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The
Typhoon IIb was a Centaurus-engined development of the Sabre-engined
Typhoon I that first flew in late-1941.
Development was slow, taking second place to Sabre-engined Typhoon
Ib following its introduction into service earlier that year.
Nevertheless,
progress with the IIb continued, the type finally entering service in
January 1944. It very quickly
proved itself to be the most effective ground attack aircraft throughout
all of the Allied air forces in World War II.
The type packed a considerable punch, being armed with four 20 mm
cannon and a variety of rockets and bombs.
Unlike later marks of the Hurricane and the Typhoon Ib, the Typhoon
IIb's underwing armament could consist of bombs or rockets, both bombs and
rockets, or drop tanks and rockets at any one time.
Click on
images below to see larger images
Serving
exclusively with the RAF's 2 TAF squadrons, the Typhoon IIb provided vital
support to ground forces from D-Day to VE Day.
But it was a product of its time, serving in a niche role.
Consequently, its demise after the war's end was swift, being
completely replaced by the Tempest by the end of 1945
(Donor
kits: Airfix Typhoon Ib, Mosquito NF.II/FB.VI/F.XVIII, Matchbox Tempest
II/VI, Aeroclub Typhoon upgrade set, Almark sheet C12)
Dave
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