Ford Airplane plant

[kendall]

GREAT FORD MOTOR STORY -- A Ford Airplane -

This was 6 months BEFORE Pearl Harbor! Henry Ford was determined that he could mass produce bombers just as he had done with cars, so he built the Willow Run assembly plant in Michigan. It was the world's largest building under one roof at the time. - one B-24 every 55 minutes. . . and Ford had their own pilots to test them. and they had no recalls

ADOLF HITLER HAD NO IDEA THE U.S. WAS CAPABLE OF THIS KIND OF THING.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/iKlt6rNciTo?rel=0

[SofaKing]

- one B-24 every 55 minutes. . .

The test flight probably took longer than 55 minutes. Very cool, thanks!

[mhsprecher]

It was not simple. Charlie Sorenson thought they could use assembly line methods for bomber construction. It took them years to get up to speed. His book My Forty Years with Ford discusses it. A summary for sure, from his viewpoint. I think there is another more detailed book on the plane.

[FortyNiner]

Actually, Ford tried too hard to make the bomber plant behave just like a car plant. In particular, all the metal parts were initially hard tooled. This improved part production efficiency but caused excessive delay and cost to implement ongoing engineering changes - changes triggered in part by pilot feedback.

[TonyM]

Originally Posted by kendall

GREAT FORD MOTOR STORY -- A Ford Airplane -

Not the first Ford airplane.

The Ford Tri-Motor was manufactured by Ford during the 1920s, many years before they began building B-24s.



The first complete Ford built B-24 did not roll out of Willow Run until September 1942.


Here is a photo of a Ford Tri Motor in front of the Ford Motor Company Hangar at Lansing Municipal Airport, Lansing, Illinois. This hangar was built in 1927 by FoMoCo to facilitate the delivery of the Ford Tri-Motor airplane.

[Lawrie]

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There is one of those B24,s crashed in the hills where we live,lots of it still there.all on board died in the crash,my brother helped the US military guys who were over to recover their remains and they are now in arlington cemetery.
Lawrie

[FrankWest]

WOW that is a large plane for the time. But, Ford was familiar with large aircraft..like the Ford Tri-motors built during the early thirties. Amazing company..and the only us car company that didn't need to be bailed out, in 2008!

[mhsprecher]

And with essentially Ford family control after 100 years.

[russcc]

That said it all. The book Wheels for the World is a great look inside from start to 2000.

[chuck stevens]

My wife and I got to see the b29 yesterday at Leesburg FL., It was around for the end of the war, I should say it ended the war, Enola Gay was a sister to the one we saw. FiFi is the last fling B29,72 cylinders, 12,000 turbocharged horsepower, 20,000 Lbs payload... talk about high tech! It was designed during the war, rides are available, $$$$. If it comes to an airport near you it's worth the time to see it, Chuck S.

[corvette8n]

So which Great Lake did they drop the dummy bombs into?

[ArcLighter]

I flew out of the Willow Run Airport for the now defunct Reliant Airlines in 1999; Reliant was hangared in the building in the video. The Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run has a B-24 on display there, as well as one of the B-52D's that I flew out of U-Tapao, Thailand; tail number "677," 11NOV72. The boys at the museum thought that I was BS-ing them until I took my AF Form 5 with the evidence -- free beers after that.

[19Fordy]

ArcLighter: Great job. It is truly amazing what Henry Ford (and others) accomplished. All with just a slide rule and no computers. Yes, the Greatest Generation paid their dues for all of us.

[Capn John]

B-29 FIFI will be at DAYTONA BEACH, FL starting today through April 3, along with a B-17 TEXAS RAIDERS, a P-51 MUSTANG, a T-6, C-45, and others, and the balance of the year schedule is available here: http://www.airpowersquadron.org/#!b29-schedule/c1yws

The B-24 was produced in very large numbers. At nearly 19,000 units, with over 8,000 manufactured by Ford Motor Company, it holds the distinction of being the most produced heavy bomber in history, the most produced multi-engine aircraft in history and the most-produced American military aircraft.

