If what I read recently that a RP3 with a 60lb warhead had a total weight of 100lb is correct, that means that inner load is about the same as the bomb (400lb of RP's and maybe another 100lb for all the other gubbins).

I just remembered something about the doubled up RP's, they were fired together ---

Not seen any pictures with both bombs and rockets, I suppose there was nothing to stop them being loaded out like that if fuel tanks and rockets could be used. I can see one problem though, you would not want to fire your rockets and drop your bombs at the same time so unless the firing circit was selectable  it would be all or nothing.

Gondor

Request for information, please. 

Can anyone cast light on which [EDIT] RAF fighter squadrons were slated to be part of Tiger Force when initial establishment plans were being drawn up following the Quebec Conference? 

I know Tempest IIs and dH Hornets were the intended equipment but which units?

Many thanks in advance.

I've only got an order of battle for 15th August Dave and I think that's purely the 3 planned bomber groups. I'll have another look, but most of my books are on the BPF.

Thanks Chris, much appreciated.  The little I have on Tiger Force plus what's immediately available through't Tinterweb focuses on the more definitive bomber-centric force without mentioning the fighters.

What I have found in the dark recesses of Operation Downfall material is that 6 fighter squadrons were proposed following the second Quebec Conference (1944).  IIRC 54 Sqn plus at least one other was working up on Tempest IIs at Chilbolton around VE Day - were all of the planned Tempest II units destined for Tiger Force?

The Hornet entered service with 64 and 19 Sqns in 1946.  Had the Hornet's introduction not been affected by delays, could both units have been part of Tiger Force, rather than re-equip with Mustangs in 1945?

EDIT:

• My well-thumbed (1988) copy of Owen Thetford's 'Aircraft of the RAF Since 1918' states that 183 Sqn (later renumbered 54 Sqn) was first to receive Tempest IIs, then 247 Sqn.  Wikipedia has 183 getting their Tempest IIs in Aug 45 and renumbered 54 Sqn in Nov 45, with 247 Sqn getting also getting theirs in Aug 45.  54 Sqn was based in Australia with Spitfire VIIIs up to disbandment in Nov 45 and 183's renumbering later that month.
• I don't see 54 being re-equipped and moved to join Tiger Force, rather European Theatre fighter squadrons redeployed/re-equipped (as were bomber squadrons) to form Tiger Force.  Of course the fighter element was dropped before Aug 45, but what if it hadn't?  Would 183 and 247 headed east, I wonder?  I'm going to hazard a guess and say yes, but would welcome any insights/confirmation

Quote from: Gondor on May 22, 2020, 07:42:25 AM
Not seen any pictures with both bombs and rockets, I suppose there was nothing to stop them being loaded out like that if fuel tanks and rockets could be used. I can see one problem though, you would not want to fire your rockets and drop your bombs at the same time so unless the firing circit was selectable  it would be all or nothing.

Gondor

From what I've read, they were never used together due to different methods of delivery to target. One flight with rockets, another with bombs.

Quote from: Zero-Sen on June 11, 2022, 06:56:02 PM

I remember seeing the Speed Typhoon before. It still looks "right" to me. 

It does look good, very much so.

But to be very JMN-ish, it couldn't use 'N.17' as its reggie as 'N' was allocated to Supermarine. I'm miles away from my book on these things so I can't say which code was Hawker's, sorry.

Hawker were allocated the letter I.

Thanks for that Jim, you're closer to your Class B reggie book than I am I guess. 

Schneider Speed Typhon floatplane, delete the chin radiator add surface radiators. 

Very good, but it needs turbos on the top of the booms and radiators on the sides (the chin inlets* being for an intercooler).

*Chinlets?