A.. I.. R.. C..R..A.. F.. by Briney
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Description
The whole rationale behind flying boats was that there were never enough airfields and too many islands, but all that changed in WW2 in the Pacific. In mid-1942, the Imperial Japanese forces started construction of a new airfield on occupied Guadalcanal, in the Solomons, an airfield that would command the sea-lanes across the Pacific.
It was what you might call a "Billy Mitchell" moment- this kind of strategic play was exactly what Maj. General Mitchell, champion of air-power and the USAAC between the wars, had warned might happen some day! They named a bomber after him. But after an epic and drawn-out land and sea battle, the United States, not Imperial Japan, finished that airfield.
You'll know the saying... "Build it and they will come..." The Japanese flying boat base responsible for the Solomons became increasingly alarmed as one by one their patrols just disappeared- each would tap off a quick "aircraft" alert.... followed by silence.
But what kind of "aircraft" were doing this? The truth dawned when one lucky crew limped home in a smoking "Mavis" super-ventilated with .50 cal bullet holes. They'd fought off broadsides from TWO "patrolling" B17s! Not just any old "Aircraft..." then, "Big Aircraft... with wheels."
Thanks for viewing and comments...
Assets
The Digimation B17G (I've rolled this back as best I can to E/F by hiding the chin turret, and subtle posing to hide the resulting "hole")
Comments (11)
warder348
Sweet!!
Darq01
very nice, great job
AliceFromLake
This is action in the sky. Fine work. I can not help, bt the models of VanishinPoint are exactly the same like De Esponna...
Briney
Yes... The models unpack into a De Esponna folder so that must be their ultimate origin
Maxidyne
Thant's the problem with forward looking men, they are often ignored by the powers that be. I think VP brought the De Esponna back catalogue, some good and some not very detailed. Excellent work and story :)
KnightWolverine
Just Fantastic effects and aerial scene!!...Wow!!
steelrazer
Pretty cool. I like the ricocheting rounds, although you probably wouldn't see them...they do add to the action. The enemy fire path trails would make great rocket trails as well. Nice job.
Briney
If anyone is interested in learning more there are two accounts I've found of these dogfights... both fairly hair-raising accounts... http://www.military-art.com/mall/more.php?ProdID=12329 http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/stories/h6ksty.html
neiwil
Now that's different, always thought of all that armament as defensive as opposed to offensive.That said, a couple of B-17's would certainly 'chuck some lead', so bad news either way. Very cool image and further education, thanks mate....
Osper
No problem with the hole. Just get out the sheet metal cut and rivet! I use this system all the time. ;) Good show on the picture.
debbielove
Nice work! And, a nice idea.. Great story to go with it, always like a bit of a story! lol Rob