World War II Database

1.  Bill says:
25 Mar 2011 10:09:45 PM

Engine startup the Japanese used starter trucks with a power takeoff, was taken from the gearbox it rose behind the truck cab and projected forward, this was mated to the aircrafts spinner to start the engine, chocks were used to secure the wheels

2.  Bill says:
1 Apr 2011 08:13:02 PM

THE HUCKS STARTER:

This was an auxiliary power unit, that was built on truck chassis it was designed to start piston aircraft engines.
The power is transmitted to the aircraft by a power take-off shaft driven by a special chain from the gearbox to drive a layshaft mounted high and could be adjusted it looked alot like a drive train of a rear wheel drive vehicle. The starter truck looks like a Toyota GB light truck, during WWII Toyota produced light and heavy trucks, for the Japanese military.

ONE GOOD TURN:

The shaft of the starter fits into a special protruding hub in the center of the aircraft propeller the trucks engine transmits power to the shaft, which in turn spins starting the aircraft engine when the planes engine is running, the shaft is disengaged, the truck pulls away.
Designed in 1916 many air forces used this system and was in service through the 1920s, 1930s and early 1940s, and aircraft engines designed for this type of starting.
Both the the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy used this type of starting for most of its early and mid-war aircraft.

This device is named in honor of Captain Charles B. Hucks of the Royal Flying Corps, who devised it.