Ryan PT-22 Recruit
 

A friend told me that during WW2 the students nicknamed it the
"Maytag Messerschmitt"

Interesting reference. One reference book on the shelf has the P-51 dubbed with the name. Explanation given it was because the Maytag Washing Machine Company had broad experience with intricate aluminium castings and they provided the castings for the Merlin engine. One WWII pilot had his P-51 named "Woody's Maytag". Wonder what the truth is?

A Maytag produced aluminum casting for the Packard Merlin crankcase

http://www.missbardahl.com/gallery/d/6287-5/012_001.jpg

Now I feel better about my habitual confusion between Maytag and Maybach.:O

The "Maytag Messerschmitt" nickname, as applied to the PT-22, was apparently because both engines had the same characteristic sound, often compared to a bag of bolts being shaken. :O

The PT-22 in Mauld's clip is owned by Tracey Curtis-Taylor and is, I believe, the first off the production line.

BBC 4 are broadcasting a programme about Tracey's recent Stearman flight to South Africa: BBC4 at 9pm on 17th March.

The "Maytag Messerschmitt" label seems to have been applied to a range of aircraft. A google brings up O-47, L2A8, L-4 (during artillery spotting WWII), and even the T-34. Never heard of the term when training with the USN on the T-34 though.

What's an L2A8? Doesn't ring any bells.

I think Harrison Ford might have a new nickname for a PT-22.

L2A8, Got it from here Dave. Perhaps meant to be an L-2A Taylorcraft.

Historic California Posts: Ontario Air National Guard Station