Tag Archives: World War II

Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer

The Germans were masters of retasking obsolete equipment.  The Hetzer is one excellent example of an outdated tank chassis finding new life as a tank destroyer.   After the jump, a late war tank hunter.

Posted in Armor, Germany | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket

The Grumman Skyrocket is a radical looking twin with significant pros and cons as a potential fighter.  In the years before World War II it was one of the more interesting designs considered in a rapidly expanding and modernizing fleet. … Continue reading

Posted in Fighter, prototype, USA | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

The Best Airplane of World War II

We’ve already looked at several candidates for the worst aircraft of World War II, so what about the other side of the question?  What aircraft really stand out for excellence and overall impact? After the jump, another of my pointless … Continue reading

Posted in Dave's Essays | Tagged | 17 Comments

Fairey Swordfish Mk I

Looking like a relic from the previous war, the Fairey Swordfish proved to be a good weapon for a variety of missions.  It served from the first day of World War II to the last and outlasted its replacement. After … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Naval, Britain | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

The Worst Airplane of World War II

This is one of those discussions I’ve found myself in many times over the years.  Its a favorite topic among war gamers, model builders and amateur historians.  So as someone who fits all three categories, its come up before(!). Join … Continue reading

Posted in Dave's Essays | Tagged | 17 Comments

North American P-51B Mustang

The first Merlin engined version of North American’s supurb fighter, The “B” model of the Mustang would provide a shock to German leadership and garuntee the effectiveness of the American Strategic Bombing offensive. After the jump, a look at an … Continue reading

Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Messerschmitt Me163B-1 Komet

The Me163 was the fastest production aircraft of World War II.  It’s rocket engine, swept wing, and tailless design were all revolutionary.  In fact, it is the only rocket powered aircraft to ever enter series production. Yet it’s impact on history is … Continue reading

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

Austin 10HP “Tilly”

Like other countries. Britain turned its domestic auto industry to making military vehicles during the war years. After the jump, a brief look at a very basic utility vehicle.

Posted in Britain, Vehicle | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Douglass TBD-1 Devastator

When the Devastator was introduced in 1937 it was the most modern torpedo Bomber in the world.  But by the time World War Two broke out it was due for replacement. After the jump, a brief look at one of … Continue reading

Posted in Bomber - Naval, USA | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3

When Germany attacked Russia in June of 1941, the Soviets had just begun a massive modernization program. One of the “new” designs entering service was a high altitude interceptor.  After the jump, a look at the MiG-3.

Posted in Fighter, Soviet Union | Tagged , , | 6 Comments