Control Line: Navy Carrier
MYSTERY AIRCRAFT. Those of you who have noticed the absence of the Mystery Aircraft feature of this column (the last one was in the September 1984 issue) can take heart; once again, you have a chance to search through your files and libraries to try to identify an obscure aircraft. This particular design offers the high aspect-ratio and long-span flaps of the Guardian and the high wing and fuselage-mounted gear of the MO-1 all wrapped up in one airplane. Unlike the last Mystery Aircraft, this one is 100% legal for the Navy Carrier event, having been designed specifically for carrier operation. It didn't fare well in trials, slipping into obscurity when its competitor was put into active service. From those of you who correctly identify this aircraft, I'll select one name at random to receive a one-year membership in the Navy Carrier Society (and mention your name in this column, of course). Send your entries to me; my address appears at the end of the column.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
MYSTERY AIRCRAFT. The high-wing, high-aspect-ratio carrier aircraft in the March issue was the Supermarine Type 322, which carried the nickname Dumbo. It was built to specification S.24/37 as a carrier-based torpedo-bomber/reconnaissance aircraft. It had a unique, variable-incidence wing which allowed the wing to reach the very high angles of attack possible with full-span leading edge slats while keeping the fuselage relatively level for good pilot visibility during approach and landing. Because Supermarine was also busy with the Spitfire at the time, Type 322 was considered a rather low priority and did not fly until 1943.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
OOPS! In the last column, I mistakenly listed the .15-sized MO-1 as belonging to Tom Welsh. My apologies to Jim Welsh, the true owner. Mystery Plane. Cam Martin was the winner in the March mystery plane contest. He correctly identified the Supermarine Type 322 Dumbo. Other respondents with correct answers were Marc Warwashana, Lonnie Cope, Joe Wagner, Frank Beatty,
Control Line: Navy Carrier
APOLOGY. Before this column is published, I hope to have met Jim Welch personally and to have apologized for the creative spellings of his name which have appeared in my recent columns. In case we did not both make it to Norfolk, Jim, I'm sorry. Mystery Plane. The winner of the Mystery Plane contest for the May 1985 issue was Ronald A. Muise of Mansfield, MA. Ronald was selected from among a large number of readers who correctly identified the Miles M.38 Messenger. The Miles was relatively easy for those who read Air Classics. Had I known that the March Air Classics had featured the M.38, I would have waited a while before using it as a Mystery Aircraft subject.
I985 NATS: CL Navy Carrier
"IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES; it was the worst of times." Charles Dickens had other events in mind when he wrote those words, but he could have been describing Navy Carrier at the 1985 Nats. As is always the case, the spirited competition, the fellowship, and the sharing of ideas and opinions make any Nats Carrier event an enjoyable occasion. When the weather cooperates and provides clear, cool days with calm winds, it is, indeed, the best of times. When the wind blows at 17 mph with gusts to 25 mph, the only thing that could make it much worse would be rain. Carrier competition this year had a little of everything. Wednesday, the day that many competitors planned to practice and adjust engines to local conditions, the rain fell all day long and half the night. Thursday, Profile morning dawned drier, but very windy. There were a few early flights, but most contestants elected to wait and see if the wind would subside.
