Handley Page
Halifax Mk III
AvHistory - Version-4.00.132
This Halifax is a C-grade plane. Cockpits are rudimentary, fully functional, but not final. The Bombadier posistion is also a limited graphic representation but like the cockpit is fully function & all bomb loads can be delivered. Gunstations are are limited graphic representation, but are fully functional & in compliance with Version 4 requirements.
The flight & damage package, Version 4.00.129 is fully implementated
Gregory Pierson's Version 4.0 first released in August 2006 represents a complete update of the AvHistory 1% Assembly Line Process (1%ALP). Compared to our previous efforts, 4.0 is an order of magnitude improvement and a closer step towards our goal of producing aircraft that perform within 1% of the real aircraft. For additional info on Version-4 flight packages see the included AvHistory - Version-4 1%ALP text file.
AIRCRAFT BACKGROUND:
This aircrafts M3D was devloped by Ted "NachtPiloten" Kaniuka based on the original work of StarryNites. The livery is of Halifax MkIII Tail number NA577 with the fusalage squadron code L8*H of No.347 (Tunisie) Sqn, RAF, Elvington Yorkshire November 1944.
No.347 Sqn was composed of French airmen who had for the most part, come
'onside' when the Vichy French forces in North Africa changed allegience. In strict terms, they are therefore NOT "Free-French", as this label applies exclusively to those (few) French nationals who were serving in de Gaulle's forces before Operation Torch and the subsequent 'turn of coat' on the part of Vichy troops.
The squadron, (GB I/25) was sent to Britain after the end of the Tunisian
campaign and re-formed on Halifaxes; it became No.347 Sqn in October 1943, and began operations in July 1944 flying from Elvington.
347 Squadron Crest
French style fuselage roundels and fin flashes quickly replaced the standard
RAF markings. For some reason, these were however retained on the wings.
Handley Page produced the H.P.56, a twin Vulture-engined design to meet Air Ministry Specification P.13/36 but performance was found to be lacking. Modifications resulted in the definitive H.P.57 "Halifax" (following the practice of naming heavy bombers after major towns, in this case, Halifax, West Yorkshire); the aircraft was enlarged and powered by four 1,280 hp Rolls-Royce Merlin X engines.
Such was the promise of the new model that the RAF had placed their first order for 100 Mk I Halifaxes "off the drawing board" before the first prototype even flew. The maiden flight of the Halifax took place on 24 September 1939, shortly after the start of the war.
The most numerous Halifax variant was the B Mk III of which 2,091 were built. First appearing in 1943, the Mk III featured the Perspex nose and modified tail of the Mk II Series IA but replaced the Merlin with the more powerful 1,650 hp Bristol Hercules XVI radial engine. Other changes included De Havilland Hydromatic propellers and rounded wing-tips.
Originally a grass airfield, RAF Elvington was completely rebuilt with three hardened runways in 1942, as a sub-station of RAF Pocklington. Grouped with RAF Melbourne, the three airfields became known as '42 Base', within 4 Group.
In early 1944 Elvington became host to two French Squadrons operating within No.4 Group: No. 346 (Guyenne) and No.347 (Tunisie). Both squadrons played a major part in the bomber offensive.
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