Join me tonight from 20:00z as we continue our series.
Part 8
Flying at night & RAF Coastal Command
Beechcraft C-45 (Model 18)
Introduction:
Prior to the outbreak of war, new technologies were being developed that made flying at night a whole lot easier. Blind flying beams such as the Lorenz Beam in Germany and the Diamond-Dunmore equi-signal radio guidance system in the US guided aircraft to the ground during the night and in bad weather. The Lorenz beam consisted of two different signals: A signal that transmitted Morse code dots and another signal that transmitted Morse code Dashes. These were broadcast from a single transmitter via three antennae at the end of an airport runway. When the pilot approached left of the field they would hear a Morse dot. If they were too far right they would hear a Morse dash. If they we aligned with the runway, the signal would form a single signal.
Rebecca/Eureka transponding radar
The Rebecca/Eureka transponding radar was a short-range radio navigation system used for the dropping of airborne forces and their supplies. It consisted of two parts, the Rebecca airborne transceiver and antenna system, and the Eureka ground-based transponder. Rebecca calculated the range to the Eureka based on the timing of the return signals, and its relative position using a highly directional antenna. The ‘Rebecca’ name comes from the phrase “Recognition of beacons”. The ‘Eureka’ name comes from the Greek word meaning “I have found it!”.
The Airborne Forces Equipment Committee took up development of the system in the summer of 1942, funding low-priority development of a Mark II system intended for use on glider tugs and paratroop aircraft.
Both Rebecca II and Eureka II were developed by Murphy Radio, with early pre-production of Rebecca by Dynatron Radio.
Rebecca was powered off the aircraft mains, whilst Eureka was battery powered with a lifetime of about six hours.
Introduction to the Boeing C-45 (Model 18) and RAF Coastal Command
Operation: Night flying Operations
Route: We depart the Western Isles of Scotland at Stornoway (formally RAF Stornoway) EGPO and make our way east to Moray and land at RAF Lossiemouth EGQS to deliver some high ranking officers. From here we are tasked with taking a crew up to the Shetland Islands and land at the former RAF Facility at Sumburgh Airport EGPB .
EGPO - EGQS* - EGPB* ( * = Full Stop Landings)
Recommended Aircraft: Beech Model 18 or any multiengine aircraft capable of a cruise speed of about 150kts
Time & Weather: - TBC on stream
Livery: Beech 18 RAF livery for Microsoft Flight Simulator | MSFS
Multiplayer Options:
MSFS Server: South East Asia
JoinFS: TTM Flying Circus Password: thelogs2
