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The Blackburn Buccaneer was designed in the mid-1950s as a low-level carrier-based maritime strike aircraft. It proved to be far more long-lived than its designers ever intended, serving with distinction not only with the British Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA) but with the Royal Air Force (RAF) for decades, and as a finale demonstrating its usefulness in the Gulf War.

The North American A-5 / RA-5 "Vigilante". The Vigilante was designed as a carrier-based strategic nuclear bomber, but would see action over Vietnam as a fast reconnaissance aircraft. With sleek lines and impressive performance the A-5 Vigilante was an impressive aircraft. The full story from concept to service

The North American A-5 / RA-5 "Vigilante". The Vigilante was designed as a carrier-based strategic nuclear bomber, but would see action over Vietnam as a fast reconnaissance aircraft. With sleek lines and impressive performance the A-5 Vigilante was an impressive aircraft.

The North American A-5 / RA-5 "Vigilante". The Vigilante was designed as a carrier-based strategic nuclear bomber, but would see action over Vietnam as a fast reconnaissance aircraft. With sleek lines and impressive performance the A-5 Vigilante was an impressive aircraft. The full story from concept to service

The North American A-5 / RA-5 "Vigilante". The Vigilante was designed as a carrier-based strategic nuclear bomber, but would see action over Vietnam as a fast reconnaissance aircraft. With sleek lines and impressive performance the A-5 Vigilante was an impressive aircraft. The full story from concept to service

The presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B's -- tail numbers 28000 and 29000 -- with the Air Force designation VC-25. When the president is aboard either aircraft, or any Air Force aircraft, the radio call sign is "Air Force One."

The presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B's -- tail numbers 28000 and 29000 -- with the Air Force designation VC-25. When the president is aboard either aircraft, or any Air Force aircraft, the radio call sign is "Air Force One."

The latest generation of combat aircraft features a level of astounding capabiity and complexity, which unfortunately comes at an appropriately astounding price. As a result, there is a definite place for less capable but much cheaper machines that obtain the benefit of modern technology while keeping an eye on the pricetag. One example of such a machine is the Italian-Brazilian "AMX" light strike and reconnaissance aircraft.

The latest generation of combat aircraft features a level of astounding capabiity and complexity, which unfortunately comes at an appropriately astounding price. As a result, there is a definite place for less capable but much cheaper machines that obtain the benefit of modern technology while keeping an eye on the pricetag. One example of such a machine is the Italian-Brazilian "AMX" light strike and reconnaissance aircraft.

In the late 1940s, the Soviet Union introduced a new aircraft, the Antonov "An-2". It was a big, clumsy looking biplane intended for utility and cropdusting roles, and led to laughs in the West at Soviet backwardness. The An-2 had the last laugh, since it proved an immensely useful aircraft, was built in huge quantities, and is still in intensive service all over the world.

In the late 1940s, the Soviet Union introduced a new aircraft, the Antonov "An-2". It was a big, clumsy looking biplane intended for utility and cropdusting roles, and led to laughs in the West at Soviet backwardness. The An-2 had the last laugh, since it proved an immensely useful aircraft, was built in huge quantities, and is still in intensive service all over the world. Photo's and images.

The Soviet Union had a certain admiration for the virtue of sheer impressive size, and this bias was reflected in aircraft design. The most spectacular examples are three of the largest aircraft ever built, all products of the Antonov design bureau: the "An-22 Antheus (Cock)", the "An-124 Ruslan (Condor)", and the "An-225 Mriya (Cossack)" cargolifters.

The Soviet Union had a certain admiration for the virtue of sheer impressive size, and this bias was reflected in aircraft design. The most spectacular examples are three of the largest aircraft ever built, all products of the Antonov design bureau: the "An-22 Antheus (Cock)", the "An-124 Ruslan (Condor)", and the "An-225 Mriya (Cossack)" cargolifters.

The German Arado 234 was the very first purpose-built jet bomber. While the Ar-234 had very little influence on the outcome of World War II, being much too late and too few in number, it had influence on later aircraft designs. This document provides a history and description of the Ar-234, as well as the experimental German Heinkel He-343 and Junkers Ju-287 jet bombers.