As a side note the PIETENPOL AIR CAMPER had a FORD Model A engine.
ENJOY!!!

[petehoovie]

When watching video documentaries and reading about what America accomplished during that short period of time, I'm always awed by Americas manufacturing prowess during that time. In just those four short years we built the largest navy and air force ever known in the history of mankind and not to mention the arms and equipment needed to fight a war on two fronts. I have my doubts that we could ever do this again given this emasculated, politically correct, 'nanny' society we have today. No EPA back then. No environmental impact reports etc. to file back then. NO BS back then....Just get the frigging job done....

[RobR'35]

Well put! I agree 100%

[1952henry]

Do

Originally Posted by petehoovie

When watching video documentaries and reading about what America accomplished during that short period of time, I'm always awed by Americas manufacturing prowess during that time. In just those four short years we built the largest navy and air force ever known in the history of mankind and not to mention the arms and equipment needed to fight a war on two fronts. I have my doubts that we could ever do this again given this emasculated, politically correct, 'nanny' society we have today. No EPA back then. No environmental impact reports etc. to file back then. NO BS back then....Just get the frigging job done....

All of that in spite of illegal strikes by unions (probably not so much at Willow Run) who whined about the "horrible" factory conditions.

My recently departed uncle was a waist gunner on the B-24 "Citrus Sadie" (459th Bombardment Group 758th squadron). He and the rest of the crew became POWs after their bomber was shot down. I don't think the factory conditions were anything like that which his crew endured, including the Death March, dysentery, and near starvation.

[Fibber Mcgee]

Originally Posted by chuck stevens

My wife and I got to see the b29 yesterday at Leesburg FL., It was around for the end of the war, I should say it ended the war, Enola Gay was a sister to the one we saw. FiFi is the last fling B29,72 cylinders, 12,000 turbocharged horsepower, 20,000 Lbs payload... talk about high tech! It was designed during the war, rides are available, $$$$. If it comes to an airport near you it's worth the time to see it, Chuck S.

I got to see her when she was in Jacksonville, definitely worth it. I had the privilege of flying on the B 17 Aluminum Overcast a few years back and it was worth every penny, I'll never forget it.

[jimalabam]

ArcLighter: Just curious why and when the handle ArcLighter? Any "Nam" connection??? jiml...

[ArcLighter]

"Arc Light" operational code name for USAF (SAC) B-52 involvement in Vietnam. Arc Light tours were TDY (temporary duty) and as such were limited to 179 days; thus, none of the B-52 crews ever had a PCS tour of Nam, and were repeatedly sent back TDY after 30 days leave in the states. I had one TDY tour as a co-pilot, and a second as Aircraft Commander; was supposed to return to the states 16DEC72, but was held over longer as all available crews were needed to fly in the 1972 Hanoi-Haiphong Christmas Airshow (Linebacker II Ops). Some of the crews from Westover AFB, Dyess AFB, & McCoy AFB had five & six TDY tours, never getting credit for a "tour" in Vietnam - many guys had 400-500 missions TDY; and, to the best of my knowledge, none of the families/marriages survived; much similar to the multiple deployments that our troops have endured to Iraq & Afghanistan. Remembering the most forbidden tune from those days: The Animals - We Gotta Get Out Of This Place .

[petehoovie]

In SAC, "Peace Is Our Profession"....But war is our business....

[ArcLighter]

Re-focusing to cars, airplanes, and the Willow Run Airport, there is one more guy that helped to keep the airport on the map with both his racing and his aviation ventures. Who remembers Connie Kalitta?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by ArcLighter

Re-focusing to cars, airplanes, and the Willow Run Airport, there is one more guy that helped to keep the airport on the map with both his racing and his aviation ventures. Who remembers Connie Kalitta?

