RCATS and the Whirlygig

1. RCATS and the Whirlygig Flying around in circles A Power Point Presentation by Fred Butcher April 2006 With assistance from Chris Lewis of �Down to Earth Computing� telephone 01953 882222 This talk describes events of more than fifty years ago, most of it unrecorded at the time. Much of it has been gained by prodding the memories of local people and the rest of it from America via the Internet. Many of the pictures and diagrams taken from the web therefore have poor resolution. These slides and notes have been updated from earlier versions of RCATS and The Whirlygig and named as version 5; valid as from 10th March 2008.This talk describes events of more than fifty years ago, most of it unrecorded at the time. Much of it has been gained by prodding the memories of local people and the rest of it from America via the Internet. Many of the pictures and diagrams taken from the web therefore have poor resolution. These slides and notes have been updated from earlier versions of RCATS and The Whirlygig and named as version 5; valid as from 10th March 2008.

2. Stiffkey Ordnance Survey Map The North Norfolk Coastal path cuts across what looks like a WW11 relic as you approach Stiffkey from Wells (map reference TF956436). Note the wide expanse of marsh and sands before reaching the shallows of the North Sea. The location of The Whirlygig is at the top of the red rectangle on the left. The centre of the British Army AA Practice camp is at the blue tent symbol. RAF Langham airfield is at the bottom right and Weybourne AA Practice camp is a few miles along the coast to the east. The North Norfolk Coastal path cuts across what looks like a WW11 relic as you approach Stiffkey from Wells (map reference TF956436). Note the wide expanse of marsh and sands before reaching the shallows of the North Sea. The location of The Whirlygig is at the top of the red rectangle on the left. The centre of the British Army AA Practice camp is at the blue tent symbol. RAF Langham airfield is at the bottom right and Weybourne AA Practice camp is a few miles along the coast to the east.

3. Circular tarmac track Note the remarkable smoothness of the tarmac surface � very few cracks or undulations after 55 years although laid on a semi marshland base! Known to the locals as the Whirlygig.Note the remarkable smoothness of the tarmac surface � very few cracks or undulations after 55 years although laid on a semi marshland base! Known to the locals as the Whirlygig.

4. Central pylon with swinging arm In the centre of the circle there is a steel pylon with a rotating arm, upon which is stamped �Radioplane Company�.In the centre of the circle there is a steel pylon with a rotating arm, upon which is stamped �Radioplane Company�.

5. Site of No 11 Light AAPC, andStiffkey marsh. A Military camp was established at Stiffkey before WW11 (ca. 1936) and finally closed in 1958. During WW11 it became a major Bofors 40mm gun training camp. Few buildings now remain ( the old camp cinema is now a grain store). Much of it has returned to farm land and there is a camping site with the usual concrete roads associated with any wartime camp� The tarmac circle actually lies on ground recorded as being Stiffkey greens, now owned by the National Trust and administered by English Heritage as a Nature Reserve. Presumably at the height of the camp�s use during the war (where an effective and useful gun sight was developed called the Stiffkey sight) rows of guns were placed along the edge of the marsh and the main activity was to practice fire at targets towed by aircraft flying along the shore line. The RAF called this drogue or target towing and the Americans called it sleeve towing. The targets were made from red nylon which was much sought after for even more essential purposes� Local airfields such as Langham, Horsham St Faith and Bircham Newton all flew target towing aircraft throughout the war and Langham continued doing so until the end of the Cold War in1957.A Military camp was established at Stiffkey before WW11 (ca. 1936) and finally closed in 1958. During WW11 it became a major Bofors 40mm gun training camp. Few buildings now remain ( the old camp cinema is now a grain store). Much of it has returned to farm land and there is a camping site with the usual concrete roads associated with any wartime camp� The tarmac circle actually lies on ground recorded as being Stiffkey greens, now owned by the National Trust and administered by English Heritage as a Nature Reserve. Presumably at the height of the camp�s use during the war (where an effective and useful gun sight was developed called the Stiffkey sight) rows of guns were placed along the edge of the marsh and the main activity was to practice fire at targets towed by aircraft flying along the shore line. The RAF called this drogue or target towing and the Americans called it sleeve towing. The targets were made from red nylon which was much sought after for even more essential purposes� Local airfields such as Langham, Horsham St Faith and Bircham Newton all flew target towing aircraft throughout the war and Langham continued doing so until the end of the Cold War in1957.

