Hi, my nick is Sporting (the numbers is just times the age of the creation of the account - like this one - or random). Anyway, this is my first try off the Shipbucket (I've already used (and still use and recognise) others artist aircraft to make my own ATL. And I have contact with Bordkanone 75 (we knows me front deviant, discord and steam). No, without any further, wheres my ATL:
![[ img ]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/8d0f/f/2017/234/5/8/tales_of_blood_atl___uruguay_fs_battle_of_britain_by_sport16ing-dbkymx0.png)
Uruguay FS Battle of Britain
After the Admiral Graf Spee was scuttled in Montevideo and the auxiliary cruiser Carnarvon Castle was not only kept longer for repairs, but also by using the steel plates for the german "pocket battleship" in the same month (!), an infuriating Hitler broke
diplomatic relations and gave 32 hours to all Uruguayan staff to leave the country, on the last week of December/that year, was did Hungary.
A month later, Edward Wood, the Foreign Secretary at the time, went in behalf of Chamberlain, to the embassador of Uruguay, to propose that Uruguay joins the war on behalf off the Allies, and in return, they will gain Tristan da Cunha island. After consulting their president, they accept, with the only condition been that they are only to be used for defense purposes (they didn't want to lose many young men in useless attack, like the Entente did in WWI) and they all are volunteer, been affraid the Argentina could use the opportunity to invade. Edward accepted, and on 28 of January of 1940, Uruguay was formally at war with Germany and Hungary.
The initial forces sent to Europe where 2 fighter squadrons horde of men and 1 infantry division. Too late to take action in France, both squadrons (362 (U) - U for Uruguay; and the 363 (U) )where trained and equiped with Hawker Hurricanes MkI and sent to Group 10, the most western off all groups, while the infantry division was trained with British (and some US lend-lease) equipment to defend the island of Wright off an german invasion (that never happen).
Was seen above, both squadrons had different identification marks that others squadrons based in any part off the UK (and almost themselves, with the only differense been the squadron codes). Both had their UK roundels below the wings removed, an kinda-Mayan sun on a white square behind the cockpit, an blue spinner and a Uruguayan flag on the rudder, to differenciate for the squadrons.
![[ img ]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/7aae/f/2017/241/a/f/tales_of_blood_atl___us_gloster_meteor_by_sport16ing-dblqwlh.png)
US Gloster Meteor
With an increase of Me-262's (operating in Germany) and Ar-234's (operating over the Western Front, Italian front and even over England) and with the terrible P-59 Airacomet and a failing P-80 Shooting Star, the USAAF had no other choice but to purchase to the UK their best (and only) operational jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor, in February 1945, until the Shooting Star is improved (is also a good excuse for the US Government to give the British some much-needed hard currency to help Britain with her war effort - there was even an backup plan, that in case of the Shooting Star been cancelled, Bell company will cease production of all their current aircraft and produce the Meteor, but not followed since the Shooting Star entered service).
To increase also the simbolism of this new airplanes, the 3 former Eagle Squadrons (the 334, 335 and 336th Fighter Squadrons) where choosen was the squadrons convertion. All pilots where trained in May 1945 and the first squadrons entered operational service in June 1945 in France, where the Arado's are pissing off the ground forces and all propeller driven fighters.
This Meteor represented belongs to the 335 FS, and it's pilot, Ironwood, became the first american pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft while flying an jet driven fighter (an Fw-190F attacking an Allied convoy heading to Frankfurt, on 4/6/1945).
The colors show where became standart in the end of spring/beginning of summer 1945, when an number of Gloster's got shoot down by friendly fire doe to its similarities with the Ar-234, so all Meteors operating in the European Continent where painted all white (althrought the Americans added their squadrons "skins" to identified better the respective squadron).
After VE, almost all squadrons switched its Meteor's to the Shooting Stars and 90% off them returned to England (most where scrapped, doe to wearing - including the one above), while the remained when to the US to air shows and museums.
![[ img ]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/5655/f/2017/261/f/2/tales_of_blood___spanish_gm_fm_s_wildcat_by_sport16ing-dbnu0u8.png)
Spanish GM FM's Wildcat
In spite of this, the height of tensions between Spain and the United States would mark the third stage after the Laurel incident. When the pro-Japanese governor of the Philippines declared the independence of the isles and Spain sent a congratulation telegram, a heavy campaign of ridiculization towards Spain started, and there were filtrations that made Spain think that an American attack on them was inminent. Wether this threat was real of just a maneuvre to make Spain officialize its hostility towards Japan and cut the Spanish supplies of tungsten to the Axis, is beyond the scope of this work, but had Spain called the bet.
