What year did the Typhoon start using the wing mounted rockets. I have looked through my copy of warbird tech and even talked to a guy at the museum in Virginia beach but no answer. I want to do as early of a version as I can of my Academy Mk. 1b kit.
From the Wikipedia Typhoon article:
“From September 1943 Typhoons could also be armed with four 60 lb RP-3 rockets under each wing. In October 1943, No. 181 Squadron made the first Typhoon rocket strikes. Although the rocket projectiles were inaccurate and took some considerable skill to aim properly and allow for the drop after firing, “the sheer firepower of just one Typhoon was equivalent to a destroyer’s broadside.” By the end of 1943, 18 rocket-equipped Typhoon squadrons formed the basis of the RAF’s Second Tactical Air Force (2nd TAF) ground attack arm in Europe. In theory, the rocket rails and bomb-racks were interchangeable; in practice, to simplify ordnance supply-lines, some 2nd TAF Typhoon squadrons (such as 198 Squadron) used the rockets only, while other squadrons were armed exclusively with bombs.”
If I recall correctly, I believe Roland “Bee” Beamont played a role in developing the rocket-armed Typhoon (and the best methods for using it) while serving as a test pilot for Hawker (between active service stints) from 1943-44.
Cheers
thank you very much for your reply it was very helpful. It also opened up lots of options for me to choose from.
The Typhoon was first modified to carry 45 gallon drop tanks in early 1943. The first bomb racks I found were done in October 1942, and these were first used by 181 Squadron, carrying a 500 pound bomb on each wing. The rockets were first tested in spring 1943. There were three notable changes to the aircraft once these were added. First, there was over 700 pounds of armor plate added to the cockpit, engine and radiator areas, though I believe the exterior appearance did not change as a result. Second, a larger tailwheel was added–it was solid rubber and had groove lines in it. Third, there was a small extension chute added to the case ejector slots for the guns, this was to allow the empty casings to fall without hitting the bomb carried under the wing.
The bubble canopy came a little later. So, if you want to do an early Mk. 1b, you could leave off the bomb and rocket racks completely. The canopy design is another area of changes. Early on, in 1941, the Typhoon had the car doors with a clear top section that opened to the left side, but the rear of the cockpit section was covered by sheet metal. In late 1941 that solid fairing over the rear section was swapped out for the clear canopy section that you typically see Mk. 1b models having. The bubble canopy was not put into production models until November 1943. Depending on your plans, you could build a Mk. 1b that would have been built in late 1941 or early 1942, with the car doors and clear aft canopy section, and without the bomb or rocket racks on it. If youre feeling froggy, you could try to scratch build the solid metal fairing over the rear of the cockpit and really go early. Also, on the top clear section of the canopy, a blister was added early in 1942 for a rear view mirror. Hope this helps
great info