I/ve tried to find some info, pix, drawings, etc. that detail the platform and winch used for this U-Boat manned-kite.
There's lot's of info on the kite, itself, but I've only been able to find one photo (from U-Boat net) showing a starboard-quarter view of the kite sitting on its platform. That doesn't provide much help as to the size, shape, etc.of the platform. I've seen photos of the kite stowed away, but nothing on the winch which was used.
These contraptions were employed on Type IX boats. The platform was fastened to and extended above the aft rails of the "Wintergarten," with the winch placed somewhere on the conning tower deck. Anyone know if these were permananent installations or just brought out when using the kite
Photos of the kite in flight aren't detailed enough to show the actual path of the line from the winch to the kite (it appears that it would easily run afowl of the platform or be at an extremely steep angle).
Sub Committee and U-Boat net sites just don't seem to have this info. Any help would most certainly be appreciated
and result in one
of a strange diorama
.
"Should we prosper it shall be as is our custom...by Miracle!"