The Council of ministers that followed lasted three days and was one of those crucial moments in the History of Spain. After three more days in which Spain recovered the contact with the American diplomats, and an extraordinary reunion in Madrid between the Count of Jordana and the American ambassator in Spain, the third stage had begun. On 1/11/1943, Spain unilaterally declared war to Japan. The 4/11, Spain would retire the remnants of the first Blue Division from the Soviet Union. Shortly thereafter, against all odds, the Spain of Francisco Franco had joined the Allied nations. Spain would only officially declare war to Japan in 12/1945, 5 months after the end of the War in Europe
The Spanish Volunteer Division of the U.S. Army, better known collectively as the second Blue Division, was a Spanish unit of volunteers, that served between 1944 and 1946 in the American army during WWII, in the Pacific theatre, which in deep contrast with the first Blue Division, was mockingly nicknamed in Spain as the “División Azul Marino” or “Marine Blue Division”. The base of them was composed of veteran Falangists and college students, many of those who were integrated in the American army had served before in the first Blue Division (though the Falangist elements of the unit were downplayed, they refused to abandon the distinctiveness of their blue shirts), and their numbers were near 25.000 men, significantly smaller than those of the first Blue Division. Their major involvement in amphibian missions would take place from the battles of Saipan to Honshu. Out of them, there were around 3.000 casualties and an estimation of 10.000 wounded and mutilated.
Alongeside them, the Spanish Volunteer Squadron, or know as the second Blue Squadron or in Spain as the "Escuadrone Azul Marino/Marine Blue Squadron", was also formed alongeside the Division, althrought they had their differences. One of the first difference was that unlike any other USArmy Air Force, they operated FM Wildcat's, which only the USNavy and the USMarines really operated, while their where supported by their own C46 Commando. All aircraft from the Squadron have their tail completed painted white with an black cross almost from tip to tip of the rudder and their national roundel (with the red replaced with orange, to avoid friendly fire) to show the origins of the pilots to the friendly/foes. On 1/1/1945 (3 years since the unofficial war declaration), all allied aircraft (including the Spanish) had to have all their aircraft with 4 red and 3 white stripes in their fuselage and wings, similar to the D-Day black and white, to represente the United Nations Honor Flag (something that Franco managed to achive, since himself has helped created the UN)
About the Wildcats itself, the Spanish ones had their ones with the naval equipment removed when delivered to their owners, making the aircraft unofficialy called FM's-2/3"S" (S for Spanish). Initally flying with FM-2 series, post the Louise Typhoon and the lost off several aircraft, vessels and personnel, Trumman ordered to all destroyed/damaged equipment to be replaced and their FM-2's Wildcats where replaced in the end off 10/1945 by FM-3 Wildcats. These aircraft are different from the former FM-2, in which they have an more powerfull engine (1,425hp (1,063 kW) Wright R-1820-74W engine) and a height adjustable undercarriage (an innovation whereby the fuselage could be lowered for easier access to the engine; this was meant to improve time management and safety). There was also and B and P variants (B been an airborne forward air controller role, with radio equipment designed to enable easier communication with all Allied assets on the ground, in the air and at sea; and P been the photo-recon).
![[ img ]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/22b8/f/2017/272/f/9/tales_of_blood_atl___allied_thailand_by_sport16ing-dboxi3d.png)
Allied Thailand
Credits to: Eswube (Blenheim); Nighthunter (A-31 Vengeance); Radome (Fulmar); WhyMe (Kingfisher) and Nighthunter, Eswube and Darth Panda (P-40N)
In late 1941,the Japanese invasion of Thailand was not met with significant resistance, instead the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibun allied themselves with the Japanese and allowed Japanese troops to pass through unhindered. Phibun’s logic was that an alliance with the Japanese would be preferable to an occupation, a choice that seemed justified as the Japanese repeatedly humiliated American and Commonwealth forces in early 1942.
However the Thai took great pride in their nations status as the lone independent state in Southeast Asia, and most resented the increasing number of Japanese troops in the region, which only exacerbated fears that should Japan lose the war, Thailand would be dragged down with her. A fear that was only exacerbated by the increasing numbers of Japanese troops in Thailand, and the slowly increasing pressure on Thai sovereignty. Whilst Phibun’s government had fallen in 1944 it had been replaced largely by Conservatives who did not want to provoke a full Japanese occupation, a stance they were preparing to renounce in line with Japan’s supposed surrender on August 14th, until the Anami coup had led to the Government adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach.
This attitude was unacceptable to the Thai populace, made all the more so by the increasing dread spread by rumours that the Americans were going to use their new Atomic Bombs on Thailand to open up the Burmese front for their Commonwealth Allies, and the more confident public expressions of anti-Japanese sentiment stirred up by charismatic figures such as Pridi Banomyong. Action had to be taken, and the men and women of the Free Thai Movement were not about to disappoint.
