Destination's Journey

Tag: Military

  • Bloch MB.170 French Reconnaissance Bomber

    Bloch MB.170 French Reconnaissance Bomber

    Bloch MB.170 French Reconnaissance Bomber

    The Bloch MB.170 was a prototype bomber and reconnaissance aircraft designed for the French Air Force. The first of two prototypes first flew on 15 February 1938 and was designed to fill the role of either a two-seat attack bomber or a three-seat reconnaissance aircraft. The second prototype, was a three seat bomber, with the ventral cupola removed, a revised canopy and larger tail fins.

    After evaluation and many modifications, the second prototype was chosen for production as the MB.174 light bomber. The Air Force placed an order for 50 aircraft, with the first one entering service in March 1940. The MB.174 replaced the Potez 637 that had proved too vulnerable in the reconnaissance role during the Phoney war.

    Replacing the MB.174 on the production line was the MB.175. This bomber version incorporated a longer and wider fuselage, to enable larger bombs to be carried. Bombs of 100 to 200kg cold now be carried, whereas the MB.174 was limited to bombs of only 50kg.

    Only 25 MB.175 aircraft were delivered before the Armistice. At this time, most MB.174 and MB.175s had been relocated to North Africa. During the Vichy period, MB.174s frequently flew over Gibraltar to monitor the British fleet.

    After the Armistice, the Germans found several MB.174s and 175s and used for pilot training. Production of the MB.175 version recommenced under the German occupation, with the aircraft exported to Germany for use by the Luftwaffe as trainers.

    To avert a potential supply shortfall of French engines, a version was designed to use Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radials. This MB.176 proved to have poorer performance than the 175, but went into production anyway. In reality the supply of American engines proved difficult and only five were delivered before the armistice.

    To enable the use of Hispano-Suiza 12Y31 engines, the MB.177 incorporated redesigned engine mounts. The engines proved to be underpowered. The sole example was captured by German forces and taken to Rechlin for evaluation.

    After the war, SNCASO resumed production of the MB.175 for the Aéronavale as a torpedo bomber designated MB.175T (later SO.175T).

    Bloch MB.170 Family Menu

    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype line drawing
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170AB2-A3 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Crash landed Bloch MB.170 First Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 Second Prototype line drawing
    Bloch MB.170 Second Prototype line drawing
    Bloch MB.170 Second Prototype
    Bloch MB.170 Second Prototype
  • Canadian Aircraft Carrier HMCS Magnificent

    Canadian Aircraft Carrier HMCS Magnificent

    Canadian Aircraft Carrier HMCS Magnificent

    HMCS Magnificent was a Majestic-class aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Canadian Navy from 1948 to 1957.

    Towards the end of the Second World War, Canada anticipated the need for additional and larger aircraft carriers to operated in the Pacific against Japan. At this time it crewed two British Royal Navy escort carriers (HMS Nabob which was heavily damaged and HMS Puncher). Negotiations led to Britain offering the Colossus-class carrier, HMS Warrior (HMCS Warrior in Canadian service) and The Majestic-class HMS Magnificent (HMCS Magnificent in Canadian service).

    Warrior entered service in 1946, but was considered unsuitable for Canadian conditions, as she had been built to operate in the tropics and lacked heating. In 1948 she was replaced by Magnificent. The carrier was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy on 21 March 1948.

    Following the Suez Crisis, the Canadian Government agreed to send a peacekeeping for to Egypt. HMCS Magnificent transported 406 Canadian troops and their vehicles along with 4 Royal Canadian Air Force de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otters and a single H04S helicopter. For this trip, she had her guns removed and complement reduced to 600. She unloaded her cargo in Port Said in January 1957.

    The increased in size, weight and speed of jet aircraft made Magnificent unsuitable for their operation. On 14 June 1957, she was decommissioned and replaced in RCN service by HMCS Bonaventure, another Royal Navy Majestic-class carrier (HMS Powerful) that had not been completed at the end of the war. The ship was broken up at Faslane, Scotland, in July 1965.

