Lockheed P-38J Lightning

Posted on October 5, 2014 by atcDave

This big fighter is generally considered third best of the Army Air Force fighters in World War II.  No doubt it is very distinctive, and has a pretty high “cool” factor!

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After the jump, Lockheed’s deadly twin. Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Nakajima B5N2 “Kate”

Posted on October 2, 2014 by atcDave

Air Raid Pearl Harbor…

This is easily the best known example of this important Japanese bomber. On December 7, 1941, Commander Mitsuo Fuchida flew this plane as commander of the Pearl Harbor attack force.

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After the jump, a look at the lead plane of the major event. Continue reading →

Posted in Bomber - Naval, Japan | Tagged , , | 25 Comments

Volkswagen Type 82E

Posted on September 30, 2014 by atcDave

This may be the most recognizable car ever made.  Maybe only the Jeep can compete?  It saw limited production during the war years.

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After the jump, a true classic. Continue reading →

Posted in Germany, Vehicle | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Republic P-47D Thunderbolt

Posted on September 28, 2014 by atcDave

4th Fighter Group

The 4th Fighter Group would be one of the top US fighter groups in the war against Germany.  Early models of the Thunderbolt were among the first weapons they flew.

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After the jump, a look at this group and one of their Thunderbolts. Continue reading →

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

Polikarpov I-16 Type 18

Posted on September 25, 2014 by atcDave

This stubby little fighter was state of the art in the early 1930s.  It continued in use until well into World War II, when it was clearly past its prime.

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After the jump, an extremely prolific Soviet fighter.

Continue reading →

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

Panzer VI-B King Tiger

Posted on September 23, 2014 by atcDave

Another of the very well known super heavy units deployed by the Germans late in WWII. The King Tiger was huge, and could dominate a battlefield like no other tank.

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After the jump, we’ll discuss this terror. Continue reading →

Posted in Armor, Germany | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

North American A-36 Apache

Posted on September 21, 2014 by atcDave

When is a Mustang not a Mustang?  When its an A-36 dive bomber!*

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This certainly seems like an odd “what were they thinking?” sort of scenario.  But after the jump, we’ll look at a clever improvisation that may have saved the Mustang program. Continue reading →

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, USA | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Dewoitine D.520

Posted on September 18, 2014 by atcDave

A nice looking little fighter, that could have been among the world’s best and most important types summer of 1940.

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But it was just too late.  After the jump, one of the near great stories of World War II. Continue reading →

Posted in Fighter, France | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

General Motors 2.5 ton Fuel Truck

Posted on September 16, 2014 by atcDave

I know, I know.  You all are tired of seeing war birds and tanks.  And you’re asking “when will Dave do something really cool like a fuel truck?”

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Well the day has come.  After the jump, something really exciting.

Continue reading →

Posted in USA, Vehicle | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Douglass SBD-3 Dauntless

Posted on September 14, 2014 by atcDave

The Battle of the Coral Sea was the first naval battle in history fought between fleets that never sighted each other.  Waves of carrier based bombers exchanged salvos instead of the ship’s guns.

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After the jump, a look at the main US weapon from this early carrier battle. Continue reading →

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