On September 5th, the Free Thai Movement struck at the very heart of the 150,000 Japanese stationed in the country. Under the guise of an urgent message, the Japanese commanders in Bangkok found themselves assassinated by members of the Free Thai Movement dressed as Policemen. Japanese troops in the city were either arrested or shot out of hand as outside the city the lines of transport and communication were quickly secured by troops emerging from the countryside and from miniature forts disguised as air raid shelters. Now installed as Prime Minister, Pridi wasted no time in first renouncing the alliance with the Japanese and then further issuing a declaration of war against their former allies. Whilst more numerous, the blind and beheaded Japanese garrisons were easy prey for the vast guerrilla army that now emerged. 90,000 strong, with their own aircraft and artillery, the Free Thai Movement would no longer simply be involved in hiding American prisoners and negotiations across the ocean, but as the sword of Thai nationalism, the only country to liberate itself from the Japanese yoke.
Unfortanbly, the Japanese managed to capture both Thonburi-class coastal defense vessels (and scuttling the remaining vessels), rename them Aso and Awaki and proceded to Bangkok to shore bombard them and land a few troops as a act of revenge against their betrayal. Know was the Bangkok Naval Bombardment, both ships bombard for two hours until Fairey Barracudas from the No.827 Squadron sunk both with 2 direct bombs hits each. The land troops didn't last longer and in the end, 300 Thai civilians, 120 Free Thai forces and near 400 Japanese troops became casualties (40% deaths).
Besides the naval losses, the remain of the Thailandese armed forces where largely intact, but with outdated equipment (the most modern land equipment was Type 95 Ha-Go and Type 99 Arisakas, while Air Forces been A6M Zeros, Ki-43 Oscars and Hawk 75N's). With this in mind, the British/Commonwealth became their main suppliers off "new" tech (since they where enemies until recently, many didn't like the idea off supplying any modern equipment to them). Their former equipment are now used by second-line troops/training and new identifications marks where added to make them clear that they are now friendlies, with wings roundels based on Interwar roundels/flag; Fin Flash similars to the British ones, but with inversed red/blue and a totally new Red/Blue cross roundel in the fuselage.
Above are all the frontline combat aircraft gifted by the Commonwealth:
- Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV: Althrough replaced by better fighter-bombers, the Blenheim was still used was a training/scout-light bomber by the RAF in SEA, and when Thailand needed to replace their Ki-30 bombers, the Blenheim was the answer. Althrough heavier that the Ki-30, it was better than the former by the fact that had more armor, bomb load and spare parts.
- Curtiss P-40N Warhawk: Formerly used by the Uruguaians volunteers send to the SEA, their where given to the Thailandese once the Uruguaians received their new Tempest. Used was a fighter-bomber, their where also much heavier than the former aircraft, but still, they where loved by their new owners.
- Fairey Fulmar Mk.II: Been on storage in India since February, 1945, they where sent to Thailand to replace their A6M Zero. Unlike the other aircrafts, the only complain the Thailandese pilots had was a lack off heavy machine guns on wings, been the aircraft mostly used to straif light targets (like foot soldiers)
- Vought OS2U-3 Kingfisher: Besides the Thailandese Navy been now mostly land-based troops and a few pilots, nonenless, the Commonwealth gave to them the Vought Kingfisher to just get ride off these aircraft in return of SC Seahawks. Used to spot the enemy vessels/submarines (none where ever found, since the UN now had control off all sea south of japan), they where used to spot for other aircrafts/rescue downed pilots from the sea
- Vultee A-35 Vengeance: Formely from the RAAF stocks, many where sent to Thailand to give to them an dive-bomber aircraft that could perform light bomber attacks alongeside the Blenheim (the attack was that the Vengeance bombed the air defense and distracted the remaining forces before the Blenheim main attack appeared).
After the end off the war, Thailand joined officially after releasing all territory that they controlled during the japanese "co-operation" (only exceptions where the Lan Chang Province, in Laos, for the reason that France allow it just to have less territory to control themselves) and paid small reparations for their participation on the Axis side. Now, they among one off the giants of SEA, in terms off political power.
![[ img ]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/e100/f/2017/308/5/c/tales_of_blood___post_louis_replacements_pt1_by_sport16ing-dbsoysm.png)
Post Louis replacements pt1
Typhoon Louise had first been spotted on October the 2nd as she formed around the Caroline Islands. Initially ignored, her unexpected turn north was not met with much concern as she slowed down, only to intensify, to the horror of American meteorologists, as she passed over Okinawa on October 9th. The staging area for the invasion of Kyushu, thought to have largely avoided the harsh weather seasons, was now struck with 140 mph winds. The typhoon passed and returned over the island for three days, wrecking almost every building above ground, rendering over a million troops/personnel homeless in the process. Dozens of ships awaiting the invasion were forced ashore only to be pounded into scrap by the huge waves of the storm. Dozens of planes were smashed, torn from their runways in impromptu flights, before being hurled back to Earth. By the time it was safe for medical ships to arrive, 4000 were dead, and several thousand more were seriously wounded, with bodies clinging onto wreckage still being washed onto the beaches of Buckner Bay. From the wreckage and the horror came the already clear conclusion, with dozens of ships and hundreds of aircraft destroyed or damaged, the invasion of Kyushu could not occur in November. It was estimated that it could take as long as 45 days to repair the Typhoon’s damage, delaying Olympic to just before Christmas.
