Nations around the world rely on aircraft carriers, not only for offensive but also for defensive capabilities. Aircraft have always played a key role in keeping nations safe. Moreover, aircraft carriers allow the US military to project this power abroad. These vessels also provide the fleet’s most incredible versatility and technical capabilities. The Hangar The […] More
1. Almost Impossible Requirements In 1955, the specifications were readied and named GOR.339. According to the paper, the TSR-2 had to be able to deliver nuclear weapons over long range, reach Mach 2, and have STOL or VTOL capabilities. These changes were due to the effects of nuclear strikes on runways and airfields, making them […] More
On August 27, 1944, Lt. John M. Carothers, part of the 503rd fighter squadron, was in his P-51 Mustang. He was part of a formation, returning home after a bombing run in Berlin. Then, he was radioed that there were six Focke-Wulf 190s, led by double ace pilot Robert Anlauf by the Luftwaffe. Last Hope […] More
On December 1, 1951, amid the Korean War, a WWII Gloster Meteor, part of the 77 squadrons piloted by RAAF Squadron Leader R. Wilson, who was a WWII veteran, was attacked by Russian MiG-17s. How did this WWII fighter manage to survive and return home during a fateful encounter during the Korean War? The Gloster […] More
The P-37 Thunderbolt is a deadly ground attack aircraft and one of the most formidable fighters in WWII, with the ability to take heavy beatings from the enemy. Here are the five things that you never knew about this legendary aircraft: 5. Its first confirmed aerial victory was in the hands of pilot Donald Blakeslee […] More
7:05 PM, March 27th, 1999 4 F-117 Nighthawks prepare for take-off at Aviano Air Base in Northern Italy. The mission was to strike targets in former Yugoslavia as part of a NATO air offensive. However, the weather was quickly deteriorating which grounded other aircraft. Nevertheless, the Nighthawks still proceeded with their mission. Spies Spots The […] More
The Grumman A-6 Intrude was the first all-weather attack bomber in the world that was capable of finding tactical and strategic targets, delivering both conventional and nuclear ordnance under zero visibility conditions. But did you know that a Japanese warship mistakenly engaged this American aircraft in a strange twist of fate? A Worthy Successor In […] More
The XB-70 Valkyrie was the ultimate high-altitude and high-speed strategic bomber with a cruise speed of Mach 3. The events that transpired, however, would cause it to play a different role in aviation history. 1. It was an experimental aircraft with remarkable features Its size was the largest of any aircraft in aviation history. The […] More
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk resulted from the concern for the enhanced weight and cost of combat aircraft during the 1950s. Thus, the A-4 was built to counter the trend. A Cheap Replacement In the 1950s, aviation engineer Ad Heinemann developed a novel concept for the Douglas Aviation Company. He planned to replace the AD1 Skyraider […] More
1. How He Became A Pilot Luckadoo first got his license flying a PT-17 biplane. Afterward, he flew a BT-13 Valiant and was assigned to a multi-engine advanced school in Georgia. There, he was the Captain of the class and flew Beechcraft AT-10s. He was one of the 40 graduates assigned to a B-17 bomber […] More
1. Culmination of Technological Advancements What do you get after combining 100 years of bombing experience, advancement of technology and engineering, newer aircraft designs, and the introduction of smart bombs? A highly sophisticated stealth bomber that has never been targeted, detected, or engaged during its service with the US Air Force. 2. Ahead of its […] More
Too Overconfident MacArthur carefully crafted his own image with the help of a Public Relations staff. His obsession with being viewed as a great commander led him to bypass command from higher-ranking officials. The likes of Dwight Eisenhower already stated their bitterness towards MacArthur’s obsession with his public image. Soon enough, his narcissistic personality would […] More
