Control Line: Navy Carrier
JUNE'S Mystery Aircraft was correctly identified by Frederick C. Maier as the Mitsubishi A5M3. The A5 series (Allied code name Claude) was the Japanese Navy's first monoplane fighter and first flew in 1935. The more common forms had a radial engine, which made the nose rather short for our purposes. The A5M3 was an experimental version with a longer nose to accommodate a 690 hp Hispano-Suiza in-line engine. The radiator was mounted under the fuselage. In this configuration, it makes a very graceful airplane, not unlike the Supermarine Seafire (navalized Spitfire). This month's Mystery Plane may be a little harder to identify. Once again, a year's membership in the Navy Carrier Society to the first reader to correctly identify this carrier aircraft. Good luck!
Control Line: Navy Carrier
THE RESPONSE to the August mystery plane contest has been a little slower than usual. I can't announce a winner yet, because I haven't received any entries, right or wrong, as this is being written. The winner's name will appear in my next column. The aircraft was a trainer for the French navy built by the Morane-Saulnier factory following WW II. The aircraft shown is the carrier-equipped variant of four very similar trainers. It is well-proportioned for the CL Carrier events. Its designation-the Morane-Saulnier M.S. 474. This month's mystery aircraft is a little older. Although it doesn't look much like its contemporary naval combat aircraft, it nevertheless qualifies for our event. Send your entries to me at the address shown at the end of the column. A year's membership in the Navy Carrier Society to the winner!
AMA Nats 1983: CL Navy Carrier
AFTER many years in other ports, the USS Smallfry was once again docked on the East Coast. The facilities this year were outstanding, with large practice areas, smooth flying circles, and enthusiastic support from the Air Force and the community. The Carrier circles were located right by the entry gate and spectator parking areas, thus ensuring plenty of spectators throughout the competition. There were 41 models processed for Class I and II, and 31 for Profile. The Junior participation was particularly encouraging, with three entries processed in each of the Scale classes, and six fliers in Profile. The number of contestants provided good competition without putting an undue strain on the officials. A single deck could be used each day with few delays and very little waiting for a flight.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
OCTOBER's mystery airplane was a one-of-a-kind level bomber manufactured in 1932 by Consolidated and based on their Fleetster civil transport. Modifications included bomb bay doors, a hatch aft of the wing for the gunner, and flotation gear under the wings. However, the Navy found little utility in carrier-based level bombers, preferring the accuracy and penetration achievable with dive bombers for attacking surface ships. As a result, the Consolidated XBY-1 (Bu. No. 8921) never advanced past the testing stage.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
THE UNIDENTIFIED CARRIER AIRCRAFT in my January column was an unsuccessful competitor against the Fairey Gannet anti-submarine aircraft of the British Royal Navy. The Blackburn Y.A.5 shared a common awkwardness of form with the Gannet, almost as if the specification to which they were built required it. The particular variant illustrated was the first of four configurations. With a modified vertical stabilizer and rudder, it became the Y.A.7. The outer wing panels were modified and swept back and a third crew member position added on the second prototype, the Y.A.8.