In normal circumstances this would have been unacceptable, moving back Olympic ultimately meant moving back Operation Coronet, the invasion of southern Honshu, from early March to mid-April, far too close to the monsoon season, and the serious restrictions on a ground campaign that came with it. Whilst it was clear the Japanese had focused most of their efforts on the defence of Kyushu, a fight in flooded fields, with air superiority hindered from cloud cover should have been unacceptable and indeed was the reason that the Kyushu invasion had been moved ahead by a month to begin with. American engineers had worked miracles before, Truman was sure they could work them again. Meanwhile the Japanese government, convinced that they had witnessed an actual miracle, thanked the God’s for their divine providence. Their troops merely thanked them for the reprieve, before they continued to dig, and prepare for their enemies own, manmade, Typhoon.
By a miracle of engineering prowess and tenacity, the destruction Typhoon Louise had inflicted upon Okinawa had largely been fixed by early November. Truman had been wary of launching the invasion of Kyushu December, both due to the demoralising effect that heavy American casualties over the Christmas season would likely have on the American public and troops, but more importantly, the delays in which it would spell for Operation Coronet., the invasion of Tokyo itself. Between the Typhoon and the engineer miracle, Truman reviewed the campaign again and decided to ask for more help/support from it's allies/it's troops in Europe, and reviewing the Big Blue Blanket and also remembering the D-Day, decided that it will increase the number off aircraft carriers, to a way that there's are more attack aircraft supporting the troops.
Another group of people that they have seen an miracle where the Director's/Bosses of the military factories around the US. Althrough they where shoked with the degree off destruction in Okinawa, they where (inside of themselves) thrilled to see that Truman had decided to increase the military expense to replace the losses from Louis (even by cutting a few million dollars on the Manhattam Project, that it would only be finished in April of 1946 - althrought not enough to cancel it, it was the enough to slow down up to June of 1946). Through this increase of money to replace the losses, they not only replaced the losses before Olympic, but also had replaced many old equipment, mostly aircraft, and even made a few more "experiments".
In terms of aviation, many companies like Grumman, North American and Douglas (others also made the same), even manage to replace all older aircraft that wheren't affected by the storm, like for exemple, 80% of the F6F Hellcats where F6F-6's, 90% of the TBM Avengers where TBM-4's and 70% of the P-51 Mustang's where P-51H's. Also many squadrons that operated older aircraft had many off their aircraft replaced with new models, like 80% off the A-20 Boston/B-25 Mitchell/PHJ-1 Mitchell where replaced by A-26 Invader's/A-38 Grizzly's. Off the older aircraft, up to 60% where given to allied nations, 20% where given new jobs and remaining 20% where modified to stay in service in the US forces. Others companies even manage to push the development off newer aircraft, like the AD Skyraider and F5U Rapier.
Colors:
Before the Operation Downfall campaign in November of 1945, the US Navy initiated new identifications guidelines for all the US carrier warplanes in the Pacific Fleet. The new regulation simplified the system , concluding its lack of security to be no longer a concern. The standard letter system is usually one letter for fleet carrier's (exception been the Enteprise), while two letters are used for light carrier's. Fleet Carriers with two words have their letters placed vertically. Midway-class battle carriers retained the earlier markings.
In part off lack of security been no longer an issue, almost all squadrons in the Pacific (allied ones included) made the so-called Flying Circus period, where most off the aircraft had their "new" colors to identify their squadron/to add identidy to them/to add fear to their enemies.
On 1/1/1945, all allied aircraft had to have all their aircraft with 4 red and 3 white stripes in their fuselage and wings, similar to the D-Day black and white, to represente the United Nations Honor Flag.
Where are all the aircraft refered in this part:
Republic P-47N Thunderbolt - Designed was a B-29 Superfortress escort fighter, it replaced all Thunderbolt squadrons in US service in the Pacific. Increased internal fuel capacity and drop tanks had done much to extend the Thunderbolt's range during its evolution, and the only other way to expand the fuel capacity was to put fuel tanks into the wings. Thus, a new wing was designed with two 50 U.S. gallon (190 l) fuel tanks. The redesign proved successful in extending range to about 2,000 mi (3,200 km), and the squared-off wingtips improved the roll rate. The P-47N entered mass production with the R-2800-57 engine, and later used the upgraded R-2800-73 or -77.
Ryan FR-2 Fireball - With faster kamikazes been reported between Okinawa and Kyushu, the USN stepped up the FR fighter program and ordered an improvement off its structure. Ryan responded by replacing it's older FR-1's (older only by a few months) with FR-2 series, with the improvements made, plus an Wright R-1820-74W piston engine replacing the earlier one. With this improvements, more squadrons are made, including showing where the VF-2 squadron, based on the USS Hornet.