The German Arado 234 was the very first purpose-built jet bomber. While the Ar-234 had very little influence on the outcome of World War II, being much too late and too few in number, it had influence on later aircraft designs. This document provides a history and description of the Ar-234, as well as the experimental German Heinkel He-343 and Junkers Ju-287 jet bombers.

Canada and the US collaborated closely on the defense of North America during the Cold War. While the US was clearly the bigger partner in the defense relationship, the Canadians carried their weight, and provided their own distinctive contributions to the partnership. One of the more memorable was the "Avro CF-100 Canuck " interceptor. This straightforward and effective machine served as one of the mainstays of North American air defense through the 1950s.

Canada and the US collaborated closely on the defense of North America during the Cold War. While the US was clearly the bigger partner in the defense relationship, the Canadians carried their weight, and provided their own distinctive contributions to the partnership. One of the more memorable was the "Avro CF-100 Canuck " interceptor. This straightforward and effective machine served as one of the mainstays of North American air defense through the 1950s.

Avro of Canada had made a significant contribution to the air defense of North America with its CF-100 "Canuck" interceptor of the early 1950s, and hoped to follow it with a truly advanced aircraft, the Avro "CF-105 Arrow".

Avro of Canada had made a significant contribution to the air defense of North America with its CF-100 "Canuck" interceptor of the early 1950s, and hoped to follow it with a truly advanced aircraft, the Avro "CF-105 Arrow".

The US Air Force turned towards "stealthy" aircraft in the 1970s and 1980s, the flying wing bomber was revived in the form of the Northrop Grumman "B-2 Spirit", the first flying wing to enter full operational service, the biggest stealth aircraft built to date, and one of the most expensive aircraft ever made.

The US Air Force turned towards "stealthy" aircraft in the 1970s and 1980s, the flying wing bomber was revived in the form of the Northrop Grumman "B-2 Spirit", the first flying wing to enter full operational service, the biggest stealth aircraft built to date, and one of the most expensive aircraft ever made.

The US Air Force turned towards "stealthy" aircraft in the 1970s and 1980s, the flying wing bomber was revived in the form of the Northrop Grumman "B-2 Spirit", the first flying wing to enter full operational service, the biggest stealth aircraft built to date, and one of the most expensive aircraft ever made.

The rapid development of American supersonic combat aircraft in the 1950s inevitably led to the development of a supersonic strategic bomber, the "B-58 Hustler". As it turned out, a Mach 2 bomber was not a particularly practical idea; the B-58 was produced only in small numbers and did not remain in service for very long. However, the B-58 was one of the sleekest and most impressive combat aircraft ever built, and even in the 21st century the Hustler still looks futuristic.

The rapid development of American supersonic combat aircraft in the 1950s inevitably led to the development of a supersonic strategic bomber, the "B-58 Hustler". As it turned out, a Mach 2 bomber was not a particularly practical idea; the B-58 was produced only in small numbers and did not remain in service for very long. However, the B-58 was one of the sleekest and most impressive combat aircraft ever built, and even in the 21st century the Hustler still looks futuristic.

Images of the English Electric Lightning , a powerful and impressive aircraft that was restricted by limited endurance and armament, it went into service as an "interim solution" in the early 1960s, only to finally be retired from first-line roles in 1988.

During the 1950s, the British English Electric (later BAC) firm developed Britain's first (and in a sense last) operational Mach 2 fighter. A powerful and impressive aircraft that was restricted by limited endurance and armament, it went into service as an "interim solution" in the early 1960s, only to finally be retired from first-line roles in 1988.

During the 1950s, the British English Electric (later BAC) firm developed Britain's first (and in a sense last) operational Mach 2 fighter. A powerful and impressive aircraft that was restricted by limited endurance and armament, it went into service as an "interim solution" in the early 1960s, only to finally be retired from first-line roles in 1988.

One of the most appealing of machines never to serve is the British Aerospace Corporation (BAC) "TSR.2", an elegant and advanced British strike aircraft of the early 1960s.On 4 April 1957, just after issue of the original GOR.339 requirement, British Defense Minister Duncan Sandys (pronounced "Sands") issued a famous defense white paper that proclaimed the era of manned combat aircraft was drawing to a close.

