Middle East Aircraft

[JohnFitz]

I have been reviewing photo's of some British aircraft that served in the Middle East and would appreciate all and any expert opinions on weather or not it was common to fabric cover and paint the wood struts, l/g legs and prop tips and paint them gray to protect them from being sand blasted by prop wash? Thanks for your consideration.

[Tim West]

This was seen on the DH-2....not because of serving in the middle east but being a pusher type. Some bits aft of the prop were linen wrapped and prop tips were also protected with the same or brass caps.

I'd reckon it would be common else where, especially where the elements would be particularly harsh.

lol...that's a non expert observation btw

[JohnFitz]

Thanks Tim, maybe if I ask the question differently I'll get a better response. Would have struts and l/g legs been painted gray color if they were not first covered with fabric?

[Tim West]

Prolly depends on the plane and the type of material used. A DH-2 has all it's bits painted, wrapped or not. On the other hand the center wing struts on a Se5a are wrapped and painted but the wooden outer struts are natural.

whelp good luck