Vought F4U-4/5 Corsair - The workose fighter-bomber off the US Navy, it's one off the most recognisable fighters off the war. The one represented where belongs to the VF-6 off the USS Entreprise, replacing their F6F's. Also show up where the AU-1 Corsair's (U.S. Marines attack variant with extra armor to protect the pilot and fuel tank, and the oil coolers relocated inboard to reduce vulnerability to ground fire. The supercharger was simplified as the design was intended for low-altitude operation. Extra racks were also fitted)
Bell P-63D Kingcobra - Althrought not very used by the USAAF, when the kamikazes wheren't slowing with hundred off bullet's or retreating throw intense damage, they needed something to stop attack's from reaching their target's, and the Kingcobra was the answer. Between the A and the C (been not been produced), the Air Force used the D-series, been powered by an Allison V-1710-109 (E22) 1,425 hp (1,063 kW), featured a 10 in (25 cm) wingspan increase (11.94 m), gross area being increased to 255 sq ft (23.7 m2) and, most noticeably, a rearward-sliding bubble canopy. Showed where are the 619th Fighter Squadron off the now 477th Composite Group (an all-black group), with many off them been formed Tuskegee Airmen, with the new mission off now protecting the forward airfields, landing fleet and escorting ground-attack aircraft's.
Goodyear P-61C Black Widow - Prioritising the XB-35 Flying Wing Bomber, the Northrop transfered their P-61 aircraft to Goodyear facilities. Over the B-series, As promised, the performance was substantially improved in spite of a 2,000 lb (907 kg) increase in empty weight, with the new turbosupercharged (General Electric CH-5-A3) R-2800-73 engines producing 2,800 hp . However, the aircraft suffered from longitudinal instability at weights above 15,875 kg and from excessive takeoff runs—up to 3 mi (5 km) at a 40,000 lb (18,143 kg) takeoff weightMaximum speed was 692 km/h at 30,000 ft (9,145 m), service ceiling was 41,000 ft (12,500 m), and an altitude of 30,000 ft (9,000 m) could be attained in 14.6 minutes. The P-61C was equipped with perforated fighter airbrakes located both below and above the wing surfaces. These were to provide a means of preventing the pilot from overshooting his target during an intercept. For added fuel capacity, the P-61C was equipped with four underwing pylons (two inboard of the nacelles, two outboard) which could carry four 310 gal (1,173 l) drop tanks. Alongeside the now-mass produced P-38M Lightning, it became the main 2-engined night fighter of the USAAF.
North American P-51H/L/M Mustang - Became the main workhorse off the USAAF, replacing all B/C series, and all D-series on B-29's Superfortress escort squadrons (with the -25NA series, with is an VLR (Very Long Range) variant, with extra internal fuel, VLR avionics and the ability to carry 165 (US) gallon drop tanks from a sub-type-specific underwing pylon (without recourse to the wooden sway braces used on the P-51D - although their size and location meant that the central MG shell ejection chute on each wing had to be routed via the inside of the pylon itself). Besides the H-series, the L/M where also manufactured and flew alongeside (L-series been an H one with an improved engine (2,270 hp (1,690 kW) V-1650-11 engine) and the M-series, with an V-1650-9A engine lacking water injection and therefore rated for lower maximum power). Represented where is an 45th Fighter Squadron ("Sandstorm"), while they where based in Iwo Jima Airfield No.2, alongeside the 462 Fighter Squadron.
North American P-82B Twin Mustang - Also designed was an VLR fighter for escorting the B-29's, replacing the remaining P-38's Lightning's, they where one off the new workhorse off the US, been used in almost any scenario. Been one off the best 2-engined fighter off the USAAF, the C-variant (night fighter) was the last aircraft to shoot down an enemy aircraft in WW2, downing an Ki-94-II Ted on an one-way kamikaze mission.
Lockheed P-80/TO-1 Shooting Star - With the new Ohka kamikaze rockets, plus reports of an nazi jet fighter (actually an near copy - the Kitsuka or Kikka in short), some squadrons of Shooting Star's off both the USAAF and USMC where maid to counter this new treath. Among the first where the 334th Fighter Squadron (already used the Gloster Meteor in Europe, they where an good choice to use it in the Pacific, been more trained to fly an jet that other's squadrons), been also the first to shoot down an jet fighter in an dogfight ("disguided" was P-47N on an ground-attack mission, the reason been that the japanese ordered that they fighters do NOT fight enemy jet's, the reason been that the japanese where not trained to fight jet-vs-jet). On escort mission of B-29's, the Shooting Star's are only allowed to shoot down jet/rocket fighters since most off the japanese ones (with german training) can evade the piston fighters, the exception been if the Superfortress are in risk off been attack by pisto-engines is that the P-80's go after them. In the USMC service, the TO-1 are, like their USAAF counterpart, only allow to go after rocket/jet kamikaze, unless piston-engines ones are to close for comfort.
