Category Archives: aircraft

B-17 Ditching Mockup for Training

Details of a unique B-17 Flying Fortress ditching mockup constructed for training by the 396th Bombardment Group RTU at Drew Field, Florida. (Source: Air Sea Rescue Bulletin, U.S. Coast Guard, January 1945.) 396th Bombardment Group RTU Ditching School DescribesMOCKUP FOR … Continue reading

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Raft Survival of a P-51 Pilot

The story of the rescue of a P-51 Mustang pilot in the Pacific, from Air Sea Rescue Bulletin, U.S. Coast Guard, Vol. III, No. 9, October 1946. Raft Survival of a P-51 Pilot The following report from D of I, … Continue reading

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Bachem Ba 349 Natter

A report on the Bachem Ba 349 “Natter” rocket-powered fighter from April 1946 issue of Intelligence Bulletin: At first complacent in the face of the strategic bombing threat, the Germans in 1943 became fearful, then frantic. They were willing to … Continue reading

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Helldiver Debut at Rabaul

Details of the combat debut of the U.S. Navy’s Curtiss SB2C Helldiver dive bomber at the Battle of Rabaul from Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin, February 1944. HELLDIVER The Navy’s New Dive Bomber Makes Debut In Smash at Rabaul The … Continue reading

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AAA Ground Recognition Signals

The following comments from the commander of the U.S. 5th Armored Division on the proper use of ground recognition signals were published in “Antiaircraft Artillery Notes,” No. 5, November 22, 1944. Subject: Use of Ground Recognition Signals Source: AA Section, Headquarters Twelfth Army … Continue reading

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Italeri 1/72nd Short Stirling Mk. I

Italeri has announced a new 1/72-nd scale kit depicting the British heavy bomber Short Stirling Mk. I.

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New Iliad Design Decal Sets

Two new WWII aircraft decal sets from Iliad Design have been announced: 1/32nd-Scale: 7./JG 53 Bf 109G-6 “Cartoon Aircraft” and 1/72nd-Scale: Early P-40s & Tomahawks.      

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A-26 Invader Armor Diagram

A-26 Invader armor diagram, from: Pilot’s Handbook for Army Models A-26B and A-26C Airplanes, AN 01-40AJ-1, August 1945, revised January 1946.  

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P-47 Pilot Preflight Check

P-47N pilot’s preflight check, from: Pilot Training Manual for the Thunderbolt P-47N, Headquarters, AAF Manual 51-127-4, Army Air Forces, Washington, D.C., September 1945. Pilot’s Preflight Check The preflight check starts before you reach your airplane. Survey the proposed taxiing route for … Continue reading

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Airframe Album – Fw 189 Uhu

Valiant Wings Publishing has announced the sixth volume in their Airframe Album series: Airframe Album No. 6: The Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu, A Detailed Guide to the Luftwaffe’s Flying Eye by Richard A. Franks. According to the publisher, the book … Continue reading

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