6. Circular tamac track This picture was taken by Dereck Edwards sometime in the 7o�s. The Coastal path in its current form bisects it. The ownership of the land on which it is located is not known but a Parish boundary runs across it and it may be on the boundaries of land owned by the National Trust (and managed by English Nature) and the Holkham Estate. Also note the absence of any hard roads or the foundations of any huts or ancillary buildings. Were the RCATS driven to and from Langham each day?This picture was taken by Dereck Edwards sometime in the 7o�s. The Coastal path in its current form bisects it. The ownership of the land on which it is located is not known but a Parish boundary runs across it and it may be on the boundaries of land owned by the National Trust (and managed by English Nature) and the Holkham Estate. Also note the absence of any hard roads or the foundations of any huts or ancillary buildings. Were the RCATS driven to and from Langham each day?

7. Signboard to the east of the Whirlygig The sign proclaims �Welcome to Warham Saltmarsh but the Ordnance survey maps call it Stiffkey Greens or Stiffkey Salt marsh.The sign proclaims �Welcome to Warham Saltmarsh but the Ordnance survey maps call it Stiffkey Greens or Stiffkey Salt marsh.

8. Stiffkey range 1945 This remarkably clear picture was taken by a photo reconnaissance Spitfire in 1945. The Whirlygig circle cannot be seen nor is the concrete access road to the buildings known as the West Camp. Most have been demolished and the remaining two blocks were due to be demolished in 2007. But the actual firing line of gun bases shows very clearly.This remarkably clear picture was taken by a photo reconnaissance Spitfire in 1945. The Whirlygig circle cannot be seen nor is the concrete access road to the buildings known as the West Camp. Most have been demolished and the remaining two blocks were due to be demolished in 2007. But the actual firing line of gun bases shows very clearly.

9. An aerial of Stiffkey range by Hunting Surveys, 1969 Compare this to the previous slide � it shows the Western extension to the wartime Stiffkey camp which lies to the east. What is new is the crossing concrete road to the barrack blocks in the centre (partly demolished) and the effluent plant for the new extension at the top of the large field to left. There are no obvious roadways to The Whirlygig to and from the coast road passing through Stiffkey village nor are there any building foundations to be seen close to it.Compare this to the previous slide � it shows the Western extension to the wartime Stiffkey camp which lies to the east. What is new is the crossing concrete road to the barrack blocks in the centre (partly demolished) and the effluent plant for the new extension at the top of the large field to left. There are no obvious roadways to The Whirlygig to and from the coast road passing through Stiffkey village nor are there any building foundations to be seen close to it.

10. Locally, the circle has become known as The Whirlygig and was used during WW11 to launch �Queen Bees� as target practice aircraft! Even the local walkers map by Wilfred George says so! This is most unlikely as the Tiger Moth 82 is too large to take off in such a small circle However, Queen Bees had been launched from the AA PAC military camp at Weybourne � and this picture, shown in the Muckleburgh History room confirms it Note the massive RN type catapult, turned into wind for take off. No 1 AACU RAF flew Queen Bees off and the RN then recovered them from the sea via HMS Radstock and took them to Blakeney Staithe.

11. Other Queen Bee use There seem to have been two periods of use of Queen Bees at Weybourne. The first from before the war when RN vessels standing off shore practice fired at them. The unmistakeable figure of Churchill is shown in silhouette. He made two visits to Weybourne to check on the progress of the rocket AA project..The unmistakeable figure of Churchill is shown in silhouette. He made two visits to Weybourne to check on the progress of the rocket AA project..

12. HMS Radstock, Queen Bee tender The ship is almost certainly not in Blakeney Staithe but it does have Queen Bee fitted with floats. And the wind driven four bladed propeller used for generating power can be seen on the front portside out rigged from the fuselageThe ship is almost certainly not in Blakeney Staithe but it does have Queen Bee fitted with floats. And the wind driven four bladed propeller used for generating power can be seen on the front portside out rigged from the fuselage

13. Queen Bee in flight Note the windmill generator mounted on the port side of the front fuselage. The location is unknown.Note the windmill generator mounted on the port side of the front fuselage. The location is unknown.

14. But, talking to other people, it gradually emerged that small target aircraft had indeed been flown from The Whirlygig by the US Army after WW!! for the practice firing of AA guns. Few claim to have actually seen them or could remember other details such as when, by whom, or how often. Most who did, have either moved on or passed on� A mussel fisherman and his wife remembered, that as children they would hear the scream of the engines and, if possible, they would rush off to see what was happening. It was thought to be after WW11 (with 1952/4 as the most likely period) that the American soldiers involved were accommodated at RAF Langham. Much interest was centred on the items that could be obtained from the target aircraft at the end of flight!! Another contact said that the aircraft were known as RCATS�and two pictures of them were displayed in the Muckleburgh history room. At last, positive identification of it being a post WW11 aircraft launch site even though the aircraft were pilotless, remote radio controlled, target aircraft operated by the US Army.At last, positive identification of it being a post WW11 aircraft launch site even though the aircraft were pilotless, remote radio controlled, target aircraft operated by the US Army.