Lockheed P-38N Lightning - Been mostly replaced by the new P-47N's/P-51H's/P-82B's, the P-38's Lightning they where mostly now relutaded to second duty, with most off them been used was "cargo-fighters", transporting pods in underwings pylons which transport cargo inside (since people dislike to be inside off them, it was forbidden) and even on Operation Coronet, towing Waco gliders to combat, since unlike the C-47's, once they drop the glider, they can defend themselves; was well was the now mass-produced M-series night fighter. But one variant still produced and sent to the frontline was the P-38N "Super-Strafer". This variant (somethimes called P/A-38) had it's cannon removed and 4 more .50 cal mg's added on the nose, plus with one pod in each wing, each with two more .50 cal's, to an total of 12 machine guns, it's main purpose was mostly strafing light target's or to put hundreds off holes on unaware aircraft. Althrought most of the time they carry the mg's pods, it can be removed to add bombs and always carry rocket launchers.
Grumman F8F Bearcat - The F8F Bearcat was the main workhorse of the USN during the Downfall, with most off them replaced most of F6F Hellcat's (they weren't obsolete, just that the Bearcat was better in anyway besides range). They where also built by General Motors (replacing the FM-3 Wildcat's) and by Canadian Car and Foundry.
Grumman F6F-6 Hellcat - F6F-6-series where pretty much F6F-5's with an new engine (2,100 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800-18W radial piston engine) and a 4-bladed propeller (only outside visible change). Except for the K-series, all F6F-6's add the same variants has the -5's (N and P). Althrought mostly replaced by the Bearcat, nonenless, it is still mainly used by many fighter squadrons off the USN.
Goodyear F2G-1 Super Corsair - Lost to the F8F Bearcat was the main USN fighter, it won for the USMC, replacing most old F4U's and F6F's on their service. The -1 was a land based version, while the -2 was a carrier-based version with tailhook and folding wings. While inferior to the Chance-Vought F4U-4 in top speed, it had the advantage in low altitude climb rate and performance, along with sheer load-carrying capacity due to it's R-4360. Other variant was the AG-1 Basilisk (beefed up structure for a heavier maximum take-off weight, four 20mm cannon instead of six .50 cal machine guns and additional armour).
Boeing F8B Sword - The nightmare off the japanese fighter's, the F8B/AB-1 where the workhorse of the Midway-class carriers, capable off literally doing anything task for. With six 20mm cannons, they are even report's off japanese fighters bailing out when one off them is behind them (some cases, the Sword even DIDN'T fire their guns to make the "kill"). Only downside is that they canno't land on normal aircraft carrier because off been to large.
Bell P-59C Airacomet - An disapointement in Europe, later, all Airacomet's there where recalled and where send to the scrap when an Army Officer came with an idea. Instead off been used was an fighter, upgrade the engine with an General Electric J-33 (same with the P-80) and use them was ground-attack fighter's. The project was aproved and the P-59C Airacomet (or Groundcomet) was aproved. With this jet "fighter", the P-80 was never used in any ground-attack form (unless they had targets off opportunity).
Grumman F7F Tigercat - With improvements on is problems, the F7F was the main 2-engined fighter off both the USN and the USMC, also the night fighter been the main night fighter of the USMC.
Vought F5U Rapier - With the help off the US Army, the Rapier aircraft show's up too late to participate in the first month off Olympic, but nonenless, makes an impact for their almost vertical take-off, big gun-package on an small aircraft and the ability on land literally anywhere. Replacing most off the FM Wildcat's in USN service, they where the main fighter off the light carriers (even on CV-LST).
Douglas AD-1 Skyraider - Replacing most off the USN Avenger's and Helldiver's, the ground-attack workhorse off the USN in the fleet carriers. Called the Blue Death by it's enemies, they are always on top off their foes and always suporting the troops. If any ground forces calls for aerial support, in 2 minutes, there's an Skyraider flying over them.
Douglas A-26/PBD-1 Invader - In USAAF service, it replaced the remaining A-20 Boston's (to the dislike off many pilots) and in the USM, replaced the PBJ-1's Mitchell's. They where one off the most sucessefull ground-attack bomber's off both the branches. The PBD-1 was a slighlty diferent aircraft from the USAAF counterpart, with wing-tip fuel tanks, more powerful engines driving 4 bladed propellers and wing-mounted radar.
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver - Disliked by many, it was almost entirely replaced by the Skyraider by the time of Coronet and none by 1948. Even so, it was send in scouting mission or patrolling suspected japanese submarines activities. All in all, in was been relocated into second duties jobs during Downfall.
Consolidated TBY-2 Sea Wolf - Althrought the Avenger became the main torpedo bomber off both the USN and USMC, the Sea Wolf was still produced and send initially to combat some rebels in the US Mosquito Coast, in Costa Rica. The first main fighting came in Operation Olympic, on board off both the USS Alaska and the USS Guam (designed was Large Cruisers, ended was aircraft carriers). Althrought the Skyraider was the main ground attack off the USN, the Sea Wolf prove to be an excellent aircraft noneless.