Remember him? Who could ever forget Conrad, and many of his aeronautical "adVENTURES"? DD

[petehoovie]

Conrad "Connie" Kalitta (born February 24, 1938, in Michigan) is the CEO of Kalitta Air and a retired American drag racing driver, once known as "The Bounty Hunter".
He grew up in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and was a 1957 graduate of Mount Clemens High School.
He raced from the 1950s through the 1990s. He was the first driver to hit 200 mph in an NHRA sanctioned event. He also helped Shirley Muldowney get started (in the "Bounty Huntress" car). Kalitta won 10 NHRA national events between 1967 and 1994.
Connie has won the U.S. Nationals in 1994 after losing in two prior finals to Don Garlits and Shirley Muldowney. He defeated Eddie Hill in the final round.

[Binx]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

In SAC, "Peace Is Our Profession"....But war is our business....

but war is our hobby.

(can confirm. Old SAC troop here)


Lonnie

[petehoovie]

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Originally Posted by Binx

but war is our hobby.

(can confirm. Old SAC troop here)


Lonnie

It was our "business" at Vandenberg....

[1942deluxe]

I knew a guy when I worked at the airport in Champaign(Savoy) Illinois that was a airplane mechanic for Connie Kalitta when he was first starting. He said Connie was
always about one step away from losing his flying certificate. Somewhere he must have learned how to make money and create an empire.

[Sal]

ArcLighter, We gotta get outta this place was what we used to call the Vietnam national anthem when I was there.

[ArcLighter]

Long time ago, rumor had it that Connie taxied in to the ramp at Willow Run, and someone called the FAA, said that his co-pilot was a blow-up doll. By the time the Feds got there, Connie just told them that the co-pilot had gone on home for crew rest, and would be unavailable; story was that he got away with it. He's been one of a kind, both in racing & aviation.

Originally Posted by 1942deluxe

I knew a guy when I worked at the airport in Champaign(Savoy) Illinois that was a airplane mechanic for Connie Kalitta when he was first starting. He said Connie was
always about one step away from losing his flying certificate. Somewhere he must have learned how to make money and create an empire.

[911 STEVE]

anyone ever stationed at Offutt AFB, home of SAC??? I'm in Omaha

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 911 STEVE

anyone ever stationed at Offutt AFB, home of SAC??? I'm in Omaha

I was TDY there back in '64....CCTV Training....

[flatheadv8]

Originally Posted by ArcLighter

Re-focusing to cars, airplanes, and the Willow Run Airport, there is one more guy that helped to keep the airport on the map with both his racing and his aviation ventures. Who remembers Connie Kalitta?

My brother is a Captain for Kalitta Air. He flys out of Willow Run. Says it is a great family and company to work for. He enjoys the occasional trip to a drag race.

[tinman080]

you guys gotta remember, the late 30's were terribly devisive times with America Firsters, Roosevelt promising No foreign wars, etc, etc. As happens Every time, any outside attack on the country reunites us all. Believe me, industry would explode here with money being spent and we would all pull together, AGAIN....

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by tinman080

you guys gotta remember, the late 30's were terribly devisive times with America Firsters, Roosevelt promising No foreign wars, etc, etc. As happens Every time, any outside attack on the country reunites us all. Believe me, industry would explode here with money being spent and we would all pull together, AGAIN....

I know you mean well, but I'm sitting here just shaking my head. In the first place, there's NO money left. And we're still GIVING more BILLIONS of it away (backed by IOUs) to whomever thinks they're entitled to free stuff. DD

[38bill]

Just want to add that a ride in any of these old war birds really makes you appreciate what those vets did. Here's the view from the bombardiers seat of a B17. Now imagine that view flying straight and level with flak exploding in front of the plane.
[IMG][/IMG]

[Pomeroy41144]

Originally Posted by tinman080

you guys gotta remember, the late 30's were terribly devisive times with America Firsters, Roosevelt promising No foreign wars, etc, etc. As happens Every time, any outside attack on the country reunites us all. Believe me, industry would explode here with money being spent and we would all pull together, AGAIN....

