my cadet group is building a C-17 Globemaster III using the W (Wings).E (engines).T (Tailplane).F (Fueselage).U (Undercarrage).S (Special Features) system and i have been put in charge because i have the most experience building models in our Squadron. i will hope to get pictures (not guaranteeing i can due to Security reasons of being on a Military compound) but i will keep you all informed of the progress.
G'day Gunney...Whats the WETFUS system? Never heard of it...I get the feeling i'm supposed to know! You could ask the base commander, but i'd just ask your immediate supervisor if you can take pics (or even bring camera/mobile in)...so long as the background is neutral - like a wall or the floor - theres not a security issue....but some can be pretty anal! Hope its going to be an Aussie Globemaster??
hey CAC, the wtfus system is used to identify aircraft at range with the naked eye, say a P-51D and an Me109e are both banking to the right at a distance and you couldent tell which was which, the WETFUS system helps you identify which one is which by telling you which obvious features to look at first, you start off at the wings and the obvious difference between a P-51D and a Me109e's wings is that the Me109e has boxy wings where as the P-51D has more of an angle on the trailing edge of the wing, then you go to the engine, the P-51D has a smooth bulletshaped engine and the Me109e same as the wing has a boxy engine and so on and so on. The wetfus system is preaty easy to learn and understand. and yes it is an Aussy Glo0bemaster with aussie Decals.
So its basically what you and i would do anyway? I call it just checking the whole thing out and identifying it! There were many ID posters during the war and aircraft ID was a big problem for all sides....makes me shake my head....but not everyone is an aircraft nerd!
WETFUS is more of a modern identification system for moidern aircraft, and just because i know alot about aircraft doesent make me an aircraft nerd.
That said, if you read a WWII spotters guide like the Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters Handbook they give emphasis to the same spotting features. I didn't know the term WETFUS either, but I'd still say the system I learned from that WWII spotters guide was pretty much that. (Just didn't have the name yet.) A bit of googling finds me a copy of the book with a nice image of the following (rather easy) entry . . . The bold was used int he original. Clearly the system is still a little embryonic, but I think you can see it emerging. (Strangely, the silhouettes below the spotting features are of a different aircraft entirely. Oops. Bit of an editing error there. Have to nab a copy and check that out.) Doesn't mention the undercarriage, but in this case it's folded up in flight anyway. I'm quite certain it would be mentioned if . . . Wings are low mounted, of the elliptical type, with slight dihedral. Engine is radial type, in long cowling with slightly tapered top and bottom. Fuselage is circular in section with large greenhouse type canopy above the wings and rounded taper to rounded tail. Tail is broad and rounded. Single fin and ruder has rounded trailing edge and diagonal leading edge with pronounced fillet. That much might lead you to Undercarriage is fixed type, beneath wings with teardrop shaped spats. (Note: The description of the second ship is my own. I have approximated the style of the first. I don't have a copy of the book handy, so I can't quote the actual text used, but it should be at least similar to that.) Further, is there something wrong with being an aircraft nerd? If I were truly one I think I'd wear it as a point of pride. Anyway, I look forward to seeing the model if and when you are able to post photographs.
I suppose "air enthusiast" would be more appropriate? And arent you in the "air" or Airforce cadets? - And they are calling you an aircraft nerd? Pot calling the kettle black isnt it? Just for the record...I'm a proud Aircraft nerd!
I have a few cold war era spotter guides, and they are all pretty similar. All spotter guides to my knowledge focus on the main components of an aircraft (wings, engines, etc). I too have never heard of the WETFUS system, but it sounds like a new take on an old idea, and an attempt to make a "catchy" acronym.
another leading cadet in the group went off to put the outer fuesealage on the C-17 and screwed it up big time, he also broke the lower ramp, so that set us back a fair bit
