Jamie McTrusty
@jamiemctrusty.bsky.social
Posts on (mostly) Second World War aviation and naval history. See ALT text for picture credits and additional information!
Though flight testing continued until September 1941, G.A.L. were told to scrap their ‘spare’ aircraft in October, followed by the prototype in early 1942. It was apparent that conventional aircraft, fitted with airborne radar, were a far more effective solution.
📷 IWM CH 18035
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#NavalHistory
📷 IWM CH 18035
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#NavalHistory
February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
Though flight testing continued until September 1941, G.A.L. were told to scrap their ‘spare’ aircraft in October, followed by the prototype in early 1942. It was apparent that conventional aircraft, fitted with airborne radar, were a far more effective solution.
📷 IWM CH 18035
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#NavalHistory
📷 IWM CH 18035
🧵7/7
#NavalHistory
Like the Airspeed design, the G.A.L. 38 experienced stability issues. A redesign ensued and, despite the end of the Fleet Shadower program, in June 1941 the prototype flew again with a large single tailfin and more powerful engines. A second aircraft, never completed, was used for spares.
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February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
Like the Airspeed design, the G.A.L. 38 experienced stability issues. A redesign ensued and, despite the end of the Fleet Shadower program, in June 1941 the prototype flew again with a large single tailfin and more powerful engines. A second aircraft, never completed, was used for spares.
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The General Aircraft Ltd G.A.L. 38 had first flown in May 1940, also using Niagara engines, though a less powerful version. Its performance proved similar to the AS.39, with a minimum speed of 34 knots (39 mph) and a maximum of 115 mph. Endurance was much greater, however, at up to 11 hours.
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February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
The General Aircraft Ltd G.A.L. 38 had first flown in May 1940, also using Niagara engines, though a less powerful version. Its performance proved similar to the AS.39, with a minimum speed of 34 knots (39 mph) and a maximum of 115 mph. Endurance was much greater, however, at up to 11 hours.
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A proposed second AS.39 prototype with more powerful Cheetah engines was seen as a possible solution. Unlike the original concept, it would have been equipped with defensive armament, but was never completed. The Fleet Shadower program and AS.39 were cancelled in February 1941.
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February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
A proposed second AS.39 prototype with more powerful Cheetah engines was seen as a possible solution. Unlike the original concept, it would have been equipped with defensive armament, but was never completed. The Fleet Shadower program and AS.39 were cancelled in February 1941.
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The Airspeed AS.39 first flew in October 1940, powered by four 130hp Pobjoy Niagara engines. It could fly as slowly as 29 knots (33 mph), with a maximum speed of 126 mph, but there were significant issues with handling and stability. This was exacerbated by the lack of engine power.
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February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
The Airspeed AS.39 first flew in October 1940, powered by four 130hp Pobjoy Niagara engines. It could fly as slowly as 29 knots (33 mph), with a maximum speed of 126 mph, but there were significant issues with handling and stability. This was exacerbated by the lack of engine power.
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Though they were competing designs, both aircraft appeared very similar. Each had a crew of 3: an observer in a glazed compartment in the nose, the pilot in a high-mounted cockpit and a wireless operator in the rear fuselage. The aircraft had folding wings for carrier use and were unarmed.
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February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
Though they were competing designs, both aircraft appeared very similar. Each had a crew of 3: an observer in a glazed compartment in the nose, the pilot in a high-mounted cockpit and a wireless operator in the rear fuselage. The aircraft had folding wings for carrier use and were unarmed.
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The Royal Navy’s ‘Fleet Shadower’ concept, developed prior to the SWW, envisioned a high-endurance, low-speed and low-noise carrier aircraft to monitor enemy naval forces at sea by night. Two companies were chosen to submit prototypes and the AS.39 (L) and G.A.L. 38 (R) were the result.
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February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
The Royal Navy’s ‘Fleet Shadower’ concept, developed prior to the SWW, envisioned a high-endurance, low-speed and low-noise carrier aircraft to monitor enemy naval forces at sea by night. Two companies were chosen to submit prototypes and the AS.39 (L) and G.A.L. 38 (R) were the result.
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Some Sunderlands had 4 fixed 0.303s which they used to keep the heads of U-Boat flak gunners down! The 20mm turret was the Bristol B.17, which was also used on the Avro Lincoln and Shackleton.
February 8, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Some Sunderlands had 4 fixed 0.303s which they used to keep the heads of U-Boat flak gunners down! The 20mm turret was the Bristol B.17, which was also used on the Avro Lincoln and Shackleton.
Several Seafords were converted to airliners and used by BOAC as the Short Solent, later followed by purpose-built aircraft. They used them only from 1948-1950, though Aquila flew Solents to the Canaries until 1958 and TEAL operated them in New Zealand until 1960.
