Author Archives: atcDave

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About atcDave

I'm 5o-something years old and live in Ypsilanti, Michigan. I'm happily married to Jodie. I was an air traffic controller for 33 years and recently retired; grew up in the Chicago area, and am still a fanatic for pizza and the Chicago Bears. My main interest is military history, and my related hobbies include scale model building and strategy games.

Douglas A-20B Havoc

This type may be the opposite of “iconic”; I think the A-20 family of aircraft is one of the least known types that saw wide service. After the jump I’ll take a brief look at a prolific and useful type … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, USA | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

Thunder Over Michigan – 2015

I just want to briefly mention the big Air Show event coming later this month.  On August 29 and 30 Thunder Over Michigan will be at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti Michigan. Major attractions will be The Blue Angles, an … Continue reading

Posted in Air Show | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Messerschmitt Me410B-1

The final expression of the heavy fighter concept, the Me410 both proved the strength of the concept and demonstrated its ultimate weakness. After the jump a look a plane that was both deadly and vulnerable.

Posted in Fighter, Germany | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

North American P-51A Mustang

The early variants of North American’s famous fighter saw limited production.  But some of these early Mustangs did see success. Join me for a look at one such example from a lesser known theater.

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

Mitsubishi J2M3 Jack

The Jack was a capable interceptor designed to bring down heavy bombers. Join me for a brief look at an atypical Japanese fighter.

Posted in Fighter, Japan | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Bell XP-59A Airacomet

The end of World War Two was the dawn of the jet age.  Every major nation was working on these next generation aircraft. After the jump, a look at the United States first attempt at a jet fighter.

Posted in Fighter, prototype, USA | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Supermarine Spitfire Mk I

Back to the truly iconic types of World War II. Let’s see what can be said about an early war Spitfire…

Posted in Britain, Fighter | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver

A troubled design that did ultimately prove effective, the Curtiss Helldiver was the last dedicated Dive Bomber to see service with the US Navy. Join me for a brief look at an interesting bit of naval history.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, USA | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

Henschel Hs129B-2

As the war in the East unfolded, the Luftwaffe found the need for more specialized, and more capable ground attack aircraft.  Especially as the Stuka was proving more vulnerable to Soviet fighters. After the jump, a look at a mid-war … Continue reading

Posted in Anti-Tank, Germany | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Type 95 Kurogane 4 x 4

After the jump, a look at a basic Japanese staff vehicle.

Posted in Japan, Vehicle | Tagged , | 6 Comments