Were Lend-Lease Aircraft Equipped with Metric/Russian Instruments for the Soviet Union?

The United States, during World War II, provided significant military aid to the Soviet Union under the lend-lease program. Among these contributions were thousands of aircraft, predominantly A-20 bombers, manufactured at the Douglas Aircraft Plant in what is now Daggett Airport, located east of Barstow, California. After the initial batches of aircraft in 1941, the plants shifted production to create aircraft specifically for Soviet needs, equipping them with metric or dual metric/imperial instruments. Let’s delve into the details of this fascinating episode in aviation history.

Early Lend-Lease Deliveries

Initially, the aircraft destined for the Soviet Union were not equipped with metric instruments as they were largely repurposed from aircraft already in production. These early batches, which included substantial numbers, had gauge and dials pre-installed in the English or American system. However, a significant shift occurred with subsequent production runs. The Douglas Assembly Plant began manufacturing new, purpose-built aircraft for Soviet use with metric instruments installed. This was done to align with the Soviet metric system, making it more user-friendly for pilots and maintenance crews.

Production Adjustments

The change in production standards was seamless and purposeful. As the Soviet Union entered into greater conflict in 1941, the need for aircraft with metric measurements became more evident. Aircraft produced in subsequent large batches were equipped with metric instruments, ensuring a more seamless integration into the Soviet air force. This alignment was crucial because metric systems were more prevalent in Soviet aviation technology. The shift also allowed for easier maintenance and standardization within the Soviet military. Dual metric/imperial instruments served as a transitional measure, but eventually, the metric system prevailed.

Small Quantities and Specialized Flights

There were instances when small quantities of aircraft were delivered, primarily for the use of the Soviet Navy. These aircraft, including Catalinas, retained their imperial instruments. This was a practical decision, ensuring that specialized forces could continue to operate efficiently without the need for significant retooling. However, the vast majority of lend-lease aircraft equipped for the Soviet Union were standardized with metric instruments, facilitating a smoother operational experience for the pilots and maintenance crews.

The Soviet Response

The Soviet Union, upon receiving these aircraft, did not simply label new instruments. Instead, they adapted to the new systems with varying levels of efficiency. For Soviet pilots, these American instruments were initially a source of fascination and mystery. Over time, they became more familiar with these instruments, leading to an improved understanding and operational capability. It's important to note that the Soviet aircraft production often lacked sophisticated navigational or flight instruments, which the U.S. lend-lease aircraft supplemented. This provided a level of enhanced capability for the Soviet pilots, though not without some initial challenges.

Overall, the lend-lease program was a significant logistical and strategic effort, involving the retooling and repurposing of aircraft to fit the metric needs of the Soviet Union. This episode not only highlights the vast scale of the lend-lease program but also the complex processes involved in integrating these aircraft into the Soviet air force.

Conclusion

The base in Alaska, where many of these aircraft were transferred, saw a mix of newly produced and repurposed aircraft. The transition from imperial to metric systems was significant and enduring, despite the initial challenges faced by Soviet pilots. The legacy of these aircraft continues to be an interesting chapter in aviation history, showcasing the global cooperation and technological integration that occurred during World War II.