📷 vintageaviationnews.com
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📷 vintageaviationnews.com
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February 8, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Several Seafords were converted to airliners and used by BOAC as the Short Solent, later followed by purpose-built aircraft. They used them only from 1948-1950, though Aquila flew Solents to the Canaries until 1958 and TEAL operated them in New Zealand until 1960.
📷 vintageaviationnews.com
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📷 vintageaviationnews.com
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The end of the war led to the program becoming somewhat redundant. Though some limited operational testing took place in 1946, the Seaford was cancelled after 2 prototypes and 8 production aircraft had been completed.
📷 destinationsjourney.com
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📷 destinationsjourney.com
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February 8, 2026 at 12:47 PM
The end of the war led to the program becoming somewhat redundant. Though some limited operational testing took place in 1946, the Seaford was cancelled after 2 prototypes and 8 production aircraft had been completed.
📷 destinationsjourney.com
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📷 destinationsjourney.com
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As well as being longer than its predecessor, the Seaford had a greater wingspan and a redesigned lower hull. Its more powerful Hercules engines required a redesigned tailplane to offset stability issues. The defensive armament was potent, a mixture of 0.50 cal and 20mm guns.
📷 IWM ATP 14556C
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📷 IWM ATP 14556C
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February 8, 2026 at 12:47 PM
As well as being longer than its predecessor, the Seaford had a greater wingspan and a redesigned lower hull. Its more powerful Hercules engines required a redesigned tailplane to offset stability issues. The defensive armament was potent, a mixture of 0.50 cal and 20mm guns.
📷 IWM ATP 14556C
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📷 IWM ATP 14556C
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The Short Seaford (1944) began life as the Sunderland Mark IV, an improved version of the existing flying boat designed to operate in the Pacific. Though it used many common elements, the aircraft ultimately incorporated so many changes that it was given a new name.
📷 IWM ATP 14556B
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📷 IWM ATP 14556B
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February 8, 2026 at 12:47 PM
The Short Seaford (1944) began life as the Sunderland Mark IV, an improved version of the existing flying boat designed to operate in the Pacific. Though it used many common elements, the aircraft ultimately incorporated so many changes that it was given a new name.
📷 IWM ATP 14556B
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📷 IWM ATP 14556B
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A brief stay of execution came when a 2nd M.20 prototype was developed in 1941 for naval use. Equipped with catapult attachment points among other modifications, it could have operated from CAM ships or small carriers. However, other types fulfilled this role instead.
📷 destinationsjourney.com
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📷 destinationsjourney.com
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February 8, 2026 at 11:19 AM
A brief stay of execution came when a 2nd M.20 prototype was developed in 1941 for naval use. Equipped with catapult attachment points among other modifications, it could have operated from CAM ships or small carriers. However, other types fulfilled this role instead.
📷 destinationsjourney.com
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📷 destinationsjourney.com
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The Luftwaffe had failed to significantly disrupt aircraft production and had switched to night bombing, while dispersal of factories was well underway. There was no purpose in introducing another fighter type and the program was halted with a single prototype produced.
📷 militarymatters.online
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📷 militarymatters.online
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February 8, 2026 at 11:19 AM
The Luftwaffe had failed to significantly disrupt aircraft production and had switched to night bombing, while dispersal of factories was well underway. There was no purpose in introducing another fighter type and the program was halted with a single prototype produced.
📷 militarymatters.online
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📷 militarymatters.online
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The M.20 had a larger fuel capacity than existing single-engined fighters, and was powered by a Merlin engine. Testing proved that performance was slightly better than the Hurricane, though worse than the Spitfire, and the M.20 was said to be less nimble than either.
📷 destinationsjourney.com
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📷 destinationsjourney.com
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February 8, 2026 at 11:19 AM
The M.20 had a larger fuel capacity than existing single-engined fighters, and was powered by a Merlin engine. Testing proved that performance was slightly better than the Hurricane, though worse than the Spitfire, and the M.20 was said to be less nimble than either.
📷 destinationsjourney.com
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📷 destinationsjourney.com
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First flying on 15th September 1940, the M.20 was built primarily from wood, used many existing parts, had a fixed undercarriage and no hydraulic system. It was capable of carrying 12x0.303 machine guns, though was only fitted with 8, provided with a hefty 5,000 rounds.
📷 militarymatters.online
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📷 militarymatters.online
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February 8, 2026 at 11:19 AM
First flying on 15th September 1940, the M.20 was built primarily from wood, used many existing parts, had a fixed undercarriage and no hydraulic system. It was capable of carrying 12x0.303 machine guns, though was only fitted with 8, provided with a hefty 5,000 rounds.
📷 militarymatters.online
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📷 militarymatters.online
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The Miles M.20 resulted from an Air Ministry requirement for a ‘utility fighter’ which could be quickly manufactured. There was a concern, fortunately never realised, that Luftwaffe bombing could cripple aircraft production. The prototype was produced in just 9 weeks.
