TBM Gathering 2018

JohnTerrell · **Posted:** Sun May 20, 2018 7:10 pm

With regard to the extra vertical tail fins on TBM 85650, they are of the type used on TBM's that were modified and served in the "hunter" role, fitted with the huge Airborne Early Warning (AEW) APS-20 radar below the fuselage. This particular aircraft originally served with the Dutch Navy, but the US Navy, French Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and Japanese Navy also operated examples in the same configuration as well. This was all developed under "Project Cadillac", beginning in around 1944.

Vagabond · **Posted:** Sun May 20, 2018 7:21 pm

Thanks for the info, John!

More fun stuff to look up and learn about!

JohnTerrell · **Posted:** Sun May 20, 2018 7:25 pm

This is a photo of the same aircraft back in its original Dutch Navy markings and AEW configuration, well before restoration, when it was displayed at the Strathallan Collection in Scotland: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/444 ... 4e62_o.jpg

Interestingly, it had been operating for quite some years now with the standard-configured horizontal stabilizers - the extra vertical fins being added back on again is a recent development (it didn't have them as of last year's TBM Gathering). It would be rather neat to see it returned to the full original AEW configuration (if that might possibly be the plan?).

Kyleb · **Posted:** Sun May 20, 2018 7:55 pm

Is that a Hudson behind the TMB in Scotland?

JohnTerrell · **Posted:** Sun May 20, 2018 9:27 pm

Yes, it is the same Hudson which is now displayed at the RAF Museum Hendon.

AG pilot · **Joined:** Sat Sep 24, 2011 9:13 am **Posts:** 553

"It would be rather neat to see it returned to the full original AEW configuration (if that might possibly be the plan?)"

That would be pretty cool to see happen.

Vagabond · **Posted:** Mon May 21, 2018 5:02 pm

Hi All,

I've posted my gallery of images from Saturday 5/19/18 to my site.

Saturday Gallery Link:

https://www.vgbimages.com/AirShows/2018 ... s-Saturday

The irony is thus - by the time the 10 strong flight of TBMs took to the sky, the sun was in the WORST spot for photography and the gallery reflects this fact. Hence my decision to shoot more video of the TBMs late in the day.

Saturday Teasers:

Earlier in the day...

Randy Wilson · **Posted:** Mon May 21, 2018 5:39 pm

Very nice setup for the Wildcat landing!

Randy

steve dickey · **Posted:** Mon May 21, 2018 6:57 pm

Except its takeoff!! notice the flaps?

Randy Wilson · **Posted:** Tue May 22, 2018 9:31 pm

Steve - good catch, it just looked like a great tail low touchdown and I didn't notice the lack of flaps. My bad. All the best.

Randy

Rob W · **Posted:** Fri May 25, 2018 7:18 pm

Any idea who owns this one?

More later, thanks for looking!

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