Tag: 15th Fighter Group

Book Review: VLR P-51 Mustang vs Japanese Fighters, Japan 1945 by Carl Molesworth

On By acarothersvlrmIn Book Reviews, Reference MaterialsLeave a comment
Gareth Hector/Osprey Publishing

Published in 2025 by Osprey Publishing as part of their Duel Series (#147), this softbound book has 80 pages. Written by noted aviation historian and author, Carl Molesworth, the book focuses on the air war over Japan as fought by United States and Japanese pilots from April 7, 1945 through the end of World War II, and covers combat between the North American P-51D Mustang and the following Japanese fighters: Mitsubishi A6M5 Reisen (Zeke), Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden (Jack), Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-Kai (George), Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki (Tojo), Kawasaki Ki-61 Hein (Tony), Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Frank), and Kawasak Ki-100 Goshikisen.

The stunning cover artwork above and the battle scene artwork below were created by Scottish digital artist, Gareth Hector.

Gareth Hector/Osprey Publishing

As is customary with Osprey aviation titles, airplane profiles and cockpit and armament views by Jim Laurier are included. The profiles and cockpit and armament views are all very nicely done as can be seen from the profile of the Nakajima Ki-84-I Hayate (Frank).

The text is supplemented with numerous photographs, many from the private collections of combatants who dueled over the skies of Japan.

Airplane profiles are provided for the North American P-51D Mustang and the Nakajima Ki-84-I Hayate (Frank). Cockpit views are provided for the Mustang and the Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki (Tojo). Armament views are provided for the Mustang, the Mitsubishi A6M5 Reisen (Zeke), Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-Kai (George), Nakajima Ki-44-IIb Shoki (Tojo), and Kawasaki Ki-61-Ia Hein (Tony).

After an introductory chapter, Chapter 2 addresses the design and development of each fighter aircraft. Right before this chapter, is a nice three page chronology spanning from 1939 to 1945 which touches upon the significant dates in the development of each plane. Chapter 3 discusses the technical specifications for each plane with the armament views for the planes identified above.

Chapter 4 discusses the strategic situation in 1945 including the build up of the United States Army Air Force’s B-29s on the Mariana Islands and the establishment of airstrips on Iwo Jima for the three VLR Mustang groups. Chapter 5 focuses on the combatants and contrasts the effectiveness of pilot training between the United States and Japan at that point in the war, and the organization and tactics of each air force.

Chapter 6 is where everything comes together and Mr. Molesworth discusses the actual aerial combats over the Japanese homeland. Specifically discussed are the escort or strike missions on the following dates: April 7, 1945, April 12, 1945, April 19, 1945, May 29, 1945, June 10, 1945, June 23, 1945, July 9, 1945, July 16, 1945, August 3, 1945, and August 10, 1945.

Chapter 7 discusses statistics and gives a brief analysis, and Chapter 8 gives an aftermath discussing the Japanese fighter planes that survived the war and where they are located.

If you are interested in the air war in the Pacific Theater of Operations or the air war over Japan in the closing months of the war, this book is highly recommended. Kudos to Carl Molesworth and Osprey Publishing!

Kit Review: Eduard’s 1/72nd P-51D Mustang “Tales of Iwo Jima” Limited Edition Dual Combo Boxing

On By acarothersvlrmIn Eduard, Kit Reviews, Kit/Product ReviewsLeave a comment

Eduard recently released its 1/72nd P-51D Mustang “Tales of Iwo Jima” Limited Edition Dual Combo boxing. The box art is very appealing.

Eduard

As can be seen from the kit’s aircraft profiles below, the decal options are similar to the 1/48th scale limited edition boxing in that it provides 12 decal options that cover all nine Iwo Jima VLR Mustang squadrons. They will be the same decal options with one change. The 457th Fighter Squadron decals will be for 539 “Lil Ole Meanie II”, flown by 2nd Lt. William G. Hetland and Lt. Hinkle, instead of 542 “Fighting Lady” flown by 1st Lt. Ralph Gardner and 1st Lt. Chester Jatzcak. The decals for 542 “Fighting Lady” are included in the 1/72 P-51D Mustang Profipack boxing.