📷 destinationsjourney.com
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📷 destinationsjourney.com
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February 8, 2026 at 11:19 AM
The Miles M.20 resulted from an Air Ministry requirement for a ‘utility fighter’ which could be quickly manufactured. There was a concern, fortunately never realised, that Luftwaffe bombing could cripple aircraft production. The prototype was produced in just 9 weeks.
📷 destinationsjourney.com
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📷 destinationsjourney.com
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As the military situation deteriorated, especially following the Soviet invasion, around 150 remaining Polish aircraft were evacuated to Romania and impounded. Among these, the P.11s were used primarily as trainers, but both the PZL.23 and PZL.37 saw combat against the Soviet Union.
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February 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM
As the military situation deteriorated, especially following the Soviet invasion, around 150 remaining Polish aircraft were evacuated to Romania and impounded. Among these, the P.11s were used primarily as trainers, but both the PZL.23 and PZL.37 saw combat against the Soviet Union.
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The PZL.37’s payload was restricted by operating from rough airfields and plans to bomb targets in Germany were abandoned. They were instead deployed as low-level tactical bombers against armoured formations, enjoying some success but losing almost 30 aircraft in combat and to accidents.
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February 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM
The PZL.37’s payload was restricted by operating from rough airfields and plans to bomb targets in Germany were abandoned. They were instead deployed as low-level tactical bombers against armoured formations, enjoying some success but losing almost 30 aircraft in combat and to accidents.
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The PZL.37 Łoś was similar in performance to the Luftwaffe’s Heinkel 111, but the most capable ‘B’ variant was delayed and by September 1939 fewer than 40 of these were available to frontline units, with a similar number of earlier single-tailfin ‘A’ and twin-tailfin ‘A bis’ types in reserve.
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February 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM
The PZL.37 Łoś was similar in performance to the Luftwaffe’s Heinkel 111, but the most capable ‘B’ variant was delayed and by September 1939 fewer than 40 of these were available to frontline units, with a similar number of earlier single-tailfin ‘A’ and twin-tailfin ‘A bis’ types in reserve.
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Early mass PZL.23 attacks inflicted significant losses on German armoured formations, but casualties to flak and fighters were very heavy and the frontline Karaś force was almost wiped out. On 2nd September, a single aircraft dropped bombs on a factory in Ohlau, the first to fall on Germany.
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February 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Early mass PZL.23 attacks inflicted significant losses on German armoured formations, but casualties to flak and fighters were very heavy and the frontline Karaś force was almost wiped out. On 2nd September, a single aircraft dropped bombs on a factory in Ohlau, the first to fall on Germany.
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The PZL.23 Karaś first flew in 1934 and around 120 were in service when the Germans attacked in 1939. Carrying a relatively light external bombload of 700kg, the aircraft had a crew of 3 and was also used for reconnaissance, though its effectiveness in this role was limited during the campaign.
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February 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM
The PZL.23 Karaś first flew in 1934 and around 120 were in service when the Germans attacked in 1939. Carrying a relatively light external bombload of 700kg, the aircraft had a crew of 3 and was also used for reconnaissance, though its effectiveness in this role was limited during the campaign.
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Nonetheless, 185 P.11s were on strength in 1939, equipping 12 squadrons. Pilots flying P.11s are believed to have claimed at least 100 Luftwaffe aircraft, though they lost a similar number in return. Much of the fiercest fighting occurred around Warsaw, where some ramming attacks occurred.
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February 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Nonetheless, 185 P.11s were on strength in 1939, equipping 12 squadrons. Pilots flying P.11s are believed to have claimed at least 100 Luftwaffe aircraft, though they lost a similar number in return. Much of the fiercest fighting occurred around Warsaw, where some ramming attacks occurred.
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The PZL P.11 first flew in 1931 and its greatest strength, when flown by a skilled pilot, lay in manoeuvrability. With a top speed of 240 mph, it could not compete with the Bf 109 on equal terms. Another issue was light armament, with the majority of P.11s still only carrying two machine guns.
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February 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM
The PZL P.11 first flew in 1931 and its greatest strength, when flown by a skilled pilot, lay in manoeuvrability. With a top speed of 240 mph, it could not compete with the Bf 109 on equal terms. Another issue was light armament, with the majority of P.11s still only carrying two machine guns.
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Although many Polish aircraft were indeed destroyed on the ground, these were primarily trainers and obsolete types. The majority of more modern aircraft had been dispersed to satellite airfields. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they continued to fly against the Germans in the following days
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February 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Although many Polish aircraft were indeed destroyed on the ground, these were primarily trainers and obsolete types. The majority of more modern aircraft had been dispersed to satellite airfields. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they continued to fly against the Germans in the following days
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