One of the most appealing of machines never to serve is the British Aerospace Corporation (BAC) "TSR.2", an elegant and advanced British strike aircraft of the early 1960s.On 4 April 1957, just after issue of the original GOR.339 requirement, British Defense Minister Duncan Sandys (pronounced "Sands") issued a famous defense white paper that proclaimed the era of manned combat aircraft was drawing to a close.

Although the British aviation industry was not able challenge Boeing's dominance of the large jetliner market during the last half of the 20th century, Britain was able to achieve to compete in smaller jetliners, most significantly in the tidy "BAE 146" series of four-jet light airliners.

Although the British aviation industry was not able challenge Boeing's dominance of the large jetliner market during the last half of the 20th century, Britain was able to achieve to compete in smaller jetliners, most significantly in the tidy "BAE 146" series of four-jet light airliners.

The success of the Harrier and Sea Harrier led to a second-generation version of the type, the Harrier II, with development driven by the US. British Aerospace and McDonnell Douglas conducted a set of conceptual studies for a bigger and better Harrier

The story of the origin of the Harrier is a complicated one, involving multinational collaborations and many changes of plans. The Harrier, as it emerged from this process, was actually a compromise solution, but one that proved highly successful

The story of the development of the Hawker Harrier from the P.1127 VTOL prototypes of the early 1960s, through the Hawker "Kestrel" and trials with the Multinational Tripartate Evaluation Squadron, to the first generation Harrier, Sea Harrier, and for the USMC the Harrier AV-8A .

The Harrier Mk1 served with UK & US forces, the Spanish Navy and the Thai Navy. It offered capabilities not offered by any other platform, and was an essential part of the British effort to capture the Falklands during the Falklands War

The success of the Harrier and Sea Harrier led to a second-generation version of the type, the Harrier II, with development driven by the US. British Aerospace and McDonnell Douglas conducted a set of conceptual studies for a bigger and better Harrier

In recent decades, British aerospace and defense manufacture has revived, aggressively exporting military aircraft and advanced weaponry. One of their biggest successes is the British Aerospace (BAE) "Hawk", a trainer and light combat aircraft that has been adopted by many of the world's armed services, including the US Navy.

In recent decades, British aerospace and defense manufacture has revived, aggressively exporting military aircraft and advanced weaponry. One of their biggest successes is the British Aerospace (BAE) "Hawk", a trainer and light combat aircraft that has been adopted by many of the world's armed services, including the US Navy.

The UH-1N is a light-lift utility helicopter used to support Air Force Space Command missile wings and groups. The helicopter has a number of uses including Airlift of emergency security and disaster response forces.

The UH-1N is a light-lift utility helicopter used to support Air Force Space Command missile wings and groups. The helicopter has a number of uses including Airlift of emergency security and disaster response forces.

The Blackburn Buccaneer was designed in the mid-1950s as a low-level carrier-based maritime strike aircraft. It proved to be far more long-lived than its designers ever intended, serving with distinction not only with the British Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA) but with the Royal Air Force (RAF) for decades, and as a finale demonstrating its usefulness in the Gulf War.

The Blackburn Buccaneer was designed in the mid-1950s as a low-level carrier-based maritime strike aircraft. It proved to be far more long-lived than its designers ever intended, serving with distinction not only with the British Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA) but with the Royal Air Force (RAF) for decades, and as a finale demonstrating its usefulness in the Gulf War.

The story of the Boeing AH-64 Apache , from concept to prototype, & in service. The Boeing (previously McDonnell Douglas and originally Hughes) "AH-64 Apache" gunship, the mainstay of the US Army's attack helicopter force, also in service with several foreign nations.

Photos of the Boeing AH-64 Apache , from concept to prototype, & in service. The Boeing (previously McDonnell Douglas and originally Hughes) "AH-64 Apache" gunship, the mainstay of the US Army's attack helicopter force, also in service with several foreign nations.

The story of the Boeing AH-64 Apache , from concept to prototype, & in service. The Boeing (previously McDonnell Douglas and originally Hughes) "AH-64 Apache" gunship, the mainstay of the US Army's attack helicopter force, also in service with several foreign nations.

