Tag Archives: Aircraft Models

Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero

Air Raid, Pearl Harbor! Obviously the most famous Japanese fighter of World War II. The US military was abruptly introduced to the type on December 7, 1941. Let’s take a look at a participant in that attack.

Posted in Fighter, Japan | Tagged , , | 23 Comments

Curtiss P-40B Warhawk

December 7, 1941 I’ll assume we all know that date! Despite all the should’ves and could’ves, the Japanese achieved complete surprise against the US Navy base at Pearl Harbor and the surrounding military installations on Oahu, Hawaii. Most American air … Continue reading

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 24 Comments

Northrop P-61B Black Widow

Northrop’s big Black Widow was the largest allied fighter of World War II. Let’s look at the nocturnal air war and a weapon design for that purpose.

Posted in Fighter - Night, USA | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4

Messerschmitt’s Bf 109 was one of a handful of types that was in service from the first day of World War II to VE Day. No doubt it developed a great deal over that period.  Let’s take a look at … Continue reading

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

Republic P-47M Thunderbolt

475 mph.  That is highest maximum level speed recorded by any American combat aircraft in World War II. Obviously a Mustang, right?  Or maybe a Bearcat if we stretch the definition of World War II combat types?

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 31 Comments

Mitsubishi G4M1 Betty

Perhaps the best known Japanese bomber of World War II, the Betty was a modern and dangerous weapon in use from the very start of the Pacific War. Let’s take a look at an early Betty, from a very famous … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Japan | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

PZL P.24F (G)

When Greece was drawn into World War II by Italy’s attack in October of 1940 they put up an unexpectedly stout resistance. Let’s look at one of the aerial defenders.

Posted in Fighter, Greece, Poland | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Douglass SBD-5 Dauntless

Even after retirement from fleet carriers the SBD continued to provide service to the end of the War. Let’s take a look at an example in Marine service in the later phase of the type’s career.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, USA | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat

Perhaps the aircraft most associated with the changing tide of the Pacific War, The F6F Hellcat was the key Naval fighter of the last part of the War. Let’s take a look at a complete game changer.

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

Heinkel He 111H-3

Another of World War II’s “iconic” types, the He 111 became a symbol of irresistible Nazi air power in the opening months of the War. That lasted for about a year, until the invulnerability myth was shattered in the skies … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Germany | Tagged , , | 25 Comments