I have a vague memory of reading something about US production of planes during World War Two. I think the source said that during WW2 the US built more planes than the entire world had produced up to the start of the war (1939 I suppose). Has anyone read any such thing? Does anyone have a source for quick production comparisons for aircraft prior to and suring the war?

Many thanks

But we'd have to ramp up over a decade, and use CND and robotics. The workforce is desperately short of skilled machinists and our tool and die primary tech base has collapsed.

Herald

Sorry for my ignorance, but, what is CND?

If there was a world even that united Americans into all out survival I have no doubt that we'd produce better than ever.  With today's technology, how could we not?

Hey Folks,

 

The USA entered WWII not able to cast turrents bigger than 30mm. It took time to build the infastructure.

 

also we built over 115,000 aircraft during WWII

 

Sincerely,

 

Keith

Herald12345    Yes.   3/15/2008 2:02:57 PM

But we'd have to ramp up over a decade, and use CND and robotics. The workforce is desperately short of skilled machinists and our tool and die primary tech base has collapsed. Herald I dunno but it seems to me if it would take a decade to get up to speed, then the answer to the question would have to me NO we cannot. A sudden or immediate need to me means we need it really soon and if it took a decade to get things up to speed whatever situation we are in is gonna be long since decided and over with by then. If it's not, then the need wasnt that sudden or immediate IMHO. ;-) Beazz

DDAAARRTHHH!!!   It's been awhile buddy.    Yes, I have not been terribly active of late.  Another son (born in September) a new job (and a 1.2-that's officialy 120% time for us teachers-no prep period-and its a b**ch-I do some administrative stuff that sucks time away like a black hole)

 

Anyway, the reason is the usual for me.  I am teaching world history again and am approaching the world wars (just winding up the industrial revolution).   I push the economic side of history more than most of my colleagues.   Most teacher barely mention (if at all) the astounding material advantage that US production brought to the war.  I've got figures on stuff like cargo ship building and steel production but can't find the aircraft figures, so that is what I was looking for.    I also, unlike many colleagues, paint an accurate picture of casualty ratios.     Russian bodies and American money/production were the two things that won the war (the Brits-and I am one-brought grit, rhetoric and pig headed stubborness-had Churchill not said "screw it we'll fight no matter what" then it would have been a very different war). 

 

Anyway, Spring break approaches.  Maybe I go in to a posting frenzy.    I bought a new pistol and have been fun with it at the range-great stress relief.   

 

And I finally gave up on bikes.   Fatherhood and all.  When the kids are all 18 or so I'll get a boring full dress Harley.  

 

Cheers   hist_ed

If it's fast you want, then just refurbish the planes you have stored in the boneyard.

As for shortage in competent technical personell, there is a Dutch economy expert that thinks that this going to be the reason for the next economic recession.

I think we have thousands of aircraft sitting out in AZ do we not?  It may take awhile to make some of them airworthy but they are there for a reason....