokesman said there was no intent to rename the vessels.

The deal was negotiated by representative, and former Prime Minister, Eduard Land. Herr Land was in South Afrika on a fact finding tour. Herr Land has stated that once he learned of the South Afrikan government's announcement to dispose of the vessels, he knew this was the proper action to take. Contacting the appropriate officials in our two governments, he quickly drummed up interest in the deal.

Herr Land said “The situation was simple, our navy will gain two very good ships, built to similar standards and arrangements and quite capable of operating with our De Rutyer class in squadron. In return, our friends and cousins obtain a substantial amount of capital to continue the transition of their fleet.” Herr Land stated that he will be staying in South Afrika through July as “It is a large and rich country, there is more to do and I expect there may be some interesting developments”.

The government has submitted a revised budget to pay for the vessels and arrangements are being made to attempt to combine the ceremonial return of the vessels leased between the two navies and the turnover ceremonies for these two ships. While Prince Alexander, who schooled in South Afrika, has already made arrangements to represent the Netherlands, arrangements for crews must be made. It is expected that the government will utilize crewmen training for the new Ijelsik class and call up reservists to provide interim crews.

Germany looks at the news, shrugs, and goes back to work. Now, if it had been the Belgians buying them...... [Not to mention that they really need more deck armor these days, and the ammunition supply is surprisingly low.]

Oh, nothing...

[SIZE=1]Seriously, that stallion probably ran away and led the herd off with him. I mean, if you were a proud stallion, would YOU want to be named 'Treasure'?[/SIZE]

Quoted

Originally posted by Hrolf Hakonson
...and the ammunition supply is surprisingly low.]

From my reading of Navweaps and other websites indicating ammo storage, however, 90 rounds for big guns like that isn't actually that far off. Now, destroyers and cruisers seem to carry more ammo - I'm thinking my next DDs and CLAAs need to carry at least 350 rounds per gun, particularly with DP operation. But the OTL KGVs supposedly only carried 100 rounds per gun, and most of the Standards carried the same number. The later USN battleships, though, raised the number to 130...

Of course, this is presuming Navweps is correct?

For my part, I think both the Dutch and SAE did well in the deal.

The ships have good guns and belt armor, the speed is decent, while deck is merely adequate, not up to the latest frontline ships. As a bonus, the instruction manuals are in Dutch !

However, they compare decently with Bahrat's ships, and provide servicable BBs for the Dutch battleline in what the Dutch have been claiming for years is the critical time frame, while not taking years to build, or slips and material to do so.

On # rounds, 90 is a little low, but not badly so. As Brock observed, the KGV had 100, and looking at the 15/42, the QEs did as well.

My understanding is that rounds per gun generally went up post Jutland when the low hit % were noted....reading note 5 on the 15"/42 it mentions the Falklands battle, so I may be confused....well I am confused, but specifically in relation to this matter. The US loadout likely reflects their expectation of having to fight both at long ranges and at distances from bases. Of course expected hit rates increased later as well.

Further, the number listed may or may not be the physical max, but rather the number habitually carried.

In this case I expect these vessels be fairly close to my own bases, I don't expect it to be a critical matter.

Quoted

Originally posted by Brockpaine
Oh, nothing...

[SIZE=1]Seriously, that stallion probably ran away and led the herd off with him. I mean, if you were a proud stallion, would YOU want to be named 'Treasure'?[/SIZE]

Gee, if you're a stallion and you're stuck alone with 24 lonely mares....

besides, I needed something to make the story sorta-work.

Quoted

Originally posted by Kaiser Kirk

Quoted

Originally posted by Brockpaine
Oh, nothing...

[SIZE=1]Seriously, that stallion probably ran away and led the herd off with him. I mean, if you were a proud stallion, would YOU want to be named 'Treasure'?[/SIZE]

Gee, if you're a stallion and you're stuck alone with 24 lonely mares....

besides, I needed something to make the story sorta-work.

Sixteen mares and eight foals, I recall... which demonstrates that Master Chief Stallion Officer Schat had already, ah, gone beyond the call of duty to queen and country... yes.

Nice to read how you worked lessons learned from the war into your designs and also added the BB stuff.

Well done. :o)


On # of rounds - 80 to 100 is pretty much standard for everything build pre-1930 in OTL. I checked my sources on that one some time ago.

At a rate of 3 shots per two minutes the ammo is enough for 60 minutes of battle - and that is assuming full-salvos all the time which is not realistic. In fact 90 rounds per barrel should be ample ammo for most but the largest fleet clashes.

Very interesting news! Turkey may be making a few equipment orders....and that new Avia 137 is just sooooo damn sexy!

Quoted

Originally posted by thesmilingassassin
Very interesting news! Turkey may be making a few equipment orders....and that new Avia 137 is just sooooo damn sexy!

If these orders should include cruisers - the RSAN still has some that need a new home.

*Sends Hrolf blistering PM about not developing the P-39...*

The P-39 is ugly but with a decent engine might do better but it is a wierd contraption given that a Hurricane can carry four 20mm in the wings. Newer RAF fighters will easily carry the same. I don't think the mid-engine soloution is practical nor really benefical at all unless you plan to put a BIG cannon in the nose.