The B-47 was the first line of America's strategic defense in the late 1950s and early 1960s, standing guard with nuclear weapons against the Soviet Union. Its nuclear strike role was highly visible, but while bomber variants of the B-47 never fired a shot in anger, the reconnaissance versions played a dangerous and secret game of probing Soviet airspace, occasionally taking fire and suffering losses.

The Boeing B-47 jet bomber was a major postwar innovation in combat jet design, and led to the development of modern jetliners. While it never saw major combat use, it was a mainstay of US strategic defense in the 1950s

Following a series of preliminary contracts for production B-47s, in November 1949, even before the first flight of the B-47A, the Air Force had ordered 87 B-47Bs, the first operational variant

The B-47 was the first line of America's strategic defense in the late 1950s and early 1960s, standing guard with nuclear weapons against the Soviet Union. Its nuclear strike role was highly visible, but while bomber variants of the B-47 never fired a shot in anger, the reconnaissance versions played a dangerous and secret game of probing Soviet airspace, occasionally taking fire and suffering losses.

The Cold War led the United States to develop a strategic nuclear deterrent force featuring a wide range of weapons. One of the more impressive was the big Boeing "B-52 Stratofortress" eight-engine jet bomber. Although it was designed for the nuclear strike mission, it never saw combat in that role, but it has seen plenty of action dropping conventional weapons in Vietnam and in post-Cold War conflicts.

The Cold War led the United States to develop a strategic nuclear deterrent force featuring a wide range of weapons. One of the more impressive was the big Boeing "B-52 Stratofortress" eight-engine jet bomber. Although it was designed for the nuclear strike mission, it never saw combat in that role, but it has seen plenty of action dropping conventional weapons in Vietnam and in post-Cold War conflicts. The B-52 still remains in service, if in dwindling numbers, in the 21st century

The Cold War led the United States to develop a strategic nuclear deterrent force featuring a wide range of weapons. One of the more impressive was the big Boeing "B-52 Stratofortress" eight-engine jet bomber. Although it was designed for the nuclear strike mission, it never saw combat in that role, but it has seen plenty of action dropping conventional weapons in Vietnam and in post-Cold War conflicts. The B-52 still remains in service, if in dwindling numbers, in the 21st century

In the 1960s there was an international competition to build a supersonic transport (SST), which resulted in the development of two supersonic airliners, the Anglo-French "Concorde " and the Soviet Tupolev "Tu-144". Although the SST was seen as the way of the future, that wasn't how things actually turned out. Photos and images.

In the 1960s there was an international competition to build a supersonic transport (SST), which resulted in the development of two supersonic airliners, the Anglo-French "Concorde " and the Soviet Tupolev "Tu-144". Although the SST was seen as the way of the future, that wasn't how things actually turned out.

In the 1960s there was an international competition to build a supersonic transport (SST), which resulted in the development of two supersonic airliners, the Anglo-French "Concorde " and the Soviet Tupolev "Tu-144". Although the SST was seen as the way of the future, that wasn't how things actually turned out.

The Curtiss C-46 Commando was a twin-engine cargolifter used primarily by the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) in World War II, although it saw action with other services during the war, and in later conflicts. The C-46 remains largely forgotten, since it was overshadowed by the much more famous Douglas C-47 Dakota transport.

The delta-winged Dassault Mirage III / 5 series of fighters were one of Europe's first operational supersonic combat aircraft, and proved popular in French and export service. Their success led Dassault to produce a next-generation fighter, the Mirage 2000, with a similar configuration, though it was in fact an entirely new design.

The delta-winged Dassault Mirage III / 5 series of fighters were one of Europe's first operational supersonic combat aircraft, and proved popular in French and export service. Their success led Dassault to produce a next-generation fighter, the Mirage 2000, with a similar configuration, though it was in fact an entirely new design.