    Menu to Photos of HMCS Magnificent

    Photos of HMCS Magnificent

    HMS Magnificent (left) and HMS Powerful under construction at Harland and Wolff's Musgrave shipyard, Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
    HMS Magnificent (left) and HMS Powerful under construction at Harland and Wolff’s Musgrave shipyard, Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
    HMCS Magnificent at Boston 1951 April 23rd
    HMCS Magnificent at Boston 1951 April 23rd
    Magnificent in 1950
    Magnificent in 1950
    HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) in the mid-1950s with 15 Grumman Avenger AS.3 of No. 881 NAS and two Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 fighters of No 871 NAS
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) in the mid-1950s with 15 Grumman Avenger AS.3 of No. 881 NAS and two Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 fighters of No 871 NAS
    Grumman Avengers on the deck of HMCS Magnificent
    Grumman Avengers on the deck of HMCS Magnificent
    HCMS Magnificent, HCMS Nootka and HCMS Ocean off the coast of Korea, 1952
    HCMS Magnificent, HCMS Nootka and HCMS Ocean off the coast of Korea, 1952
    HMCS Magnificent refueling at sea
    HMCS Magnificent refueling at sea
    HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent
    Grumman Avenger AS.3 Sep 1953 on HMCS Magnificent
    Grumman Avenger AS.3 Sep 1953 on HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent in Genoa April 1950
    HMCS Magnificent in Genoa April 1950
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), 20 March 1950
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), 20 March 1950
    Royal Canadian Navy sailors playing hockey on the flight deck of HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    Royal Canadian Navy sailors playing hockey on the flight deck of HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), at anchor off San Raphael, French Riviera, 1951
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), at anchor off San Raphael, French Riviera, 1951
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), entering Grand Harbour, Malta, 1951
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), entering Grand Harbour, Malta, 1951
    HMCS Magnificent seen from the flight deck of HMS Theseus as Theseus leads the Carrier Support Force out of Rosyth for Exercise Mainbrace 1952
    HMCS Magnificent seen from the flight deck of HMS Theseus as Theseus leads the Carrier Support Force out of Rosyth for Exercise Mainbrace 1952
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), in 1952
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), in 1952. Viewed from a Grumman Avenger, while others are parked on her deck
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), in Halifax May 1953
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), in Halifax May 1953
    HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), in Halifax May 1953
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), in Halifax May 1953
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), leaving Halifax May 1953
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), leaving Halifax May 1953
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), in Halifax June 1954
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), in Halifax June 1954
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), visiting Rotterdam, 24 Oct 1955
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), visiting Rotterdam, 24 Oct 1955
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) with Fairey Fireflies and Hawker Sea Furies on deck
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)

    Transporting Canadian Air Force Sabres

    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    In October 1951, HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) transported 35 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabre Mk. 2 aircraft to Europe
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), carrying 46 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabres cocooned on deck. The Sabres were being repatriated from Germany, 1957
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), carrying 46 RCAF Canadair CL-13 Sabres cocooned on deck. The Sabres were being repatriated from Germany, 1957

    Transporting Canadian Army Equipment

    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), unloading Canadian Army vehicles in Port Said for UNEF January 1957
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), unloading Canadian Army vehicles in Port Said for UNEF January 1957

    Aircraft Operations

    Douglas A-1 Skyraider (US Navy)

    U.S. Navy Douglas AD-1B Skyraider from Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) and Grumman Avengers on HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    U.S. Navy Douglas AD-1B Skyraider from Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) and Grumman Avengers on HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953

    Fairey Firefly

    Fairey Firefly being launched from HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21),
    Fairey Firefly being launched from HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21),
    Fairey Firefly FR. Mk IV, TW753, 825 Sqn swerved off the flight deck on HMCS Magnificent
    Fairey Firefly FR. Mk IV, TW753, 825 Sqn swerved off the flight deck on HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), Fairey Firefly accident, 1951
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), Fairey Firefly accident, 1951
    Grumman Avenger AS.3, Hawker Sea Fury and Fairey Firefly aircraft on the deck of HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    Grumman Avenger AS.3, Hawker Sea Fury and Fairey Firefly aircraft on the deck of HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    Hawker Sea Fury and a Fairey Firefly aboard HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    Hawker Sea Fury and a Fairey Firefly aboard HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)