Actually I'm extremely biased against all American fighters, they just can't build decent ones IMHO. The P-38 was good but complicated, the P-40 about the most decent but not really up with the Fw 190 or later 109, P-47 a big wallowing puncher too big to be a decent fighter and the P-51 designed to British specs and only made decent by a British engine. Nuff said.

If Turkey needs arms your local British dealer can be contacted, we have cruisers for sale too (not just crusty types either!).

Quoted

Originally posted by Hood
Actually I'm extremely biased against all American fighters, they just can't build decent ones IMHO. The P-38 was good but complicated, the P-40 about the most decent but not really up with the Fw 190 or later 109, P-47 a big wallowing puncher too big to be a decent fighter and the P-51 designed to British specs and only made decent by a British engine. Nuff said.

I see the P47 being much better in the ground-attack role, such as where the Typhoon also excelled. I recall reading an autobiography of one of the Eagle Squadron pilots, who flew pretty much all the planes of the Western Allies, and he said that of the lot, his favorites were the Spitfires and the P47s - the Spitfires being his preference for an all-around fighter interceptor, and the Jug being his preference for "always got me back in one piece even if it was in many pieces". He didn't have much kind to say about the P51s, and didn't fly the P38s. His comments about the P39 were... scathing, to say the least. I think he determined the entire breed of aircraft was out to kill him, and apparently nearly did on two occasions... and a P39 broke up midair and killed his brother, so as I said, he didn't have anything good to say about it.

Quoted

Originally posted by Desertfox
*Sends Hrolf blistering PM about not developing the P-39...*

Eh. The P-39 is never going to be a GOOD aircraft, and the US doesn't see the need for it at this time. If it's equipped with a turbocharger, it's an OK bomber interceptor, but it's short-legged compared to the competing P-38. As a fighter, the 37mm is a poor choice since it fires slowly and has a difficult trajectory to get hits with against manuevering targets. The P-63 is better, but the same problems apply to it: it's short-legged compared to the P-38 and the 37mm is a poor gun for use against manuevering targets.

Quoted

Originally posted by Hood
The P-39 is ugly but with a decent engine might do better but it is a wierd contraption given that a Hurricane can carry four 20mm in the wings. Newer RAF fighters will easily carry the same. I don't think the mid-engine soloution is practical nor really benefical at all unless you plan to put a BIG cannon in the nose.

Actually I'm extremely biased against all American fighters, they just can't build decent ones IMHO. The P-38 was good but complicated, the P-40 about the most decent but not really up with the Fw 190 or later 109, P-47 a big wallowing puncher too big to be a decent fighter and the P-51 designed to British specs and only made decent by a British engine. Nuff said.

The P-40 was flawed by the older airframe (taken from the P-36) and the oversized radiator used on the Allison. The P-47 was just big, nothing to be done about that because of the R-2800 (all of the fighters powered by that engine were big, because it's a big engine). The P-51 was designed to be better than the P-40 (which is what the British purchasing commission wanted North American to build), but certainly the Merlin made it better than the Allison would have (the poor Allison, criticized for a decision that the USAAC made before the war, that they would use turbochargers vs superchargers for high-altitude use and then didn't make sure there would be enough turbochargers to allow it to be true).

Turkey for now is alright in the Naval department for now, some CA's are planned in the future though.

Its more land and air assets that are needed at the moment.

Quoted

Originally posted by Hrolf Hakonson

Quoted

Originally posted by Desertfox
*Sends Hrolf blistering PM about not developing the P-39...*

Eh. The P-39 is never going to be a GOOD aircraft, and the US doesn't see the need for it at this time. If it's equipped with a turbocharger, it's an OK bomber interceptor, but it's short-legged compared to the competing P-38. As a fighter, the 37mm is a poor choice since it fires slowly and has a difficult trajectory to get hits with against manuevering targets. The P-63 is better, but the same problems apply to it: it's short-legged compared to the P-38 and the 37mm is a poor gun for use against manuevering targets.

I asked Hrolf to use the XP-39 pic because the historic Koolhoven FK-55 was a very similar concept, that he simply had immense trouble getting to work, which has been reflected in the news over the years. So I've got pics of the mock up of it was supposed to be like, but the pregnant guppy that was actually produced was ugly. Considering the FK-55 mockup made news at the Paris Airshow before the P-39 was started, there could be an association. So the Xp-39 pic was attractive.

Plus I like the look better than the final P-39. Me, for WWII fighters I like the looks of the P-40, Lightning, Corsair, and various 'cats, the Spit and FW-190.

My understanding is the original Xp-39 was light performed very well, with the mid-body engine producing good handling, then they added several hundred pounds of armor and self-sealing tanks to it and stuck and engine that didn't perform at altitude in it. The result was something that performed ok below 12,000 feet.

Here, as noted, the South American war would seem to indicate that a large cannon is not in fact needed to down bombers, so the plan is to mount lighter weapons. Overall the planebuilder stats worked out reasonably, and will get posted shortly.