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THIS MONTH’S ANSWERS
Jeep drops
Q Reading that the RAF air-dropped Jeeps to SAS forces in occupied Europe, Tom Dagens is curious about the aircraft type that undertook such a mission. He says, “Having seen pictures of Jeeps being loaded into Dakotas, I am amazed such an operation could be achieved. Can anyone enlighten me as to how this was done?”
A While the twin-engine Dakota carried jeeps internally, these were not heaved out of the side freight door in flight. The operation requiring such an air-drop needed a larger aircraft and that’s where the special duties four-engine Halifax comes into the picture. The Halifax AIII and AVII were specifically modified and developed for airborne forces use; as well as tugging mainly Hamilcar gliders, carrying a range of containers, and accommodating up to 20 troops with two dispatchers, provision was made to carry a Willys Jeep with a loaded …