15. Radio Controlled aerial Target This picture together with one a Radioplane 19 propeller is contained within a glass cabinet in the Muckleburgh Collection history room. This picture together with one a Radioplane 19 propeller is contained within a glass cabinet in the Muckleburgh Collection history room.

16. The result of an intensive Internet search confirmed that the US Army used RCATS extensively as a training aid for AA Gunners The aircraft used was a Radioplane 19, a monoplane with a wing span of almost 12ft., of metal/wood construction, weighing about 145kg, and capable of flying at more than 200mph. It was fitted with a 4 cyl. 2 stroke engine of about 72hp, a radio receiver and control system and basic flying controls. It had no undercarriage or wheels and therefore had to be catapult launched and returned to earth by parachute when the fuel was used up (or it was shot down�) There is an astonishing amount of information about the RCATS and their use on the Internet but virtually all of it is concerned with the US Army in the USA and the extensive AA training that resulted from events at Pearl Harbour. But even more RCATS were used during the development of the NUKE/AJAX missile programme which eventually replaced most muzzle/barrel guns. This programme was so extensive that RCATS were fired by the thousands and the original Radioplane 19 production records now held by Northrop Grumman show 48,000 up to the end of 1984!!There is an astonishing amount of information about the RCATS and their use on the Internet but virtually all of it is concerned with the US Army in the USA and the extensive AA training that resulted from events at Pearl Harbour. But even more RCATS were used during the development of the NUKE/AJAX missile programme which eventually replaced most muzzle/barrel guns. This programme was so extensive that RCATS were fired by the thousands and the original Radioplane 19 production records now held by Northrop Grumman show 48,000 up to the end of 1984!!

17. An RCAT model RP 19 sitting on a take off trolley with theanchor cable and the tether to the central pylon in position. The engine has yet to be started and the location is almost certain to be on a firing range in the USA. The nature of the circular track can just be seen. The model 19�s came into use after the war and were made in thousands (48,000!) in the changeover from conventional AA guns to missiles.The engine has yet to be started and the location is almost certain to be on a firing range in the USA. The nature of the circular track can just be seen. The model 19�s came into use after the war and were made in thousands (48,000!) in the changeover from conventional AA guns to missiles.

18. The original method of launching RCATS was by catapult (often with Jato rocket assistance) the launcher being designed and made by Radioplane and designated the A7 This picture of a Radioplane RP19A sitting on an A7 launcher is held in the RAeS library but there are no details as to where or when it was take!. The general arrangement is not unlike that used for the launching of the doodlebugs (remember the �ski sites�?) The early range of ramps made by Radioplane were powered by bungee cords and later models (ie mk 19�s) were flown off by a combination of engine power and Jato rockets. This picture of a Radioplane RP19A sitting on an A7 launcher is held in the RAeS library but there are no details as to where or when it was take!. The general arrangement is not unlike that used for the launching of the doodlebugs (remember the �ski sites�?) The early range of ramps made by Radioplane were powered by bungee cords and later models (ie mk 19�s) were flown off by a combination of engine power and Jato rockets.

19. After WW11 a Rotary Launcher was developed by Radioplane which became the standard launch system for RCAT�s by the US Army. The rotary launcher was safer than the rockets used on the ramp launchers and also less expensive (although it was not readily transportable). This diagram is from the US Army RCAT training school in Fort Bliss. The technique of rotary launching probably developed from Denny�s experience with model car and aircraft �round the pole� racing. It is probably the only one in Britain!! There is a different type of circular track near Benbecula in the Western Isles, constructed in the 0�s by the MOD from which jet powered target aircraft ( The Falconet made by Flight Refuelling) and presumably used in the rocket test firing program for the South Uist range. The track can be seen on Goolge Eartth.The rotary launcher was safer than the rockets used on the ramp launchers and also less expensive (although it was not readily transportable). This diagram is from the US Army RCAT training school in Fort Bliss. The technique of rotary launching probably developed from Denny�s experience with model car and aircraft �round the pole� racing. It is probably the only one in Britain!! There is a different type of circular track near Benbecula in the Western Isles, constructed in the 0�s by the MOD from which jet powered target aircraft ( The Falconet made by Flight Refuelling) and presumably used in the rocket test firing program for the South Uist range. The track can be seen on Goolge Eartth.

