180 now thats what I call a score, Help wanted

**andron234** · 02-14-2014 19:01

Hi guys, I was watching a Film of real WW1 footage of a German 2 seater plane, the crewman in the rear throw out a very large steel/iron Dart at a plane blow it, now here's the question A) what's the weapon called. B) do we have any rules in regard this weapon? C) did anyone else use it?

**Naharaht** · 02-14-2014 19:48

Have a look at this web page. http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=74401

**Captain Chum** · 02-14-2014 22:20

Now isn't that interesting. Learn something everyday on here.

Thanks for sharing Drew.

**Dave Knight** · 02-15-2014 00:52

Very interesting indeed - thanks for posting

**Archidamus** · 02-15-2014 01:01

Smacks of an improvised weapon Drew

- not sure the flechette would do much damage unless it hit engine or crew, because in most places it would probably just punch a smallish hole straight through the airframe - even assuming it actually hit in the first place.

I seem to recall reading accounts of the early period of the war where other improvised weapons like grenades, bricks etc. were dropped as well as observers using rifles and even flares! - unfortunately I can't remember where I read that

**Jager** · 02-15-2014 01:33

Originally Posted by Archidamus

I seem to recall reading accounts of the early period of the war where other improvised weapons like grenades, bricks etc. were dropped as well as observers using rifles and even flares! - unfortunately I can't remember where I read that

Probably any decent book about the origins of air combat

This is interesting as I had previously read the flechettes were intended as to be used against troops on the march, esp. cavalry. I had not read about their use against entrenched troops.
Karl

**flash** · 02-15-2014 01:38

Originally Posted by andron234

Hi guys, I was watching a Film of real WW1 footage of a German 2 seater plane, the crewman in the rear throw out a very large steel/iron Dart at a plane blow it, now here's the question A) what's the weapon called. B) do we have any rules in regard this weapon? C) did anyone else use it?

Posting a link to the footage would be helpful - the rest is Google !! A search on aerial darts will get you some nice links & images - see also Ranken Darts a British anti Zep explosive dart.

**johnbiggles** · 02-15-2014 02:00

very interesting.
when I restart my 1915 missions at home I will have to load up the Be2 with flechettes and avoid the ground fire
possibly return the favour with Albatros B1 when its painted

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 02-15-2014 05:26

I have found an empty Gin bottle does as much damage as a flechette.
Kyte.

**andron234** · 02-15-2014 08:04

Hi Captain have a look at this web page, Drew http://www.big-ordnance.com/Flechettes/Flechettes.htm

**andron234** · 02-15-2014 08:06

Hi Archidamus have a look at this web page http://www.big-ordnance.com/Flechettes/Flechettes.htm

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 02-16-2014 00:53

Now that is interesting Drew.
To get all those pictures together and clearly delineated is something.
However, Kyte is concerned about how much Gin they would hold?
Says he will stick to dropping his empty bottles thanks.

Rob.

**Archidamus** · 02-16-2014 01:18

Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte

However, Kyte is concerned about how much Gin they would hold?
Says he will stick to dropping his empty bottles thanks.

Rob.

Let's hope there isn't a mistake, and non-empty bottles are dropped

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 02-16-2014 05:42

Originally Posted by Archidamus

Let's hope there isn't a mistake, and non-empty bottles are dropped

What Kyte! A man of his experience, making a mistake like that. Not in a month of Sundays, even if he was very very drunk at the time.

Rob.

**Jager** · 02-16-2014 06:23

Originally Posted by Archidamus

Let's hope there isn't a mistake, and non-empty bottles are dropped

Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte

What Kyte! A man of his experience, making a mistake like that. Not in a month of Sundays, even if he was very very drunk at the time.

Rob.

Besides, full gin bottles would count as incendiaries, not flechettes

Karl

**andron234** · 02-16-2014 11:31

I don't believe in half measures when it comes to the Hun, I would throw in some "Tonic water ice and a slice" to add weight, they can't mess with us don't you know, "what what chaps"