The "Douglas DC-3" airliner was a milestone of aviation, the basis for the introduction of practical commercial airline service in the 1930s. It achieved another major distinction in military service as the "C-47 Dakota" transport. General Dwight Eisenhower described the C-47 as one of the four machines that won World War II

The "Douglas DC-3" airliner was a milestone of aviation, the basis for the introduction of practical commercial airline service in the 1930s. It achieved another major distinction in military service as the "C-47 Dakota" transport. General Dwight Eisenhower described the C-47 as one of the four machines that won World War II

The "Douglas DC-3" airliner was a milestone of aviation, the basis for the introduction of practical commercial airline service in the 1930s. It achieved another major distinction in military service as the "C-47 Dakota" transport. General Dwight Eisenhower described the C-47 as one of the four machines that won World War II

The Douglas Skyknight was one of the first purpose-built jet night fighters, which served with distinction in the Korean War and survived to put in useful service in the Vietnam War as well. Development was conducted by a team under the well-known Ed Heinemann at the Douglas division in El Segundo, California. The first prototype XF3D-1 made its initial flight on 23 March 1948.

The Douglas Skyknight was one of the first purpose-built jet night fighters, which served with distinction in the Korean War and survived to put in useful service in the Vietnam War as well.

Aircraft design was moving very rapidly in the 1950s, and compared to the present day, a new combat aircraft could be designed and built in a relatively short time at modest expense. The result was that a large number of machines were introduced in that decade, to be quickly obsoleted by improved successors. One of the unusual combat aircraft introduced during that busy decade was the "Douglas F4D -1 Skyray", a modified-delta single-seat carrier-based air combat fighter, derived from German design concepts developed late in th........

One of the unusual combat aircraft introduced during that busy decade was the "Douglas F4D -1 Skyray", a modified-delta single-seat carrier-based air combat fighter, derived from German design concepts developed late in the Second World War. Photos and images.

Douglas Aircraft provided a series of heavy transports for the US Air Force. While the Douglas "Globemaster" piston transport was only built in small numbers, it led to the improved "Globemaster II", which was an airlift workhorse well into the Vietnam War. Douglas also built a large turboprop transport, the "Cargomaster", that served in the 1960s.

Douglas Aircraft provided a series of heavy transports for the US Air Force. While the Douglas "Globemaster" piston transport was only built in small numbers, it led to the improved "Globemaster II", which was an airlift workhorse well into the Vietnam War. Douglas also built a large turboprop transport, the "Cargomaster", that served in the 1960s.

Canadair of Montreal signed an agreement with North American to build 100 Sabres, using plans and parts provided by NAA. The two companies had already worked together during the war, with Canadair producing NAA T-6 Harvard trainers

The F-86 Sabre was an elegant jet fighter, one of the mainstays of US forces in the war in Korea, and an important element in the defense of the West in the early years of the Cold War. It was built in large numbers and used by many of America's allies.

While the Sabre was engaged in heavy combat across the Pacific, the design was being updated back in the States. Design work on the "NA-157" or "XP-86C" was begun in late 1947, in response to a USAF requirement for a "deep penetration" fighter. North American's XF-86C, as it was redesignated in 1948, won the competition against the Lockheed "XF-90" and the McDonnell "XF-88" (which would eventually evolve into the F-101 Voodoo), with the Air Force ordering two prototypes

Since the USAF did not have a standard reconnaissance aircraft that could outrun the MiG-15, a small number of F-86As were field-modified to "RF-86A" photo-reconnaissance aircraft. This whole scheme was the brainchild of three officers of the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (TRW) at Kimpo AFB in Korea: Major Bruce Fish, Major Ruffin Gray, and Captain Joe Daley.

When Canada joined NATO in 1949, the Canadian government decided they needed to ramp up military aircraft production to meet increased commitments, and so in August of that year, Canadair of Montreal signed an agreement with North American to build 100 Sabres, using plans and parts provided by NAA. The two companies had already worked together during the war, with Canadair producing NAA T-6 Harvard trainers

The Gloster Javelin was the first British night / all-weather fighter designed specifically for the purpose. Although the development of the aircraft proved convoluted and it was not built in large numbers, it provided useful service for the British Royal Air Force (RAF) for over a decade.

The Gloster Javelin was the first British night / all-weather fighter designed specifically for the purpose. Although the development of the aircraft proved convoluted and it was not built in large numbers, it provided useful service for the British Royal Air Force (RAF) for over a decade.

The early story of the Gloster Meteor is interwined with British efforts to develop turbojet engines. The Gloster Meteor was the first operational British jet fighter, and the only Allied jet fighter to see combat in World War II. The Meteor served in the postwar period with many different air services and in many different roles.