Eduard

Below is a large aircraft profile of 539 Li’l Ole Meanie II. I am assuming it was included due to the pin-up art below the canopy of the beautiful woman in state of being partially undressed.

Eduard

I am not going to review the actual plastic parts as I have done that previously. You can find that review here. It is a beautiful and well engineered kit with exquisite rivet detail for a 1/72nd scale kit.

Eduard

No resin parts are included in this limited edition dual combo boxing. Customary of Eduard for limited edition boxings, a color photo etched fret is included for each kit that consists of cockpit components and scribing templates (Parts PE7 and PE19) to create accurate panel lines for the VLR Mustangs. The photo etched frets also contain the scribing and placement template, and parts (PE22-25) for the AN/APS-13 rear warning radar installed on the tail of late model Mustangs. Nice touch on Eduard’s part.

Some of Block 20(NA), and all of Block 25(NA) produced P-51Ds had the AN/APS-13 rear warning radar installed. The AN/APS-13 was a low power UHF tail warning radar transmitter/receiver which was used to detect aircraft approaching from the rear. Below 1500 feet it would have to be turned off, otherwise it would receive false readings from the ground. Its effective range against small fighter sized targets was 280 – 320 meters. When it detected an aircraft, a small red light would come on and a bell would ring. Below is a photo of a 462nd FS Mustang showing the location of the AN/APS-13 radar antennae on the tail.

Loomis Dean/USAAF/National Archives via Fold3

The AN/APS-13 radar was seen as somewhat of a blessing and a curse by pilots. Some 506th FG pilots that I have interviewed indicated it was an annoyance during formation flying because it would keep going off when a threat was not present unless you were the tail end Charlie. 1st Lt. William G. Ebersole of the 462nd FS indicated that it was common practice for pilots on VLR missions to turn the radar off during the long over water approach to Japan, and the long return trip back to Iwo Jima, only switching it on upon reaching the Japanese home islands.

There is a minor error on the assembly instructions that warrants pointing out. The avionics transmitters were different on Iwo Jima VLR Mustangs due to the addition of the SCR-695 IFF transmitter which was located right behind the SCR-522 radio transmitter. This addition necessitated moving the battery to the rear of engine compartment. Below is a nice computer generated image of how this set up looked.

John Terrell

Eduard has accurately produced the SCR-522 radio transmitter and SCR-695 IFF transmitter as one part (E3). Eduard also provides the normal configuration of the SCR-522 radio transmitter and battery as part E2. Below is page 3 of Eduard’s instructions (Step A) showing the assembly of the cockpit parts. Please note that the instructions indicate the correct part (E3), but the assembly drawing is of the SCR-522 radio transmitter/battery part (E2). Do not be confused by the wrong pairing of the part number and drawing. If you are building an Iwo Jima VLR Mustang, use part E3.

Eduard

Kudos to Eduard for putting out a 1/72nd Dual Combo Limited Edition boxing that provides decals for all 9 Iwo Jima VLR Mustang squadron. Nice to not to have to rely on the aftermarket decal industry to supply those options. If you want to build an Iwo Jima VLR Mustang in 1/72nd scale, this is the kit and the boxing to buy.

Photo(s) of the Week: Photo-Op for 47th Fighter Squadron Ground Crew

On By acarothersvlrmIn Photo(s) of the Week2 Comments

Neat photo! 47th Fighter Squadron ground crew members performing engine maintenance pause for their picture to be taken. This is a picture from a private collection that Mark Stevens of the 7th Fighter Command Association provided to me.

The simplified squadron marking of an all black spinner can be seen along the 47th FS emblem on the engine cowling panel leaning against the engine maintenance scaffolding.

