Grumman (General Motors) FM-2 Wildcat

Posted on August 16, 2015 by atcDave

The Wildcat will always be best known for its role in the epic battles of 1942; from Coral Sea to Midway to Guadalcanal.  But this type actually remained in production until 1944!

image

After the jump, a brief look at a late war Wildcat. Continue reading →

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

Douglas A-20B Havoc

Posted on August 9, 2015 by atcDave

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.

image

After the jump I’ll take a brief look at a prolific and useful type that was/is under-represented in major media. Continue reading →

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

Thunder Over Michigan – 2015

Posted on August 4, 2015 by atcDave

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 F-16 Tactical demo, the B-29 “Fifi”, a deHavilland Mosquito, an Fw190, aerobatic pilot Michael Goulian, a WWII Battle re-enactment and several other vintage warbirds. This is always a fun show.  Proceeds go to support the Yankee Air Museum.

I strongly encourage anyone who can make the trip to do so! I will be there on Saturday the 29th in the “Cadet Club”.  If any readers want to meet up there use the “contact me” link to let me know!

Posted in Air Show | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Messerschmitt Me410B-1

Posted on August 2, 2015 by atcDave

The final expression of the heavy fighter concept, the Me410 both proved the strength of the concept and demonstrated its ultimate weakness.

IMG_9643

After the jump a look a plane that was both deadly and vulnerable. Continue reading →

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

North American P-51A Mustang

Posted on July 26, 2015 by atcDave

The early variants of North American’s famous fighter saw limited production.  But some of these early Mustangs did see success.

IMG_9604

Join me for a look at one such example from a lesser known theater. Continue reading →

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

Mitsubishi J2M3 Jack

Posted on July 19, 2015 by atcDave

The Jack was a capable interceptor designed to bring down heavy bombers.

IMG_9561

Join me for a brief look at an atypical Japanese fighter. Continue reading →

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

Bell XP-59A Airacomet

Posted on July 12, 2015 by atcDave

The end of World War Two was the dawn of the jet age.  Every major nation was working on these next generation aircraft.

IMG_9554

After the jump, a look at the United States first attempt at a jet fighter. Continue reading →

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

Supermarine Spitfire Mk I

Posted on July 5, 2015 by atcDave

Back to the truly iconic types of World War II.

IMG_9545

Let’s see what can be said about an early war Spitfire… Continue reading →

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

Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver

Posted on June 28, 2015 by atcDave

A troubled design that did ultimately prove effective, the Curtiss Helldiver was the last dedicated Dive Bomber to see service with the US Navy.

IMG_9535

Join me for a brief look at an interesting bit of naval history. Continue reading →

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

Henschel Hs129B-2

Posted on June 21, 2015 by atcDave

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.

IMG_9526

After the jump, a look at a mid-war tank buster. Continue reading →

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