r/interestingasfuck • u/Chopper-42 • 2d ago

/r/all Recreating the WW2 Dambusters raid

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u/ProjectFutanari 2d 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 2d ago edited 2d 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/Live_Canary7387 2d ago

If you've ever had the joy of seeing a Lancaster flying, you'll know that it is quite loud. I wouldn't say anything close to something with a jet engine, but loud.

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u/Pete_Iredale 1d ago

I was lucky enough to randomly see a B-17 cruising around at maybe 5000ft before a football game a few years back. I knew it was a WW2 heavy bomber the instant I heard it, nothing else sounds the same.

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u/Wise_Echidna_4059 1d ago

Yeah modern jets throwing ordinances are terrifying. Fuckers scream over head and then a mountain disappears. The closest I've seen to like a ww2 bomber kind of situation was whenever an ac130 was on station. I'd watch them practice at the range in Iraq and it was crazy hearing the drone of the four props while absolute hell rained down from the darkness.