SubChasers

Submarine chasers flew more than 50 miles off the coast  looking for enemy submarines prior to World War II.  They are attributed with reducing the massive shipping losses that occurred prior to their inception.  Some of these planes were equipped with bombs, and although very few u-boats were sunk by these airplanes, many were sunk by gunboats that were led to them by these airplanes.  The brave men that flew these patrols in all sorts of weather, had little more than an inner tube and a canvas sack (barracuda bucket) for survival gear.  Many of these volunteer fliers gave their lives for their country up until December 5th, 1941 when the U.S. Army Airforce took over the job.  Here are photos of many of the surviving Fairchilds that served their country well.  Click on any of the pictures to see the full size picture.

NC-15345   a 24 C8C           

 NC-16846   a 24 C8E 

NC-16812   a 24 C8F 

NC-22036  a 24 W 40   This was Mirwood Starky's 24W40 for 30 plus years. It is now in Jamie Treat's  shop for complete restoration and repair. Major fuselage front damage. Mirwood had engine failure and planted in a Tomato field back in 1995. Very damaged, but very restorable. Will take 2 - 3 years. This was the aircraft depicted in Zack Mosley's comic strip "Smilin Jack".  Trying to track down the bomb rack, bomb and bombing site. Hardpoints are still on airplane.

Smilin' Jack