The early story of the Gloster Meteor is interwined with British efforts to develop turbojet engines. The Gloster Meteor was the first operational British jet fighter, and the only Allied jet fighter to see combat in World War II. The Meteor served in the postwar period with many different air services and in many different roles.

The early story of the Gloster Meteor is interwined with British efforts to develop turbojet engines. The Gloster Meteor was the first operational British jet fighter, and the only Allied jet fighter to see combat in World War II. The Meteor served in the postwar period with many different air services and in many different roles.

One of the mainstays of US Navy fleet defense in the late 20th century was the Grumman "F-14 Tomcat", a twin-engine interceptor armed with long-range Phoenix air-to-air missiles. The Tomcat is being phased out of Navy service, having also been pressed into the reconnaissance and, as the "Bombcat", strike roles.

One of the mainstays of US Navy fleet defense in the late 20th century was the Grumman "F-14 Tomcat", a twin-engine interceptor armed with long-range Phoenix air-to-air missiles. The Tomcat is being phased out of Navy service, having also been pressed into the reconnaissance and, as the "Bombcat", strike roles.

One of the mainstays of US Navy fleet defense in the late 20th century was the Grumman "F-14 Tomcat", a twin-engine interceptor armed with long-range Phoenix air-to-air missiles. The Tomcat is being phased out of Navy service, having also been pressed into the reconnaissance and, as the "Bombcat", strike roles.

The Hunter was one of the mainstays of the frontline British RAF from the mid-1950s through the 1960s, and also served in training roles with the Royal Navy's FAA through that time. The type declined in numbers through the 1970s and the 1980s, with a few lingering in British service into the 1990s.

The Hunter went through a troubled adolescence but eventually became an excellent machine, and the basic design was modified into a large and somewhat confusing number of variants.

The Hunter was one of the mainstays of the frontline British RAF from the mid-1950s through the 1960s, and also served in training roles with the Royal Navy's FAA through that time. The type declined in numbers through the 1970s and the 1980s, with a few lingering in British service into the 1990s.

The Hawker Sea Hawk , while not the first naval shipboard jet fighter, was an early example of its type that incorporated several ingenious engineering features and was an extremely clean design. Although it did not have a significant history of combat operations, it provided excellent service as a first-line fighter for over a decade

The Hawker Sea Hawk , while not the first naval shipboard jet fighter, was an early example of its type that incorporated several ingenious engineering features and was an extremely clean design.

The KC-10 Extender is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. Operations supporting Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War demonstrated a need for an Advanced tanker Aircraft, and the KC-10, based on a modified DC-10 was the design selected.

The KC-10 Extender is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. Operations supporting Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War demonstrated a need for an Advanced tanker Aircraft, and the KC-10, based on a modified DC-10 was the design selected.

Two of the most prominent jet transport aircraft in US military service are the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and its "big brother", the huge C-5 Galaxy . This document provides a history and description of these two aircraft.

Two of the most prominent jet transport aircraft in US military service are the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and its "big brother", the huge C-5 Galaxy .

The F-117 aircraft can perform precision strikes on heavily-protected targets with little chance of being detected. In many cases, the defender's first alert of an attack is bombs going off. Along with this capability comes an interesting design and an exotic history.

The United States currently possesses a combat asset with capabilities not matched by known weapons of any other country: the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter. This aircraft can perform precision strikes on heavily-protected targets with little chance of being detected. In many cases, the defender's first alert of an attack is bombs going off. Along with this capability comes an interesting design and an exotic history.

The United States currently possesses a combat asset with capabilities not matched by known weapons of any other country: the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter. This aircraft can perform precision strikes on heavily-protected targets with little chance of being detected. In many cases, the defender's first alert of an attack is bombs going off. Along with this capability comes an interesting design and an exotic history.

The Martin B-26 Marauder was one of the major American medium bombers of World War II, serving with distinction in all major battle theaters. However, in its early days the Marauder acquired a reputation as a "Widow Maker" that it never managed to quite live down. This document provides a history of the Martin Marauder, as well as its predecessors, the Martin B-10, Maryland, and Baltimore

The Martin B-26 Marauder was one of the major American medium bombers of World War II, serving with distinction in all major battle theaters

The first carrier-based pure jet fighter acquired by the service, the McDonnell "FH-1 Phantom", was inadequate, but it led to a scaled-up successor, the "F2H Banshee", that was a significant component of the Navy's carrier air power well into the 1950s.