20. Radioplane A2 Rotary Launcher To prepare to launch an aircraft it is placed on a launch trolley with large wheels and lined up on the circular track with the start position decided by the surface wind of the day. The fuel state, the parachute pack, the radio guidance system and the engine are all checked and the trolley connected to a tether attached to the central pylon with another attached to a ground anchor. When all is ready, the engine is started (it runs at full throttle only) and once the restraining tether is removed the aircraft accelerates around the track and is released to become airborne when flying speed is reached at about 85 mph � literally flying around in circles!! A crew of ten including the pilot is usually employed and between 8 and 10 RCATS can be flown on a good day� Taken from Handbook of Flight Operating Instructions, USAF series OQ19 target aircraft, issued 1st April 1952. In the possession of Jim Sutton of Salthouse.Taken from Handbook of Flight Operating Instructions, USAF series OQ19 target aircraft, issued 1st April 1952. In the possession of Jim Sutton of Salthouse.

21. The Stiffkey Whirlygig1978 Ordnance Survey map This diagram is an unpublished map by the Ordnance Survey that shows a part of Stiffkey West camp, No 11 Light AAPC and The Whirlygig. Note the limited road access for the transport of RCATS and the lack of other buildings for maintenance and any adjustments� The H block of buildings was known as the west camp of No11 AAPC and was demolished a few years ago. The seaward part of the tarmac circle had to be built up with flints when the foundations were laid. This diagram is an unpublished map by the Ordnance Survey that shows a part of Stiffkey West camp, No 11 Light AAPC and The Whirlygig. Note the limited road access for the transport of RCATS and the lack of other buildings for maintenance and any adjustments� The H block of buildings was known as the west camp of No11 AAPC and was demolished a few years ago. The seaward part of the tarmac circle had to be built up with flints when the foundations were laid.

22. Radioplane 19 Launcher trolley and centre post The detail of the top part of the Stiffkey pylon is identical to that illustrated, as is the radius from the pylon to the centre line of the track (150�) and a track width of 16�.The detail of the top part of the Stiffkey pylon is identical to that illustrated, as is the radius from the pylon to the centre line of the track (150�) and a track width of 16�.

23. RCAT ready for flight This picture of a start up shows the �Hucks� starter in position with a good view of the undercarriage Flying speed of the Radioplane 19 required one and a half to two laps of the track, depending on wind speed.This picture of a start up shows the �Hucks� starter in position with a good view of the undercarriage Flying speed of the Radioplane 19 required one and a half to two laps of the track, depending on wind speed.

24. Radioplane 19 being prepared for launch by an A2rotary launcher. This diagram is copied from a Fort Bliss Training manual in the posseion of Jim Sutton of Salthouse. This diagram is copied from a Fort Bliss Training manual in the posseion of Jim Sutton of Salthouse.

25. Descent by parachute A RCAT on descent having either exhausted fuel or commanded to do so by radio signal.A RCAT on descent having either exhausted fuel or commanded to do so by radio signal.

26. RCATS were recovered for reuse by a 32ft. diameter parachute that lowered the aircraft down to the land or sea when the fuel ran out or by radio command. RCATS flown from Stiffkey marsh would have been fired at by AA guns deployed along the shoreline and for obvious reasons, firing towards the sea, landing on marsh, the sands, or the sea. They could float for an hour or so, depending upon the sea state and/or any firing damage. There was great interest in the acquisition of parachute �silk� or any unused petrol by people living nearby!RCATS flown from Stiffkey marsh would have been fired at by AA guns deployed along the shoreline and for obvious reasons, firing towards the sea, landing on marsh, the sands, or the sea. They could float for an hour or so, depending upon the sea state and/or any firing damage. There was great interest in the acquisition of parachute �silk� or any unused petrol by people living nearby!

27. A rare picture of a downed and drowned RCAT recovered by a landing craft � but not at Stiffkey! Note soldier holding up wet parachute silk� This picture gives a good understanding of the size of the fuselage.Note soldier holding up wet parachute silk� This picture gives a good understanding of the size of the fuselage.

28. The engines were soon found to be too fast and high revving for use in fishing boats! This is an original McCulloch 4 cyl. 2 stroke air cooled engine with broken wooden propeller boss, recovered from Stiffkey marsh and now in private ownership by a local resident. It is used as a door stop!This is an original McCulloch 4 cyl. 2 stroke air cooled engine with broken wooden propeller boss, recovered from Stiffkey marsh and now in private ownership by a local resident. It is used as a door stop!

29. A 1961 version of a Radioplane 19 is displayed at the IWM Duxford. It is a day/night reconnaissance version and one of the last model 19�s made over 20 years This aircraft, designated as an SD-1 (or RP-71), Serial no. XT581 is fitted with cameras and sensors as a reconnaissance drone for day or night operations and is 1 of 32 bought for the British Army in 1962. The IWM have no other information about it! The Jato rockets attached to the sides presumably enable it to be launched from a zero length launcher (that is, no ramp, just a stand with the aircraft at the appropriate take off angle). This aircraft, designated as an SD-1 (or RP-71), Serial no. XT581 is fitted with cameras and sensors as a reconnaissance drone for day or night operations and is 1 of 32 bought for the British Army in 1962. The IWM have no other information about it! The Jato rockets attached to the sides presumably enable it to be launched from a zero length launcher (that is, no ramp, just a stand with the aircraft at the appropriate take off angle).