    Grumman Avenger

    Grumman TBM-3W Avenger aircraft on the flight deck of HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), circa 1953
    Grumman TBM-3W Avenger aircraft on the flight deck of HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), circa 1953
    Grumman A.S.4 Avenger flying over HMCS Magnificent
    Grumman A.S.4 Avenger flying over HMCS Magnificent
    U.S. Navy Douglas AD-4B Skyraider from Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) and Grumman Avengers on HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    U.S. Navy Douglas AD-4B Skyraider from Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) and Grumman Avengers on HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    Grumman Avenger AS.3, Hawker Sea Fury and Fairey Firefly aircraft on the deck of HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    Grumman Avenger AS.3, Hawker Sea Fury and Fairey Firefly aircraft on the deck of HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    Grumman Avenger AS.3 on the deck of HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    Grumman Avenger AS.3 on the deck of HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    Grumman Avenger AS.3 Sep 1953 on HMCS Magnificent
    Grumman Avenger AS.3 Sep 1953 on HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) in the mid-1950s with 15 Grumman Avenger AS.3 of No. 881 NAS and two Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 fighters of No 871 NAS
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) in the mid-1950s with 15 Grumman Avenger AS.3 of No. 881 NAS and two Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 fighters of No 871 NAS
    Grumman Avengers on the deck of HMCS Magnificent
    Grumman Avengers on the deck of HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), visiting Rotterdam, with RCN Grumman TBM-3 Avengers on deck, 1950
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), visiting Rotterdam, with RCN Grumman TBM-3 Avengers on deck, 1950
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), in 1952
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), in 1952. Viewed from a Grumman Avenger, while others are parked on her deck
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), with Grumman Avengers on deck 1952
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21), with Grumman Avengers on deck 1952

    Hawker Sea Fury

    Hawker Sea Fury taking off from HMCS Magnificent
    Hawker Sea Fury taking off from HMCS Magnificent
    Sea Fury catches the #2 wire on HMS Magnificent
    Sea Fury catches the #2 wire on HMS Magnificent
    Hawker Sea Fury crashed into the crash barrier on HMCS Magnificent
    Hawker Sea Fury crashed into the crash barrier on HMCS Magnificent
    Hawker Sea Fury and a Fairey Firefly aboard HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    Hawker Sea Fury and a Fairey Firefly aboard HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21)
    Grumman Avenger AS.3, Hawker Sea Fury and Fairey Firefly aircraft on the deck of HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    Grumman Avenger AS.3, Hawker Sea Fury and Fairey Firefly aircraft on the deck of HMCS Magnificent Sep 1953
    Hawker Sea Fury flying over HMCS Magnificent
    Hawker Sea Fury flying over HMCS Magnificent
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) in the mid-1950s with 15 Grumman Avenger AS.3 of No. 881 NAS and two Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 fighters of No 871 NAS
    HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) in the mid-1950s with 15 Grumman Avenger AS.3 of No. 881 NAS and two Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 fighters of No 871 NAS
  • Danish Coastal Defense Ship Olfert Fischer

    Danish Coastal Defense Ship Olfert Fischer

    Danish Coastal Defense Ship Olfert Fischer

    HDMS Olfert Fischer (1903) was a Danish coastal defense ship. The second of her class of three ships (including Herluf Trolle and Peder Skram), she was launched on 9 May 1903 and commissioned on 31 May 1905.

    She had an uneventful career, as Denmark remained neutral throughout World War One. Herluf Trolle and her sisters patrolled Denmark’s coast, enforcing her neutrality. Post war, with reduced naval budgets, she was often laid up or used as a training ship. In 1936, it was decided to scrap her, but after she had been used to evaluate aerial bombing. With most of her useful equipment removed and additional armour added to protect a skeleton crew, army and navy bombers dropped a total of 386 small, practice bombs on her from 5 to 17 October October 1936. Only twelve of the 12 kg (26 lb) bombs hit Olfert Fischer.

    Olfert Fischer was broken up for scrap from 1937 to 1938. Her main guns were added to the coastal defenses of Holmen Naval Base, where they remained until 1948.

    Olfert Fischer(1903)
    Olfert Fischer(1903)
    Olfert Fischer
    Olfert Fischer
    Olfert Fischer
    Olfert Fischer
    Mailboat Gefion steams past the frigates Jylland and Sjælland as barracks ships, behind Jylland is the newly launched Olfert Fischer, c. May, 1903
    Mailboat Gefion steams past the frigates Jylland and Sjælland as barracks ships, behind Jylland is the newly launched Olfert Fischer, c. May, 1903
    Olfert Fischer refitted and equipped as a target ship
    Olfert Fischer refitted and equipped as a target ship