| Night raiders were usually Po-2 (actually U-2 as noted in a previous post. Aircraft was a lightweight fabric covered two seat biplane which could carry light bombs or grenades but only usually had a PPSh type "burp gun" for self defense. Top speed was around 90 knots and it flew so low that it was hard to pick out against the ground by eye or background clutter with early airborne radars. Also used were the more modern Yak-11 trainers (a two-seat low wing aircraft). Only Navy ace of the war LT Bordelon got 5 Po-2/Yak-11 with an F4U-5NL. Cookie Sewell AMPS |