The following data outlines the assembly process for the 96th Combat Bombardment Wing (CBW) of the 2nd Air Division, Third Force, centred around the Splasher 5 beacon near Mundesley, Norfolk, prior to departure for Mission 760. Timings are relative to Leading Lady"(467th Bomb Group, 791st Squadron).
10:26 AM (1026h): Takeoff (Leading Lady) Departure from Rackheath airfield.
Initial Transit to Splasher 5 Vicinity (Rackheath to Mundesley): Distance: 17 statute miles. Estimated direct flight transit time: ~7 minutes. Calculation: 17 miles / 150 mph (estimated average ground speed).
Assumed flight path includes a 2-minute straight run on takeoff heading before turning towards Splasher 5.
~10:35 AM: Estimated Arrival Time in Splasher 5 Vicinity. Calculation: 10:26 AM (takeoff) + 2 minutes (straight leg) + 7 minutes (transit). Estimated altitude upon arrival: ~2,700 feet. Calculation: 9 minutes total initial flying time x 300 ft/min (estimated average climb rate).
Commencement of 96th CBW Assembly Maneuvers (Over/Around Splasher 5): Aircraft from constituent Bomb Groups (primarily 467th BG and 466th BG) initiate orbit patterns around the Splasher 5 beacon. Objective: Achieve designated formation positions and altitudes while climbing.
Formation Structure and Target Altitudes (96th CBW): The 96th CBW formed in three primary altitude layers: "C" Group (466th BG aircraft): Target altitude 13,000 feet. "A" Group (467th BG aircraft): Target altitude 11,000 feet. "B" Group (467th BG aircraft, incl. Leading Lady): Target altitude 9,500 feet.
Vertical separation between these layers was crucial for safety and organization.
Duration of Wing Assembly Maneuvers: Approximately 79 minutes. Calculation: From estimated arrival in Splasher 5 vicinity (~10:35 AM) until target Wing Assembly complete time (11:54 AM).
This period encompassed orbiting, climbing, and integrating all assigned aircraft from the 467th BG (elements designated 467A and 467B) and the 466th BG (element designated 466C) into their respective "Group" echelons and altitude layers within the 96th CBW structure.
11:54 AM: Target Wing Assembly Complete Time. Source: Referenced from post-mission report notes and/or planning documents. Status: The 96th Combat Bombardment Wing is considered fully assembled in its three-layered formation over the Mundesley area, prepared for the subsequent phase of joining the larger 2nd Air Division (Third Force) stream.
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