30. Wing Commander Ken Wallis � of Little Nellie fame � visited The Whirlygig sometime in 1953 whilst working at the Air Ministry in London and he saw RCATS and the Launcher in action at Stiffkey! He remembers the raucous noise of the McCulloch engine as RCATS sped around the track. And was very surprised when they were suddenly released from the trolley and climbed away under radio control. One of his autogyros, which he still flies, is fitted with the same type of McCulloch engine� And the McCulloch still makes a raucous today when flying over my house in Shipdham!!And the McCulloch still makes a raucous today when flying over my house in Shipdham!!

31. B29 gunnery practise! This picture was taken by George Fielding (190 Sqdn) at Stiffkey and extracted from an issue of the Washington Times. Surprisingly, the five crewmen involved in this gunnery practice were not aware how the RCATS were launched or from where. Their outstanding memories were how difficult it was to score a hit, that the only ground staff that they met were USAF people and the quality of the lunch provided was exceptional, They remembered that to gain access they had to pass by some British Army gun posts where their kit was scruplelessly laid out and Blanco very much in evidence!This picture was taken by George Fielding (190 Sqdn) at Stiffkey and extracted from an issue of the Washington Times. Surprisingly, the five crewmen involved in this gunnery practice were not aware how the RCATS were launched or from where. Their outstanding memories were how difficult it was to score a hit, that the only ground staff that they met were USAF people and the quality of the lunch provided was exceptional, They remembered that to gain access they had to pass by some British Army gun posts where their kit was scruplelessly laid out and Blanco very much in evidence!

32. Simulated air to air firing! An extract from The Washing Times issue 5 showing the 0.5 � guns from a Washington actually firing at the Stiffkey range. Vice Mike Davies And Keith Dutton of 192 sqdn.An extract from The Washing Times issue 5 showing the 0.5 � guns from a Washington actually firing at the Stiffkey range. Vice Mike Davies And Keith Dutton of 192 sqdn.

33. You have control, sir This picture shows a control pilot operating an RCAT joystick and the centralised gun site as used within the B29.This picture shows a control pilot operating an RCAT joystick and the centralised gun site as used within the B29.

34. From July �52 until October �58 RAF Langham was operated asN0 2 CAACU by Marshall�s of Cambridge as well as providing accommodation for some US Army units. US Army RCAT 50th Battery from 1951 to 1957 US Army Skysweeper AA Gun Training Unit from�53 to �57 US Army E/W Radar unit attached to 39th AAA Batt. Of the 32nd AAA Brigade By 1957 the Cold War was declared over, the Americans retreated to Germany and Langham, Stiffkey and Weybourne all closed down!! AA Guns were then being replaced by missiles! G I�s were accommodated in huts either side of the Morston Road, well beyond the boundaries of Langham village. The foundations and access concrete can still be seen but the huts were demolished years ago�G I�s were accommodated in huts either side of the Morston Road, well beyond the boundaries of Langham village. The foundations and access concrete can still be seen but the huts were demolished years ago�

35. Morston Road US troop accommodation site The site was on the east side of the Langham to Morston Road and no traces remain of the huts etc. However the roadways and bases of the communal site can still be seen (it has a gated a gated entrance) as pictured on the right � ex RAF photo recognisance of 1945. These facilities were in use by the RAF at this time.The site was on the east side of the Langham to Morston Road and no traces remain of the huts etc. However the roadways and bases of the communal site can still be seen (it has a gated a gated entrance) as pictured on the right � ex RAF photo recognisance of 1945. These facilities were in use by the RAF at this time.

