Warbird Information Exchange

C-47A "That's All-Brother”equipment search challenge, origin of flame dampeners / suppressors.

The one item on TA-B that is unknown by us is the Flame Dampeners (aka Suppressors), so I am asking across several boards (first with the English ones).

Looking at film of the aircraft it shows some kind of Flame Suppressors / Dampeners under the wings.
Since the para drops was at night it is obvious a necessity.

However the USAAF rarely did night missions so that device is somewhat unique.
It is my belief the USAAF went to RAF colleagues and "borrowed" some off a Halifax or Beaufighter.
I am asking this bunch of hanger bums to divulge what rumor they have and post here.

Video of That's All --- Brother is here,one can see the longer exhaust tubes.

Still of film (ignore yellow arrow, points to Radar dome. Instead look around gear struts):


It is not difficult to find C-47’s with it installed, but the images tend to be grainy and being under the wing dark! Something with excellent detail is needed.


And a picture of another C-47 with suppressors.


Some existing RAF samples (I call them RASP Type because this reminds me of the wood tool).
Halifax


Beaufighter


On a side note:
QUESTION: does the RAF type also reduce engine exhaust noise??


On a side note , picture of crew was found with TA-B, but the suppressor was NOT installed at this time.


THANKS FOR HELPING!

EDIT ADDITIONAL

More info and examples:
Greyman heard them referred to as 'Barbed' or 'Christmas Tree' exhausts.



and on Sterling

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Do-17z fact and history site, setting it straight.
There is something deeply wrong with a society more offended by breasts than by entrails.

More images of dampener/suppressor

from Dover AFB site



Links contributed by Lanc35 (one used above)
http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/4826

http://www.charleston.af.mil/shared/...-9999G-009.jpg

It seems there was a Douglas version, as Mothminor posted in Key
" Flame Dampeners are mentioned in the Douglas C-47 Maintenance Manual (not numbered but dated 1944 with 1948 revisions.) - it states that "2 are shipped with the aircraft as loose items... fastened into place by screwing bolts into the nut plates built into the exhaust tail pipe." "

But they look like this!

_________________
Do-17z fact and history site, setting it straight.
There is something deeply wrong with a society more offended by breasts than by entrails.

"Black Cat" PBYs also utilized flame dampeners. At least from the pictures, they appear to be fairly similar to the ones installed on C-47s. Perhaps you can get a better picture from a PBY since the dampers were mounted on the top of the cowling.

I tried doing a few searches, the few I saw the dampener looked to be shroud over the exhaust, different from what I am looking for. Thanks for idea though.

_________________
Do-17z fact and history site, setting it straight.
There is something deeply wrong with a society more offended by breasts than by entrails.

phenomenal success in fund raising!

Unfortunately much less success in finding about those dampener!

_________________
Do-17z fact and history site, setting it straight.
There is something deeply wrong with a society more offended by breasts than by entrails.

Believe it or now, we STILL unable to find anything about those flame dampeners!

Lots of pictures and stories of those involved with TA-B are pouring in, but nothing on the stack.

Anyone take a second look?

_________________
Do-17z fact and history site, setting it straight.
There is something deeply wrong with a society more offended by breasts than by entrails.

The photos and plane types in this thread, to me, strongly suggest this was a Brit thing. I know that US wheeled vehicles sometimes used Brit-made objects, such as blackout light brackets for jeep, and such. This could, I think, easily be something like that.
Have you checked with folks who know about RAF-issued airplane parts?

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Owner, 1944 Willys MB #366014
Former REMF (US Army, O3)

Key Publishing Forums?

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