What IsThis?

Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:01 pm

Mobile tower??

Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:02 pm

Yep!

Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:41 pm

Lunar Lander Prototype? (Ahead of its time they said at the time)
-David

Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:51 pm

mobile control tower for the clown plane.

Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:45 pm

I've seen a number of black and white photos of similar mobile control vans or whatever you want to call them.

B17 nose glass seems to be a common theme.

Tue Mar 10, 2009 3:59 am

Common on RAF and UK based USAAF airfields:

FLYING CONTROL CARAVAN

During the Summer of 1942 to reduce the number of accidents on the airfield, especially on the runways it was decided to position a caravan alongside the touch-down area. Where an airfield had a runway the caravan had it’s own hard-standing and access track. The caravan was manned by an Aerodrome Control Pilot who had an Aldis Signalling Lamp and a Very Pistol to warn pilots of danger.

http://www.rafharrowbeer.co.uk/about.htm

Basically a control tower (RAF pre-war 'Watch Office') that could be put where it was needed. Also seen in Australia and elsewhere for busy training fields.

Note this one has a B-17 nosecone for the lookout. Others used a 'cloche' type glasshouse.

Tue Mar 10, 2009 4:14 am

Jeep Trailers as well

From the book "Battle of the Bulge 1944" by Napier Crookenden

http://web.g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=135329

Tue Mar 10, 2009 9:24 am

This one is currently used by the 162nd Fighter Wing Arizona Air National Guard at Tuccon International Airport (TUS) .