North American B-25B Mitchell

Posted on March 3, 2020 by atcDave

One of the better known special missions of World War II was flown by a new bomber type making its combat debut.*

img_0290

Let’s take a look at the mission and plane. Continue reading →

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

M4A3E8 Sherman

Posted on February 25, 2020 by atcDave

Easy Eight

I’ve visited the Sherman tank here before.  With nearly 50000 built it is the second most produced tank history behind only the Soviet T-34.

img_0282

But previously we discussed the early production M4, this time we’ll look at the most fully evolved form of the design. Continue reading →

Posted in Armor, USA | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Nakajima Ki-43-II “Oscar”

Posted on February 23, 2020 by atcDave

The Japanese Army’s newest fighter at the start of the Pacific War, the Ki-43 remained in service to the end of the war.  Long past it’s obsolescence.

img_0272

Let’s look at a late war Oscar. Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, Japan | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Ryan NYP

Posted on February 13, 2020 by atcDave

Spirit of St Louis

This is obviously from a little earlier time than most of what I post here.  It is also, just as obviously, “iconic” in the truest sense of the word.

img_0266

Let’s look at a pioneering aircraft. Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous, USA | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Lockheed P-38G Lightning

Posted on February 6, 2020 by atcDave

The P-38 Lightning would become a major part of the American war effort against the Japanese.  It was flown by more aces than any other Army Air Force type in the Pacific.  But it is perhaps best known for one mission that pushed the limits of what anyone had considered before.

img_0252

Let’s take a look at an ambush that made history. Continue reading →

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

de Havilland Mosquito B Mk.IV

Posted on January 31, 2020 by atcDave

A famous and well regarded type both during the War and after, the Mosquito filled a wide variety of roles.

img_0245

Let’s take a look at a pure bomber variant. Continue reading →

Posted in Bomber - Strategic, Britain | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Steyr 1500A Kommandeurwagon

Posted on January 27, 2020 by atcDave

Many different light vehicles saw service in the armed forces of World War II.
img_0237

Let’s take a quick look at one fairly unremarkable example from the Wehrmacht. (gee, you think this might be a short post?!) Continue reading →

Posted in Germany, Vehicle | Tagged , | 10 Comments

KV-1

Posted on January 15, 2020 by atcDave

One characteristic of World War Two on the Eastern front was a rapid escalation in the size of armored fighting vehicles.
img_0229

Let’s take a look at one beast that helped start that race. Continue reading →

Posted in Armor, Soviet Union | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Focke-Wulf Fw190A-8

Posted on January 11, 2020 by atcDave

One of the better known fighter types of World War II, the Fw190 is often associated with the epic battles over the Reich between the Luftwaffe and US 8th Air Force.
img_0221

Let’s look at one veteran of that campaign. Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, Germany | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura

Posted on January 9, 2020 by atcDave

The vast expanses of the Pacific meant a lot of patrol aircraft were needed.

img_0213

Let’s take a look at a successful wartime expedient to fill that need. Continue reading →

Posted in Patrol, USA | Tagged , , | 25 Comments