FRE 2008
IMAGEA 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.
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Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Command
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Chopstick A-Able
- Unit: 401st Bomb Group 482nd Bomb Group 812th Bomb Squadron