Wendell Wilkie ran on the Anti-War platform in 1940, not Roosevelt.
Roosevelt had to justify to the people why he was helping the British and the Russians with foreign aid; those policies eventually leading to the Lend Lease Act in March of 1941. Because of Roosevelt helping the British, Wilkie accused Roosevelt of being a war monger during the campaign.

[Lawrie]

We went for a flight in the B17 from willow run about 3 yrs ago.man we could walk along the little skinny track past the bomb bay when the doors were open,also there was a ww2 vet on board,Did he get treated like royalty.
A very humbling experience talking to him.the flight crew presented him with a medallion for his service to the country.
Lawrie

[1952henry]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

I know you mean well, but I'm sitting here just shaking my head. In the first place, there's NO money left. And we're still GIVING more BILLIONS of it away (backed by IOUs) to whomever thinks they're entitled to free stuff. DD

Yuuuup!

[RobR'35]

Great photo through the nose of the B-17!
I too agree we owe too much. We used to be the ones lending.
I hope to see great change in my life time. Hope!

[mhsprecher]

The U.S. has always funded its wars using deficit spending. The largest deficit that the U.S. ever ran as a percentage of GNP was in WWII. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histor...es_public_debt

[911 STEVE]

if ever in the area again, visit the SAC Museum exit426 I-80. several planes inside including an SR-71 just inside the frt door.

[itslow]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

I know you mean well, but I'm sitting here just shaking my head. In the first place, there's NO money left. And we're still GIVING more BILLIONS of it away (backed by IOUs) to whomever thinks they're entitled to free stuff. DD

There hasn't been any "money" since the mid-1830s. The debt to GDP ratio also skyrocketed during WW2 to above 100%. The country still "got 'er done" despite the lack of money. The government will continue to print more to pay its suppliers, just as it always has done.

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/...-chart/265185/

That said, our military technology is as such that any conflict could be ended quite quickly if we were willing to end a large number of lives and (effectively) destroy a large amount of land permanently. The need to ramp up and manufacture a huge number of ships, planes, and land-based vehicles to fight a war against other humans is long gone.

[Pomeroy41144]

Originally Posted by mhsprecher

The U.S. has always funded its wars using deficit spending. The largest deficit that the U.S. ever ran as a percentage of GNP was in WWII. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histor...es_public_debt

Good point. And it could never happen again.

Not only did the US Government win the Second World War by huge deficit spending --- almost 120% of GDP--there were extremely high taxes levied, both personal and corporate, some rates about 90%.

There was also the Government take over of private industry, to ensure production matched the war goals. Raw materials were controlled and rationed.

There was also Gas Rationing, Food rationing, and material / goods rationing. Price fixing and rent freezing and a national speed limit of 35mph.

And also the restriction of personal liberties.

Like I said, it could never happen again.

[willowbilly3]

A friend of mine has a couple interesting local photos of Tri-Motors. Local flying legend Clyde Ice somehow found the money to buy 2 new ones during the depression. The photos show several men lined up in front of the planes. 2 of these men are Calvin Coolidge and Al Capone. Both of whom like to spend time in the Black Hills of SD.

[flatheadernie]

Thank you Arcliighter, flatheahernie USAF 55 to62.

[Royal Ryser]

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They did a great job in WWII. They took no bailout money in '08 (?).

Now they are building a new plant in MEXICO with 2800 jobs, at a cost of $1.6 billion!!!
My opinion of the present day company is diminished.

[1942deluxe]

Royal Ryser, Ford has had a plant(s) in Mexico since 1925. They've added over 25,000 jobs in the US over the last 5 years. Spent 10 billion here with plans to spend another 9 billion on US plants in the near future.

[MuskegonFlatheadFan]

This one belongs here too.
https://www.facebook.com/washtenawhi...1805267509052/

[Shoebox]

Had this in my "back yard" summer of 2014, stayed overnight as we were having a neighborhood party. Aircraft is beautifully restored.