1. This aircraft, a C-46A-CU, was the first production Commando and was delivered to the USAAF on July 13, 1942. It survived the war. 2. Flown by VMR-252 based at NAS Cherry Point, this R5C-1 (US Navy designation for the Commando) was seen at the National Air Races in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1947.
Arguably the single most important design in aviation history, the Dakota was the airplane that launched modern air travel and was the backbone of US military air transport in World War II. Many Dakotas are still flying nowadays, including on commercial passenger/cargo aircraft. 1. This C-47A-80-DL of the 80th Troop Carrier Squadron, 436th TCG was…Continue reading Douglas C-47 Dakota
Guy Gibson flew this Lancaster B Mk I (W4118) when he was commanding officer of No 106 Squadron. After leaving the squadron he became the CO of newly-created 617 Squadron, an elite unit that became famous for destroying dams in the Ruhr valley. Gibson led the attack and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his…Continue reading Guy Gibson’s Avro Lancaster “Admiral Prune”
1. DZ712 was a NF Mk II aircraft. Flown by Wg Cdr Ivins and W/O Daly of No 151 Squadron, it was lost with its crew on May 17, 1943 in Brittany. 2. Mosquito FB.VI of No 418 (RCAF) “City of Edmonton” Squadron, flown by W/C Russell Bannock, a Canadian ace with 11 aerial victories…Continue reading de Havilland Mosquito
“Enola Gay” was the aircraft used to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. It was a B-29-45-MO, modified as “Silverplate” aircraft and belonged to the 393rd Bombardment Squadron, 509th Composite Group. It was flown by Col. Paul Tibbets.
The P-40 was an evolution of Curtiss’ P-36 Hawk. Despite its limited performance, it was used throughout the war, on all fronts. 1. The P-40 became the USAAC’s standard fighter shortly before the war. This early P-40 belonged to the 55th Pursuit Squadron of the 20th Pursuit Group, based at Hamilton Field. Note the long…Continue reading Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
One of the greatest classic fighters, and probably the most elegant war machine ever designed. Unfortunately, side views only partially show its superb lines. I started with the Mk V version, and also the Mk I/II. I will be also be doing the Mk V (Trop) and later the Mk IX. More to come later!…Continue reading Supermarine Spitfire
The L-39 Albatros is one of the most succesful jet trainers ever built, with nearly 3,000 built and operated by many air forces. The type is now becoming popular on the civilian market, with several hundred registered by private owners. 1. This aircraft served with the 444th TsBP i PLS (Combat Aircrew Training and Retraining…Continue reading Aero L-39 Albatros
1. Mirage IIIC n°10 from EC 1/5 “Vendée” in 1966. 2. Mirage IIIC n°22 from EC 3/10 “Vexin”. This unit was based in Djibouti and was the last French AF unit to operate the Mirage IIIC. 3. Mirage IIIC n°49 from EC 3/2 “Alsace”.
The Dassault Mirage 2000 is the ultimate evolution of the delta-winged Mirage family and proved to be a highly successful aircraft. Attack, trainer and nuclear bomber variants have been delivered to the French air force, where it is gradually replaced by the Dassault Rafale. It has been widely exported to numerous countries such as India,…Continue reading Dassault Mirage 2000 (revisited)