media-380812.jpg FRE 2008 A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-3483) of the 482nd Bomb Group takes off. B-17G-1-DL 42-3483 MI-A was the first in a batch of twelve B-17s modified in the USA with pre-production AN/APS-15 H2X "Mickey" PFF radar sets under the supervision of the 812th Bombardment Squadron's commanding officer, Captain Fred A Rabo. This batch had the scanner radome installed under a fairing behind the chin turret (seen partially censored out in the photograph) rather than in the ball turret position as on later H2X-equipped aircraft. After her combat service the radar equipment was removed and refitted in a deHavilland Mosquito, being smaller than the production version. In April 1944 she was transferred to the 401st Bombardment Group to serve as a VHF radio relay ship, a function she continued to serve following her transfer to VIII Fighter Command in July 1944. Roger Freeman Collection

482BG records (ARG Archive, Alconbury)