The first carrier-based pure jet fighter acquired by the service, the McDonnell "FH-1 Phantom", was inadequate, but it led to a scaled-up successor, the "F2H Banshee", that was a significant component of the Navy's carrier air power well into the 1950s.

Had the Phantom only served with US forces, it would have still been an important aircraft, but it also flew with roughly a dozen foreign air arms, in a few cases in the form of custom variants built specifically for those nations. Part Five provides a history of the Phantom in foreign service

One of the most prominent combat jets introduced in the 1960s was the McDonnell "F-4 Phantom", a fast and powerful aircraft that proved itself in roles such as interceptor, air-superiority fighter, attack aircraft, and reconnaissance platform

One of the most prominent combat jets introduced in the 1960s was the McDonnell "F-4 Phantom", a fast and powerful aircraft that proved itself in roles such as interceptor, air-superiority fighter, attack aircraft, and reconnaissance platform

The Phantom has fought in many wars, but it is most strongly associated with the US war in Vietnam in the 1960s and early 1970s. Part 3 of our Phantom series describes the Phantom's service over Vietnam both with the Airforce and Navy

The Phantom in Vietnam , 1969 - 1973. Postwar US Phantoms. During this time, improved weapons were acquired. The Air Force got their F-4Es, with built-in cannon, and the Navy got their new F-4Js, which could carry the Hughes Mark 4 cannon pod. New and much more effective jammer pods were introduced

Had the Phantom only served with US forces, it would have still been an important aircraft, but it also flew with roughly a dozen foreign air arms, in a few cases in the form of custom variants built specifically for those nations. Part Five provides a history of the Phantom in foreign service

North American Aviation contributed three great aircraft to the Allied cause during World War II: the "AT-6 Texan" trainer, the "P-51 Mustang" fighter, and the "B-25 Mitchell " medium bomber. While the Mustang is clearly the most famous of the three, the Mitchell was likely the most important aircraft in its own class, built in large quantity and proving its worth in both the Pacific and European theaters of war. In particular, the Mitchell gave America one of its first victories during the dark days of ear........

North American Aviation contributed three great aircraft to the Allied cause during World War II: the "AT-6 Texan" trainer, the "P-51 Mustang" fighter, and the "B-25 Mitchell " medium bomber. While the Mustang is clearly the most famous of the three, the Mitchell was likely the most important aircraft in its own class, built in large quantity and proving its worth in both the Pacific and European theaters of war.

After World War II, the US Air Force's (USAF) strategic bombers grew ever more capable, each reaching higher altitudes and greater speeds than its predecessor. By the late 1950s, the USAF was planning to develop a "super-bomber", the North American "B-70", that would be built in large numbers.

After World War II, the US Air Force's (USAF) strategic bombers grew ever more capable, each reaching higher altitudes and greater speeds than its predecessor. By the late 1950s, the USAF was planning to develop a "super-bomber", the North American "B-70", that would be built in large numbers.

The Petlyakov Pe-2 was a fast, twin-engined light bomber used extensively by the Soviets in their war against Hitler. This document provides a history and description of the Pe-2.

The Republic "F-105 Thunderchief" was conceived in the 1950s as a nuclear strike aircraft, but would achieve fame in the Vietnam War as the "Thud", a conventional strike and "defense suppression" aircraft.

The Republic "F-105 Thunderchief" was conceived in the 1950s as a nuclear strike aircraft, but would achieve fame in the Vietnam War as the "Thud", a conventional strike and "defense suppression" aircraft.

The Republic "F-105 Thunderchief" was conceived in the 1950s as a nuclear strike aircraft, but would achieve fame in the Vietnam War as the "Thud", a conventional strike and "defense suppression" aircraft.

In the late 1950s, the US Air Force planned to obtain large numbers of a Mach 3 bomber, the North American "B-70 Valkyrie", as the backbone of their strategic nuclear bombing force. However, improvements in Soviet air defenses and the development of the US long-range ballistic missile force rendered a high-altitude bomber like the B-70 obsolete. Only two "XB-70s" were completed, as high-speed research aircraft.

