44-23156
Elint* employed 'Droop snoots' were:
44-23515, 44-23501, 44-23156 and 43-28479. Loaned out to 192 Sqn RAF.
*Elint - Electronic Intelligence gathering.
AAM DB Entry.
P-38J field modified to 'Droop Snoot*' configuration and fitted out with equipment and aerials for Elint** work. Detached to 192 Sqn*** RAF for Elint** missions. "Reported to have been converted to radar search aircraft and operated by 36th BS (a radar countermeasures unit), not sure if before or after RAF service"****.
* The 'Droop Snoot' field conversion entailed the removal of the nose armament and associated equipment to make room for a prone bombardiers position with the installation of a plexiglass nose, a Norden bombsight, side windows and an emergency hatch. The theory was for a formation of P-38's to drop their bombs on the formation lead 'Droop snoots' signal with the precision of the Norden bombsight ensuring the accuracy of the formations bombing. An idea championed by Lt Col Cass Hough and Lt Col Dan Ostrander.
** Elint - Electronic intelligence, the collection for analysis of electronic signals [radio and radar] from enemy transmissions.
*** 'Between September 1944 and February 1945, USAAF two seat lightnings were attached to the squadron and in November 1944 much time was spent in searching for radio signals from V-2s, though these were later found to be uncontrolled' [V2's had on-board guidance systems].
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
Places
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Manufactured |
Burbank, CA, USA | Built by Lockheed as a P-38J. | |
Delivered |
Long Beach, CA, USA | Delivered to USAAF. | |
Other Field Modified |
Langford Lodge, 55-57 De La Warr Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 2JE, UK | Field modified to 'Droop Snoot*' configuration and fitted out with equipment and aerials for Elint** work. | |
Other Detached |
Foulsham, Dereham, Norfolk NR20, UK | Detached to 192 Sqn RAF for Elint** missions. | |
Other Assigned |
Harrington, Northampton, Northamptonshire NN6, UK | Assigned to 36th Bomb Squadron, 801st Bomb Group, 8AF USAAF. | |
Other Converted - radar search A/C |
"Reported to have been converted to radar search aircraft and operated by 36th BS (a radar countermeasures unit), not sure if before or after RAF service"****. |