North American P-51N Mustang - While most off this extraordinary fighter was replaced by better variants, the D's where send to allied forces/scrap/returned to the US mainland, but a few remained. When night fighters began to attack the B-29's, they where ideas off using the Black Widow's/Night Lightnings to escort them (and somethimes, they where used that way), but they have the punch to destroy/ambush them on the ground, while in the air, they are mostly to avoid dogfights unless there's an target off opportunity or if they are discovered. One idea is to buy some USMC Corsair to equip an squadron, but that will take time, but the idea wasn't drop and instead, the P-51D's are to be converted into P-51N's, with one the radar been added. The impact was tremendous, to the point that now the japanese night fighter will now only boom-and-zoom/pick off alone target's/patrol an different area.
Republic-Ford JB-2/KGW-1 Loon - Been an copy-past of the V-1 Buzz Bomb, the JB-2 was used to attack the Japanese cities in almost an similar way was the V-1 did, but unlike the germans ones that ceased to make them because they where wasting resources; A: the US don't have that problem; B: unlike the germans counterpart, they realized that they can divert enemies squadrons to defend this "easy threath", while having the skies mostly free to enemies. From LST's (not CVE's, since, they can launch them, but they cannot due nothing else at that time), Privateer's, launching platforms in Okinawa and in rare cases, even on B-29's, about 13,000 Loons where launch in total against Japan nonstop. Sometimes, they launch the Loon and while the japanese fighters go after them, the USMC suprises they intended target and destroy them and disappears before the japanese fighters managed to react.
Beechcraft A-38 Grizzly - Replacing the 75mm armed B-25/PBJ-1's Mitchells, the A-38 Grizzly where one off the most successefull aircraft off it's job, having the punch to take out heavy defenses, the size to be harder to hit and the "manouvabrility" to escape trouble.
Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk - Doing the intended, it replaced almost all single-engined seaplanes off the USN/USMC in the Pacific, and indeed, both the SC-1 and SC-2 became the new seaplane off all catapult-carrying Flag Ship. Rarely, they are also capable off ground attack and even some dogfight with slower opponents.
General Motors TBM-4 Avenger - The TBM-4 replaced all TBF/TBM's in frontline service (some variants where also made to replace their older counterparts). With the AD Skyraider replacing most off them, the Avenger was kept in land based units or in light carriers.
Sikorsky R-4 - The USMC, with some lessons learned from the Italian Front, decided to create their own "aircraft carriers", based on 20 LST's, where Grasshopers with tailhook and this new craft, the Sikorsky R-4, began to take off during the landing to be used was forward air control, target observation, directing ships fire, and (the brave ones) to medical evac missions. The last was most usefull for the Sikorsky, simply because it can land and take off vertically, while in the middle off an beach during an invasion it was not an good idea for an Grasshoper. Later, they where even used to insert spec-ops forces behind enemies lines, where they actually dropped the first combat troops on Honshu, 3 weeks prior to Operation Coronet.
North Americna SNJ-5N Texan - From learning with the germans that fought in the Eastern Front, the japanese pilots began to fly night harassment biplanes bombers converted from biplane trainers. All branches, from the US to the Commonwealth fighted this problem, but with little success, since the biplanes are to slow and many are made off wood. It was the USN that figured out that they needed a slow radar equipped aircraft to successfully engage a small, slow, low, nimble, biplane trainer at night. The answer was the SNJ-5N Texan (some SNJ-3 and -4's where also converted, but was test beds/training) was well was PV-1N Ventura. The Texan (althrough an trainer aircraft, it was used was an forward air control aircraft, designated "Mosquitos" and even used was anti-partisans) where given two pods with 2 .50 cal mg's each to combat these "bugger's", was well do night harrassment off their own.
North American B-25R/PBJ-1R Mitchell - While the Mitchells where all been replaced in USAAF/USMC service, the USN had the issue that, the more inland the fighting goes, the less naval support its troops will have. The idea is to bring "the ship inland". The best idea was to modify an B-25 nose, and add a twin-barrel nose arrangement that could fire 10 spin-stabilized five-inch rockets in one salvo (it rotates and the crew can reload, making it more deadly). That way, the Mitchell was the firepower off an cruiser, and unlike the cruiser, they can land the hits on the target directly. Put into production, the B-25R was used mostly by the USMC, althrought the 499 bomber squadron was the only USAAF to also operate the aircraft.
Althrough the personnel on this squadrons are foreign, they are under control off the US military service, therefore, been part of the US Armed Forces, been one of the stones of creating the future American Foreign Legion (AFL).
