Airdrop From The Inside
Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:19 pm
!7th ABD troops embarking on a C-47 prior to dumping on the Rhine 1945.
Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:50 am
Jack,
This is not a photo of a C-47! It is most likely a C-46.
Cheers!
Todd
This is not a photo of a C-47! It is most likely a C-46.
Cheers!
Todd
Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:11 am
Yup, it's a C-46, Jack. 
Gary
Gary
????
Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:20 am
I ASSUMED 
that since it's a 17th ABD (?) and they served in UK, Fr, Ger and Belgium it would be a C-47. If no C-46s were in the ETO then who are these guys 
that since it's a 17th ABD (?) and they served in UK, Fr, Ger and Belgium it would be a C-47. If no C-46s were in the ETO then who are these guys
Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:30 am
From Wikipedia;
It wasn't until March 1945 that the C-46 saw duty in Europe, joining the USAAF in time to drop paratroopers in the push for the Rhine. The C-46 proved inadequate for combat. Due to a poorly designed fuel system, gasoline leaked out of the lines and pooled in the fuselage at the wing root and was easily ignited by ground fire. So many C-46s were lost in the drop during the crossing of the Rhine that airborne leaders forbade the airplane's use in future airborne operations. Fortunately, the war ended soon afterward and no further airborne missions were flown.
It wasn't until March 1945 that the C-46 saw duty in Europe, joining the USAAF in time to drop paratroopers in the push for the Rhine. The C-46 proved inadequate for combat. Due to a poorly designed fuel system, gasoline leaked out of the lines and pooled in the fuselage at the wing root and was easily ignited by ground fire. So many C-46s were lost in the drop during the crossing of the Rhine that airborne leaders forbade the airplane's use in future airborne operations. Fortunately, the war ended soon afterward and no further airborne missions were flown.