36. After an immense amount of Internet searching, contact was eventually established with a US soldier who worked in a met section giving weather info to the AA Gunners at Weybourne (and was accommodated at Langham). BUT, the trouble is that he and his colleagues travelled each day to Weybourne Camp from Langham and not Stiffkey!! During eighteen months of service there he never went to Stiffkey nor heard any reference to the Whirlygig� Richard Strisofsky confirms that RCATS were flown from Weybourne for AA gun practice and that they were launched from an A7 launcher using rocket propulsion. Other people in the Weybourne area have also confirmed that this was so and agree that the Stiffkey Whirlygig was only in use for a comparatively short period � a maximum of 2 or 3 years is the usual suggestion, covering �52 � �53 But no one seems to know why the Rotary launcher at Stiffkey was abandoned� The launching of RCATS from Weybourne continued until �57 when the camp started to close. An additional complication to these activities is that the British Army also used an RCAT lookalike known as the PTA (pilotless target aircraft), that was smaller and flew more slowly than the RP 19�s used by the US Army. Very little information is available about them� � Commander Long of a local boat yard company had a contract during �51 to �55 to recover RCATS from the marsh and the sea using the Herbert Charles, a converted life boat. On a good day people have said that 10 or so damaged RCATS could often be seen lined up on Blakeney Staithe. Cdr. Long also recovered RCATS from the sea near Stanraer. Commander Long of a local boat yard company had a contract during �51 to �55 to recover RCATS from the marsh and the sea using the Herbert Charles, a converted life boat. On a good day people have said that 10 or so damaged RCATS could often be seen lined up on Blakeney Staithe. Cdr. Long also recovered RCATS from the sea near Stanraer.

37. One reason for the short operational life of The Whirlygig may be connected with the change over from 40mm AA Guns to 75mm AA Guns by the US Amy in late �53 When the 32nd Brigade first arrived to provide AA Gun training they were using guns of 40mm calibre that fitted in with the WW11 use of Stiffkey No 11 Light AAPC which specialised in the 40mm Bofors AA Gun When the 75mm Skysweeper gun was introduced during �53 - doubling the fire power per gun � the firing range safety requirements would have been more suited to the No 5 Heavy AAPC at Weybourne. For example, there is a much larger area of marsh, sands and shallows seaward from Stiffkey than at Weybourne where the pebble beach is narrow and steeply shelving with deep water close inshore.

38. Weybourne Military camp � No 11 Heavy AAPCNow the home of the Muckleburgh Collection The Weybourne was a very large wartime AA gunnery training site and practised with guns larger than 4omm bore. The distance between guns sited on the fore shore and the sea was short because the sea quickly deepensThe Weybourne was a very large wartime AA gunnery training site and practised with guns larger than 4omm bore. The distance between guns sited on the fore shore and the sea was short because the sea quickly deepens

39. Actual usage of the Stiffkey Whirlygig Apart from the one day�s sighting by Wing Ken Wallis and the comments in the Washington Times, nothing is known about day to day operations. Why was it built outside the boundary of The Army�s Stiffkey range? Was it entirely USAF manned? And most importantly, why was it in use for such a short time (1953 until 1955)? However, there were many reasons for the USAF to make use of an AA gunnery practice site even if it was located alongside a British Army Practice Camp The Cold War was the reason for the presence of the USAF SC in Britain (eg, Bize Norton. Upper Heyford, Lakenheath, Sculthorpe,etc) all of which needed to maintain AA Guns at a high state of readiness. The USAF 32nd AAA Brigade housed at Bushy Park made much use of the established AA ranges at Stiffkey and Weybourne together with drogue towing from Langham, Horsham St Faith and other specialised units Even though it was after the war, the threat of another (ie the Cold war) caused a great deal of activity in the number of aircraft movements in the skies of North Norfolk so that confusion about who did this and who did that, is inevitable. Target towing by Mosquito�s flying from Langham ceased in 1955 (but continued for another years at Weybourne.Target towing by Mosquito�s flying from Langham ceased in 1955 (but continued for another years at Weybourne.

40. Organisational Structure of the 32nd AA Brigadeas at December 1952 All attempts to obtain information from the US Army concerning the location and the unit referred to Radio controlled Air Target 50th have failed.All attempts to obtain information from the US Army concerning the location and the unit referred to Radio controlled Air Target 50th have failed.

41. The Stiffkey Whirlygig � A Summary We know The Whirlygig to be a Radioplane A2 Rotary Launcher We know that it was constructed in 1952 . We know that it was a Cold War and not a WW11 artefact We know that it was used for a period of time in 1953 and 54 and was closed down in 1955. We assume it was used only by the US personnel but do not know if it was a part of the Stiffkey and/or Weybourne AA Practice Camp commands. We do not know why it was taken out of use We think the relic that is sufficiently unusual to warrant a notice board describing its purpose Any additional information would be welcomed, particularly by the Norfolk Archaeology Department It is astonishing that there is no film or other pictures of the remarkable activity of launching RCATS from the Whirlygig�It is astonishing that there is no film or other pictures of the remarkable activity of launching RCATS from the Whirlygig�

42. Interval?

43. A brief history of the Radioplane Company Radioplane was started by an Englishman Reginald Denny just before WW11 who went to the States to become a film actor. He was also a keen model aeroplane flyer and started a model aircraft business. He saw the opportunity to fly remote controlled small aeroplanes as targets for AA training and sold the idea to the US Army. His early aircraft (RP2 to RP7) took off and landed from an open space using a conventional undercarriage as well as by catapult. He contracted with Walter Righter to design and manufacture the engines( some of which were sub contracted in turn to other�s). He also contracted with John Case to make the radio control and guidance system. And following the death of Reginald Denny the Radioplane Company was absorbed into Northrop Grumman in 1962

