Category Archives: Fighter

Hawker Typhoon Mk Ib

This big fighter was best known as a ground attack aircraft with the 2nd Tactical Air Force, the scourge of German tanks, and trucks, tents, guys on motorcycles… But the Typhoon started as a high altitude fighter. Let’s take a … Continue reading

Posted in Britain, Fighter | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVIe

A different look appeared for the last Merlin Engined Spitfire produced during the War. Let’s take a brief look at the end of the line.

Posted in Britain, Fighter, New Zealand | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Curtiss Tomahawk Mk IIb

Here’s a type we all know well. Right? Let’s take a look at a familiar type, that gets more than a little confusing in knowing where it actually fits into the grand scheme of things!

Posted in Britain, Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Messerschmitt Bf 110C

The first major production of Messerschmitt’s famous “Zerstorer” was in extensive use from the start of the War. Let’s look at an example that fell, along with the type’s reputation, during the Battle of Britain.

Posted in Fighter, Germany | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

Mitsubishi A6M3a Model 22 Zero

The greater Solomons Campaign extended from the final securing of Guadalcanal in February 1943 until the major Japanese base at Rabaul was isolated and reduced to impotence in early 1944. Arguably even longer, fighting continued on several of the islands … Continue reading

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

Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVIe

The final Merlin-engined Mark of Supermarine’s famous product entered service in October 1944 and remained in service until well into the post-War period. Let’s look at a late War Spitfire.

Posted in Britain, Canada, Fighter | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Vought F4U-1a Corsair

I imagine this type needs little introduction. Let’s take a look at a Corsair flown by the type’s most famous pilot.

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 19 Comments

Lockheed P-38J Lightning

Perhaps the single most famous P-38 of all time. Let’s take a look at a Lightning flown by the top US ace of all time.

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIb

A clear problem with early War British fighters was a lack of heavy firepower. Let’s take a look at the first production model to overcome that shortfall.

Posted in Britain, Fighter, Poland | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Lavochkin LaGG-3

When Nazi Germany launched their War against the Soviet Union in June, 1941, the Soviet Air Force had just started an aggressive modernization program. Let’s take a look at one of those new types just getting into service.

Posted in Fighter, Soviet Union | Tagged , , | 5 Comments