Category Archives: Fighter

Kawanishi N1K2-J “George”

Posted on January 3, 2018 by

The Japanese aircraft industry produced some excellent high performance fighters towards the end of the war. The N1K was generally considered the very best among the naval types. Join me for a look at fighter that Allied pilots were thankful … Continue reading →

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

Republic P-47D Thunderbolt

Posted on January 27, 2017 by

In the last year or so of World War II camouflage was not really a big concern for Allied forces any longer.  That, combined with more time and resources led to many young men going to extreme lengths with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Macchi C.205V Veltro

Posted on October 31, 2016 by

Italy is one of those countries with a confused wartime history.  Early in the war, Italy’s fascist dictator Benito Mussolini sided with Germany and Japan as the third “major” power of the Axis.  But in the end Italians fought and … Continue reading →

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

Curtiss Hawk 81A-2

Posted on October 20, 2016 by

Flying Tigers In the first six months of war against Japan, allied successes were few and far between.  One of the bright spots was a small group of American mercenaries flying for a disgruntled, half deaf old fighter pilot on … Continue reading →

Posted in China, Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Messerschmitt Bf109F-2

Posted on April 25, 2016 by

Germany’s Bf109 is one of those iconic types that served through the entire war and is a symbol of that nation’s war effort.  Like other long serving types the Bf109 was modified heavily during that time. Join me for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, Germany, Spain | Tagged , , | 24 Comments

Grumman (General Motors) FM-1 Wildcat

Posted on February 15, 2016 by

The Wildcat will always be best known for its role in the epic carrier battles of 1942 against the Japanese.  But the type served in a number of other roles too. After the jump, let’s look at an Atlantic Wildcat.

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

Lockheed P-38E Lightning

Posted on January 25, 2016 by

The P-38 Lightning was the best American Fighter in the early part of 1943.  With high speed and long range it could be very effective when used by pilots well familiar with its capabilities.  But its complexity and maintenance needs … Continue reading →

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