The Rockwell B-1A and B1-B Lancer bomber - the fascinating story of the "Bone" - the Rockwell B-1 bomber in service. The B-1B is a sleek, dartlike aircraft with a variable geometry "swing wing", which can be extended to full span for takeoff, landing, and long-range cruise, and swept back for high-speed penetration of adversary airspace

The Rockwell B-1A and B1-B Lancer bomber - the fascinating story of the "Bone" - the Rockwell B-1 bomber in service. The B-1B is a sleek, dartlike aircraft with a variable geometry "swing wing", which can be extended to full span for takeoff, landing, and long-range cruise, and swept back for high-speed penetration of adversary airspace

In the early 1960s, Britain and France began a collaboration to build a new trainer / strike aircraft. After some difficulties, this machine finally emerged as the SEPECAT "Jaguar", which has provided excellent service for decades in the air forces of Britain, France, and several other nations

In the early 1960s, Britain and France began a collaboration to build a new trainer / strike aircraft. After some difficulties, this machine finally emerged as the SEPECAT "Jaguar", which has provided excellent service for decades in the air forces of Britain, France, and several other nations

In the early 1960s, Britain and France began a collaboration to build a new trainer / strike aircraft. After some difficulties, this machine finally emerged as the SEPECAT "Jaguar", which has provided excellent service for decades in the air forces of Britain, France, and several other nations

In the postwar period, Great Britain built not one but three long-range jet bombers -- the "Valiant", "Victor", and "Vulcan" -- as the backbone of that nation's nuclear deterrence force. The first of these "V-bombers" was the Vickers Valiant , which served through most of the 1950s and into the early 1960s. What is often forgotten is that these three British jet bombers were preceded by the Short Sperrin

In the postwar period, the British Royal Air Force operated a set of three types of long-range jet-propelled strategic nuclear bombers, including the Vickers Valiant, the Handley-Page Victor, and the Avro Vulcan . All three "V-bombers" would have noteworthy careers, but the Vulcan, with its distinctive delta-wing configuration, remains a particularly fond memory for British aviation enthusiasts

In the postwar period, the British Royal Air Force operated a set of three types of long-range jet-propelled strategic nuclear bombers, including the Vickers Valiant, the Handley-Page Victor, and the Avro Vulcan . All three "V-bombers" would have noteworthy careers, but the Vulcan, with its distinctive delta-wing configuration, remains a particularly fond memory for British aviation enthusiasts

In the postwar period, the British Royal Air Force operated a set of three types of long-range jet-propelled strategic nuclear bombers, including the Vickers Valiant, the Handley-Page Victor, and the Avro Vulcan . All three "V-bombers" would have noteworthy careers, but the Vulcan, with its distinctive delta-wing configuration, remains a particularly fond memory for British aviation enthusiasts

In the 1950s, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) acquired a strategic nuclear strike force in the form of the "V-Bombers" -- the Vickers Valiant , the Handley-Page Victor, and the Avro Vulcan . The Victor was arguably the most unconventional of the three, at least in hindsight, but it proved very successful, persisting in service into the 1990s in the tanker role

In the 1950s, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) acquired a strategic nuclear strike force in the form of the "V-Bombers" -- the Vickers Valiant , the Handley-Page Victor, and the Avro Vulcan . The Victor was arguably the most unconventional of the three, at least in hindsight, but it proved very successful, persisting in service into the 1990s in the tanker role. Gallery.

In the postwar period, Great Britain built not one but three long-range jet bombers -- the "Valiant", "Victor", and "Vulcan" -- as the backbone of that nation's nuclear deterrence force. The first of these "V-bombers" was the Vickers Valiant, which served through most of the 1950s and into the early 1960s.

In the postwar period, the British developed a set of three jet "V-bombers" -- the Vickers Valiant , the Handley-Page Victor, and the Avro Vulcan -- to provide a nuclear strike capability. The Valiant also led, indirectly, to an elegant four-jet airliner, the Vickers "VC10". Although it was only a modest success commercially, the VC10 became an important inflight tanker asset for the British Royal Air Force (RAF).