7th Fighter Command Association via Mark Stevens

This photo is interesting for a number of reasons. First, there is absolutely nothing in the background to give any reference to where this maintenance activity took place. The only landmark on Iwo Jima, Mt. Suribachi, is not present, and there are no planes of any type or any other activity going on in the background. Unusual. Second, you can see a portion of the canvas wheel well cover that extends down onto the main landing gear leg. Canvas linings for the wheel wells were factory installed as a measure to keep grit, dirt and mud out of the wheel wells. In other theater of operations, like the European Theater, they were removed by ground crews. On Iwo Jima, they were a necessity to keep the volcanic grit and sand out of the wheel wells. Third, there is a black band painted on the inside of the landing gear cover and the main landing gear leg. This is very unusual and I have not been able to find another photo that shows this type of band.

This is most likely a Block 25 D model because of the presence of the HVAR rocket stubs underneath the wings.

Thanks to Mark Stevens for sharing this photo.

As a condition of the use of materials from the 7th Fighter Command Association website, the following disclaimer is included: Permission to use, copy and distribute documents delivered from this Worldwide Web server and related graphics is hereby granted, provided 1) That the use of the data will not be used for obtaining a profit of any kind, and 2) That the above disclaimer notice appear in all copies and that both that disclaimer notice and this permission notice appear. All other rights reserved. The name of “7th Fighter Command Association” may not be used in advertising or publicity pertaining to distribution of this information without specific, written prior permission. Mark Stevens and the 7th Fighter Command Association makes no representations about the suitability of this information for any purpose. It is provided “as is” without express or implied warranty. Mark Stevens and the 7th Fighter Command Association disclaim all warranties with regard to this information, including all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness. In no event shall Mark Stevens or the 7th Fighter Command Association be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this information.

Kits News; Eduard’s 1/72nd Very Long Range Tales of Iwo Jima to be a Limited Edition Dual Combo Boxing

On By acarothersvlrmIn Kit/Product NewsLeave a comment

Back in October of 2024, Eduard announced the future release of a limited edition “Very Long Range: Tales of Iwo Jima” boxing of their excellent 1/72nd North American P-51D Mustang kit. They announced that kit would be released in the second quarter of 2025, and it would most likely contain the same decal options as their 1/48th limited edition “Very Long Range: Tales of Iwo Jima” boxing.

Eduard

The British on-line retailer Hannants now shows the kit as a limited edition dual combo boxing to be a July 2025 release. Hannants anticipates having it in stock in late June.

Eduard

As can be seen from the kit’s aircraft profiles above, it will similar to the 1/48th scale limited edition boxing in that it provides 12 decal options that cover all of the all nine of the Iwo Jima VLR Mustang squadrons. They will be the same decal options with one change. The 457th Fighter Squadron decals will be for 539 “Lil Ole Meanie II”, flown by 2nd Lt. William G. Hetland, instead of 542 “Fighting Lady” flown by 1st Lt. Ralph Gardner and 1st Lt. Chester Jatzcak. The decals for 542 “Fighting Lady” are included in the 1/72 Profipack boxing.

Kudos to Eduard for releasing the Very Long Range Tales of Iwo Jima in 1/72nd scale, and for making it a dual combo boxing.

Photos of the Week; Bombing Up

On By acarothersvlrmIn Photo(s) of the WeekLeave a comment

Soon after their arrival on Iwo Jima on March 6th and 7th, the Mustangs of the 45th, 47th and 78th Fighter Squadrons of the 15th Fighter Group began offensive bombing operations against the remaining Japanese troops on the island. Taking off from South Field, they made short bombing hops to the northern portion of the island in support of United States Army and Marine ground forces.

The photo below shows an armorer adjusting the braces supporting a 500 pound general purpose bomb on a 45th FS Mustang. The distinctive diagonal green bands with black borders of the 45th FS can be seen on the bottom of the wing and on the right main landing gear cover.

USAAF/National Archives via Fold3

The small L shaped supports can also be seen on the bottom of the wing. These supports were added on both sides of the bomb racks and were used to hold the sway braces in place for the 110 and 165 gallon drop tanks.

The official caption for this photo reads: Armorer adjusting braces on a North American P-51 “Mustang” for 500 pound bomb which will be dropped in first P-51 dive- bombing assault on Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands.