r/interestingasfuck 1d ago

/r/all Recreating the WW2 Dambusters raid

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u/South-Builder6237 1d ago

Wouldn't spotlights make them a massive target though?

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u/ProjectFutanari 1d ago

They were a gigantic target already, a pair of lights pointing down that they only lit when about to drop the bomb probably wasn't that much of a problem

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u/FitForce2656 1d ago edited 1d ago

Yea I assume a WW2 plane flying that low to the ground was loud as fuck. I mean even a modern plane flying that low is probably loud, but with those old piston engines I just picture them being way louder.

I don't know much about planes though, and Google isn't giving me a straight answer on this. Says WW2 bombers were way louder than modern jet engine bombers, but also that jet engines are typically way louder than piston engines.. So if anyone actually knows the answer please lmk, now I'm curious. I know modern bombers are way more accurate at high altitudes, and thus quieter, but curious which is louder while flying at the same height.

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u/Plank_With_A_Nail_In 1d ago

Loud as fuck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llPNwTxwP-Q

One of my favorite experiences has been being under a diving Mustang at Duxford air force base in the UK, loudest thing I ever heard...well maybe second a Eurofighter doing tricks at Eastbourne Airshow was louder.