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Darryl · 20 August 2001, 07:39 PM

All

Even in the circuit, positive identification of other aircraft is somewhat tenuous. The difference betwwen RV types is not obvious for example. A highwing IS a Cessna unless you happen to know who it is and that he flys a Cub..or perhaps that's just my eyesight?

The general concensus early in WWII was that the average pilot could not distinguish between a Spitfire, Hurricane and a Messerscmitt...as many embarrasing gun camera films show. The only saving grace being that the average pilot couldn't put rounds within 200 feet of what he WAS aiming at!!

The claims for WWI show an alarming rate of misidentification but this has not changed in any conflict since (to my knowledge). There is an overwhelming temptation for every enemy aircraft seen to become the current boggie man. Most Luftwaffe pilots reported being attacked by Spitfires...after all who would possibly admit to having trouble with the humble Hurricane

So don't be two hard on them.

regards

Darryl

20 August 2001, 07:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
Darryl Forum Ace Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Western Australia Posts: 921	All Even in the circuit, positive identification of other aircraft is somewhat tenuous. The difference betwwen RV types is not obvious for example. A highwing IS a Cessna unless you happen to know who it is and that he flys a Cub..or perhaps that's just my eyesight? The general concensus early in WWII was that the average pilot could not distinguish between a Spitfire, Hurricane and a Messerscmitt...as many embarrasing gun camera films show. The only saving grace being that the average pilot couldn't put rounds within 200 feet of what he WAS aiming at!! The claims for WWI show an alarming rate of misidentification but this has not changed in any conflict since (to my knowledge). There is an overwhelming temptation for every enemy aircraft seen to become the current boggie man. Most Luftwaffe pilots reported being attacked by Spitfires...after all who would possibly admit to having trouble with the humble Hurricane So don't be two hard on them. regards Darryl __________________ Nunquam obliviscar Not here are the goblets glowing, Not here is the vintage sweet; 'Tis cold as our hearts are growing, And dark as the doom we meet. But stand to your glasses, steady! And soon shall our pulses rise: A cup to the dead already- Hurrah for the next that dies!