The Piper Grasshopper was a well established civil airplane at the outbreak of the war and was ideal for service as a reconnaissance plane. It had a wingspan of 35 feet and weighed a measly 553kg. It could take off from a very small runway and cruised at a maximum speed of 85mp and maximum ceiling of 9300 ft (with a crew of two). 
The Grasshopper saw extensive service in Normandy but they were also used in North Africa and the Pacific.
The Grasshopper saw extensive service in Normandy but they were also used in North Africa and the Pacific. 
They did the spotter scenario last year...my favourite bit . These planes often get overlooked as the Spits & Mustangs are more glamourous but you had to be brave to fly those things at low level & unprotected in a war zone...I'm lucky to fly in a Piper Cub frequently and previously in an ex RAF Malaya Auster & they are great machines
ReplyDeleteNice clip. The liaison pilots were indeed a brave bunch and did a lot more than most people recognize! If anyone's interested, Google the Alamo Liaison Squadron and find a book called Box Seat Over Hell. It's a good read!
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