Rear view mirrors in fighters

[R Leonard]

Well, for what they’re worth,

Here’s a couple of Spitfire VB from VCS-7 in June 1944 with mirrors


USN Photo

USN Photo

And over in the Pacific, here’s an F4F-4, oh, along about 8 June 1942, aboard USS Hornet. Rear-view mirror is visible inside the windscreen at the top.


USN Photo (Pilot is my father, XO of USS Yorktown’s VF-3.)

Rich

[FLYBOYJ]

Nice photos - tell us more about your Dad!

[R Leonard]

Rather than a long song and dance about my father, take a look at
http://www.centurytel.net/midway/app...n_leonard.html

And on the subject of mirrors, here’s some more photos of USN fighters that, if you look close you can see the rearview mirrors. Most are mounted inside the canopy, the F2A, though, has its mirror mounted over the top of the windscreen.

F4U-1 (VF-17) You'll have to look real, real close, but its there

USN Photo

F2A This photo was taken in August 1942. Pilot is Commander Joseph Clifton

USN Photo

F6F from VF-74 aboard USS Kasaan Bay during the invasion of southern France

USN Photo

Another F6F, this one from VF-38 piloted by Lieut Oscar Chenowith in 1943

USN Photo

And another shot of Chenowith in an F6F with a real good view of the mirror, note convex shape.

USN Photo

Regards,

Rich

[lesofprimus]

All great pics....

[evangilder]

Nice!