Martin B-26 Marauder (Mexico) - When the USAAF seen the good use off the "Aztec Eagles" (201st Fighter Squadron), they requested that Mexico (which complied in favor) to send more forces to fight alongeside the US Forces. The 101st Bomber Squadron (Mexico) was one off the result off that proposal, and the "Aztec Bombers" showed to many bomber squadrons how to bomb, to the point that when they ground attack, they go to the strongest defenses, up to the point that they managed to claim 13 jet fighters ready to take off (with german experience, they equiped the airfield the same way to help protect the jet fighters during take-off/landings). Attached to the 345th Bombardment Wing.
General Motors FM-3 Wildcat (Spain) - The final 350 Wildcats built by General Motors were of the FM-3 model, custom-built specifically to support the Operation Downfall. This FM-3 featured the more powerful, 1,425hp Wright R-1820-74W engine and a height adjustable undercarriage (an innovation whereby the fuselage could be lowered for easier access to the engine; this was meant to improve time management and safety). 50 were of the FM-3B subtype, which was adapted for the airborne forward air controller role, with radio equipment designed to enable easier communication with all Allied assets on the ground, in the air and at sea. Another subtype is the FM-3P, which is the Photo-Recon variant. Barely any US squadron had this aircraft (only some VC's had this aircraft - mostly the B variants). The Spanish Volunteer Squadron (SVS) only operated Wildcats, but they where only support the landing fleet. Attached to the Marine Aircraft Group 31.
North American P-51D Mustang (Venezuela) - Post-Dutch-American War, Venezuela helped the United States in any wars they have declared (only World War I and World War II). About the WWII, Venezuela send a few Expeditionary Forces, one ground division in Italy and in the Central Pacific and one fighter in the same area. 102 Squadron was the Pacific one based, flying initialy P-40K Warhawks, then passing direcly to the P-51D Mustang, where they kept up to the end of the war. They where attached the 15th Fighter Group.
Douglas SBD-6 Dauntless (Cuba) - When Fulgencio Batista won the elections of Cuba in 1940, there was a fear that, been an almost copy of Franco policies, Cuba could be used was an landing platform for any attack in America. The fears died out when Batista said to FDR that if the Allies invade Franco's Spain, it will send forces anlongeside any other US-Latino armed forces. That didn't happen, but, when Franco send support to the Allies in the Pacific, Batista send some was well, althrough only a few brigades and an aircraft squadron of SBD-5/6 Dauntless. Like the SVS, they where attached to the Marine Aircraft Group 31.
North American F-6C Mustang (Phillipines) - After the Liberation of most of the Phillipines (few small islands and a few personnel still inside the main ones that refuse to surrender), Sergio Osmeña didn't know how to thanks enough, but to answer the US call of more international support, and send 2 divisions of well capable fighting soldiers and 4 squadrons of aircraft. One off the squadrons are equiped with F-6C Mustangs (assigned to the 4th Recon Group) while the others 3 squadrons (P-70's squadron in the 8th Fighter Command; C-47's in the 403d Troop Carrier Group and; B-24's in the 11th Bombardment Group).
All aircraft designers (some aircraft repeat because it was an co-operation):
- Darth Panda: F5U Flying Disk + Grumman Avenger + Curtiss Helldiver + B-25H + F8B + FM Wildcat + F2G Corsair + F6F Hellcat + F8F Bearcat + F-82 Twin mustang + P-51D Mustang + P-51H Mustang + P-61 Black widow + P-47N Thundebolt + F4U-4 Corsair
- BK75 - XA-38 Grizzly
- makeroflight - Sikorsky R-4
- indiajuliet - T-6 Texan
- Heinkel - V-1 (PS: LoL)
- Demon Lord Razgrig - P-51C Mustang + P-51D Mustang
- Jabba - B-25H
- Radome - B-26 Marauder + Sea Wolf
- Nighthunter - SBD Dauntless + P-51C Mustang + FM Wildcat + P-38 Lightning + P-80 shooting star
- Caddaric79 - Skyraider + A-26B Invader + A-26C Invader
- WhyMe - SC Seahwak
- Kilomuse - P-59 Airacomet
- Redhorse - P-63 Kingcobra
- C Hoefer - FR Fireball
So... what do you think?
![[ img ]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/a7e3/f/2017/317/d/c/tales_of_blood_____battle_of_britain_participants_by_sport16ing-dbtn391.png)
![[ img ]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/9fc0/f/2017/321/d/0/tales_of_blood___east_lebanon_hunter_by_sport16ing-dbu09r2.png)
![[ img ]](https://pre00.deviantart.net/ad34/th/pre/f/2017/340/4/f/tales_of_blood___august_1939_by_sport16ing-dbv95mg.png)
![[ img ]](https://img00.deviantart.net/512d/i/2018/002/8/5/tales_of_blood___wwii_participants_by_sport16ing-dbyph0q.png)
![[ img ]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/0c19/f/2017/354/5/2/tales_of_blood___modern_day_by_sport16ing-dbxaxr5.png)
![[ img ]](https://orig00.deviantart.net/1151/f/2018/008/f/b/tales_of_blood___portugal_in_world_war_ii_by_sport16ing-dbzd4un.png)