44. Reginald Denny�s Hollywood Model shopand Walter Righter�s workshop Reginald Denny, an English film actor and model aircraft enthusiast depended greatly on the engineering skills of Walter Righter who had a local workshop. Between them (and Ken Case who developed the flight control system), they established the Radioplane Company and its product range. In 1945 Righter sold out and the Company was acquired by NorthropReginald Denny, an English film actor and model aircraft enthusiast depended greatly on the engineering skills of Walter Righter who had a local workshop. Between them (and Ken Case who developed the flight control system), they established the Radioplane Company and its product range. In 1945 Righter sold out and the Company was acquired by Northrop

45. Reginald Denny, the founder of Radio plane with engineer Walter Righter

46. Reginald Denny and his first RCAT, RP - 1 RP � 1 1935 and the first of the aerial target concept� It was flown from a flat desert area and landed by means of a wheeled undercarriage. Quite some model!RP � 1 1935 and the first of the aerial target concept� It was flown from a flat desert area and landed by means of a wheeled undercarriage. Quite some model!

47. A pre war model RP4 ready for take off from a catapult ramp Note the unusual layout of double contra rotating propellers � side by side and the bungee catapult, wound up by hand!Note the unusual layout of double contra rotating propellers � side by side and the bungee catapult, wound up by hand!

48. Three RP 4�s taking off in formationduring the US Army acceptance trials

49. Sidewinder twin vertical cylinder with extended gearbox drives for contra rotating propellers Used in the RP 4 models. The arc of the two propellers overlapped and contra rotated with inter twinning propellers.Used in the RP 4 models. The arc of the two propellers overlapped and contra rotated with inter twinning propellers.

50. The RP 4 was replaced by the RP 5 during 1942 The engine was changed from the �sidewinder� layout back to two horizontally opposed cylinders driving spur geared contra rotating propellers, a steel tube fabric covered fuselage and wooden/fabric wings, with massive shock absorbers for the main wheels of the undercarriage. This aircraft is displayed in the Western Flight Museum, Hawthorn, California. Although the type number for Radioplane was RP 5 the aircraft was designated OQ2 by the US Army and TDD1 by the US Navy. 3,865 were made during WW11.The engine was changed from the �sidewinder� layout back to two horizontally opposed cylinders driving spur geared contra rotating propellers, a steel tube fabric covered fuselage and wooden/fabric wings, with massive shock absorbers for the main wheels of the undercarriage. This aircraft is displayed in the Western Flight Museum, Hawthorn, California. Although the type number for Radioplane was RP 5 the aircraft was designated OQ2 by the US Army and TDD1 by the US Navy. 3,865 were made during WW11.

51. In the early �40�s the opposed twin cylinder engine was modified to have front mounted spur gear driven contra rotating propellers. This engine powered the RP 5 models to ensure straight take offs. Winco Ken Wallis has an original handbook about RP5�s in his collection.This engine powered the RP 5 models to ensure straight take offs. Winco Ken Wallis has an original handbook about RP5�s in his collection.

52. Radioplane RP5�s WW11 production RP5 �s in production during 1944/25RP5 �s in production during 1944/25

53. In 1943 the RP 7 replaced the RP 5 and became the most used of WW11 RCATS It was introduced in 1943 and misleadingly designated OQ3/TDD2 by the US Services. 5,800 were made. Apart from being a stronger fuselage, etc. the same two cylinder opposed engine drove a single bladed propeller and there was no undercarriage. The aircraft was handled on a wheeled stand or sat on the catapult launcher for take off. It is assumed that the semi crash landing inevitable from the parachute descent at the end of the flight made an undercarriage redundant. Note the open parachute hatch and the �wind up� handle to energise the elastic catapult.It was introduced in 1943 and misleadingly designated OQ3/TDD2 by the US Services. 5,800 were made. Apart from being a stronger fuselage, etc. the same two cylinder opposed engine drove a single bladed propeller and there was no undercarriage. The aircraft was handled on a wheeled stand or sat on the catapult launcher for take off. It is assumed that the semi crash landing inevitable from the parachute descent at the end of the flight made an undercarriage redundant. Note the open parachute hatch and the �wind up� handle to energise the elastic catapult.

