Use of Flare Paths during Fog

[woodja51]

Can anyone point me into the use during the war etc of flare paths for landing during fog in the UK etc how they worked/didnt work etc. any links appreciated.

Thanks Woodja (EX RAAF)

[windriver]

You may be thinking of FIDO.... here's a Wiki link to get you started....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fog_Investigation_and_Dispersal_Operation_(FIDO)

I have some contemporary articles on this somewhere... I`ll post if I can find them.

[Jetex Jim]

The novel Glide Path by Arthur C Clarke includes a brief description of FIDO, although the story itself, which is certainly worth a look at, is mainly a recounting of Clarkes' war memoirs developing precision ground based radar for GCA use.

[minigundiplomat]

The Navy have a similar solution, called an ELVA (Emergency Low Visibility Approach). Involves Vehicle headlights on the deck, and flares dropped into the Bow Wave at set intervals.

Im sure one of the matelots will be along soon to correct this, but just to get the ball rolling...

[Yellow Sun]

The book you want is: "Flying Through Fire" (http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=%22Flying+Through+Fire%22&x=58&y=7) by Geoffrey Williams. As you will see if you follow the link there are currently 130 copies listed on ABE Books.

YS