Harvard IIB RCAF FE452

[avinoam549]

Hi all.
Researching the history of the above aircraft which found its way to the Israeli Air Force,Then registered in Israel as 4X-ARA.

Can anyone tell me its RCAF service history?

Avi

[rcaf_100]

According to the 'Harvard!' book by Fletcher and MacPhail, FE452 (Noorduyn c/n 14-185) was taken on RCAF strength on September 12, 1942, and struck off strength on November 23, 1946.
All it has for specifics is that it served at No. 34 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) at Medicine Hat, Alberta and had 1125.25 hours on the airframe when it was struck off.
There's a book about No. 34 SFTS availible if you're interested. http://www.djcarter.ca/sfts34/sfts34.htm

Hope this helps.



PS: Technically FE452 world have been known as an AT-16 instead of a Harvard Mk IIb, as it was built under the Lend-Lease program and was given a new USAAF designation.
By 1942 the Canadian-built Harvards were quite different than the standard AT-6A's that the first RAF/RCAF Harvard II's were based upon in 1940.
(I know, it's confusing.... )

[avinoam549]

Thank you.
However, I have FE452 as C/N 14-186 (USAAF 42-649)
Can you re-check please?

[rcaf_100]

Yep, you're right. I mis-counted the construction numbers.