54. RP 8/OQ 14/TDD 3 an improved version of OQ 3/TDD 3 The design is very similar to the OQ3 and the OQ7 aircraft of which a total of 11,206 were made during WW11!! It had a different wing, Naval versions were fitted with flotation kit, and a more powerful engine. The OQ designation was used by the US Army, TDD by the US Navy. The RP designation was by Radioplane.The design is very similar to the OQ3 and the OQ7 aircraft of which a total of 11,206 were made during WW11!! It had a different wing, Naval versions were fitted with flotation kit, and a more powerful engine. The OQ designation was used by the US Army, TDD by the US Navy. The RP designation was by Radioplane.

55. And then the definitive RP 19/ OQ19/ KD 2R series The RP 19 was a completely new post war design with similar design features as the previous RCATS (no undercarriage, parachute recovery system, all metal in construction and fitted with a 4 cyl. opposed engine made by McCulloch (possibly to a Righter design). It first flew in July �46 and over the subsequent 20 years 48,000 were made! It�s main purpose was to act as an aerial target for AA gun practice but that soon developed into ground to air missile practice, then air to air and finally in the reconnaissance role � the first of the UAV�s!! It could be launched from a catapult launcher, a rotary Launcher, a zero length launcher or air launched from a parent aircraft.The RP 19 was a completely new post war design with similar design features as the previous RCATS (no undercarriage, parachute recovery system, all metal in construction and fitted with a 4 cyl. opposed engine made by McCulloch (possibly to a Righter design). It first flew in July �46 and over the subsequent 20 years 48,000 were made! It�s main purpose was to act as an aerial target for AA gun practice but that soon developed into ground to air missile practice, then air to air and finally in the reconnaissance role � the first of the UAV�s!! It could be launched from a catapult launcher, a rotary Launcher, a zero length launcher or air launched from a parent aircraft.

56. Righters first model engine (the Denneymite) and his first twin cylinder engine for the RP 1 The Dennymite was a 10cc model aircraft engine and sold more than 10,000 during 1937 to 1950. Righter designed and made the first twin cylinder opposed two stroke to drive a single propeller for the RP 1 in1938. He went on from there to design and manufacture a family of engines up to the 4cyl. Version subsequently to be manufactured by the thousand by McCullochThe Dennymite was a 10cc model aircraft engine and sold more than 10,000 during 1937 to 1950. Righter designed and made the first twin cylinder opposed two stroke to drive a single propeller for the RP 1 in1938. He went on from there to design and manufacture a family of engines up to the 4cyl. Version subsequently to be manufactured by the thousand by McCulloch

57. And subsequently the same engine was redesigned to drive a single propeller This engine was used in the RP 8 models (US designations OQ 3,7 and 14 as well as TDD3)This engine was used in the RP 8 models (US designations OQ 3,7 and 14 as well as TDD3)

58. And finally, the four cylinder horizontally opposed engine for the Radioplane RP 19 series. Universally known as the �McCulloch� (who manufactured it) but it was designed by Righter. It�s capacity was 550cc giving 17 hp at 3800rpm at first but was eventually uprated to 90hp as increased performance was required by the RCATS. Universally known as the �McCulloch� (who manufactured it) but it was designed by Righter. It�s capacity was 550cc giving 17 hp at 3800rpm at first but was eventually uprated to 90hp as increased performance was required by the RCATS.

59. A whole row of McCulloch�s These spare engines are kept by Wingco. Wallis for possible use in future Autogyro's! The smaller two cylinder unit is badged ABC but appears to be identical to the original Righter design�These spare engines are kept by Wingco. Wallis for possible use in future Autogyro's! The smaller two cylinder unit is badged ABC but appears to be identical to the original Righter design�

60. From RCATS to UAV�s by the thousands!!

61. Radioplanes star employee!! In June 1945 an Army photographic team under the command of Capt Reagan, visited the Radioplane factory to photograph �women at war work�. Norma Jeane was pictured fitting a propeller to an RP 8and the photographer took a great interest in her� Her picture was soon circulating in nearby Hollywood (no doubt encouraged by Denny) and a screen test followed. The world subsequently came to know her as Marilyn Monroe!!

62.  Credits This talk describes events of more than fifty years ago and most of it has only been possible by the kindness of people answering many questions. Special help has also been given by the Curator and Archivist, Lynn Jensen and Joe Wollmer of the Western Museum of Flight, Hawthorn, California. An outstanding series of articles on Radioplane aircraft and Righter engines can be found at www.ctie.monash.edu.au./

63. The END Thank you for Watching and listening � And I leave with the thoughts of those who did fly RCATS during the War with their reply to their Grandson�s when asked �What did you do during the last war Grandpa that with the reply �I flew model aeroplanes son�.Thank you for Watching and listening � And I leave with the thoughts of those who did fly RCATS during the War with their reply to their Grandson�s when asked �What did you do during the last war Grandpa that with the reply �I flew model aeroplanes son�.