Re: FD Aircraft 18
Posted: May 8th, 2021, 2:08 pm
Great Britain - Canadair Sabre
Arguably the worst aircraft to enter service in WWII. The prototype was set multiple performance records, and yet the combat aircraft were barely able to get themselves airborne.
Designed in 1936 as a heavy fighter/fighter-bomber, the prototype first flew in December 1937, quickly gaining FAI records for speed while carrying 1 tonne payloads. A minor redesign changed the original single fin for a t-tail and increased the engine power to 1000hp per side. Production commencing in late 1938. Mussolini had great interest in the aircraft and the aircraft had great propaganda value for Italy.
Unfortunately the aircraft did not live up to its hype, as with military equipment fitted the heavy internal construction and poor aerodynamics of the design became apparent. performance was so poor that the design was initially cancelled, but to keep the production lines running a second batch was commissioned - many of which were delivered straight to the breakers' yard.
Initially Ba.88's were employed against Corsica, where although underpowered and with poor manoeuvrablity, they were able to operate without fighter opposition. Then transferred to Libya, the aircraft were fitted with desert sand filters, decreasing performance now to the point that the aircraft were often not even able to take-off. By November 1940 the aircraft were grounded and deployed instead as "dummy aircraft" at airfields to distract reconnaissance and attacking aircraft.
Included in the first production batch were 8 2-seat trainers, with a raised cockpit for the second pilot and no rear gunner's position. I could find no photos of these aircraft so is illustrated here in bare metal.
The second production series aircraft were only minimally changed from the first aircraft, the most obvious difference with changed engine cowlings.
In late 1942 3 aircraft were rebuilt as a dive-bomber, as the Ba.88M. The aircraft was now lengthened, given longer span wings fitted with dive brakes, increased forward armament, and a new cockpit. They were delivered to 103 Gruppo on the day before the Italian armistice, and were taken over by the Germans before disappearing.
