Category Archives: Bomber – Tactical

Messerschmitt Me 262A-2a

One well known part of the Me 262 story is how Hitler insisted on ordering the type into service as a bomber, rather than as a fighter which it was clearly better suited for. Let’s look at one such bomber, … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Germany | 10 Comments

Ilyushin Il-2 Stormovik

With over 30000 examples built (over 40000 if we count the Il-10 follow-on), the Soviet flying tank remains the most produced combat aircraft in history. Let’s take a look at an early example

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Soviet Union | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Curtiss SB2C-4E Helldiver

From an outside view it seems clear the War was all but over at the start of 1945, but for those involved combat remained intense and relentless towards an Apocalyptic end. Bombing 84 (VB-84) on the USS Bunker Hill had … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, USA | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Petlyakov Pe-2

We’ve already talked about how the great bulk of Soviet air power was destroyed in vast quantities at the start of the War in the East. But of course there’s far more to the story than that. Let’s take a … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Soviet Union | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Dornier Do 17Z-2

One of the main bomber types in service with the Luftwaffe at the start of World War II, the Do 17 was a key part of those early operations. Let’s take a look at a familiar and important type.

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Germany | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Bristol Blenheim Mk I

This brand new, state-of-the-art-the-art fast bomber made quite the splash in 1937.  By the time War came it didn’t seem so blazing fast, but it still capable when well supported. Let’s take a look at one of those weapons that … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Britain | Tagged , , | 21 Comments

Mitsubishi G4M1 Betty

Perhaps the best known Japanese bomber of World War II, the Betty was a modern and dangerous weapon in use from the very start of the Pacific War. Let’s take a look at an early Betty, from a very famous … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Japan | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

Heinkel He 111H-3

Another of World War II’s “iconic” types, the He 111 became a symbol of irresistible Nazi air power in the opening months of the War. That lasted for about a year, until the invulnerability myth was shattered in the skies … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Germany | Tagged , , | 25 Comments

North American B-25B Mitchell

One of the better known special missions of World War II was flown by a new bomber type making its combat debut.* Let’s take a look at the mission and plane.

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, USA | Tagged , , | 29 Comments

Arado Ar234B-2

Although the race for jet fighters usually gets most of the attention for late war aircraft designs, other types were developed too. Join me for a brief look at the tail end of the global war and the first jet … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Germany | Tagged , , | 12 Comments