----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2002 5:31
PM
Subject: Re: flaming dump
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