Machinery & Gear | War History

Glock 19: One of America’s Most Popular Firearms

Todd Neikirk
US Air Force pararescueman aiming a Glock 19

While the “Glock” name has become iconic in the world of firearms, the brand only released its first pistol, the Glock 17, in 1982. The…

The Remarkable North American P-82 Twin Mustang Was Two Aircraft In One

North American P-82C Twin Mustang in flight

The North American P-82 Twin Mustang may be one of the strangest and most remarkable piston-engine aircraft ever produced. Its connected wing and double fuselages…

Flashbang Grenade: Among the First Modern ‘Non-Lethal’ Weapons Ever Developed

Clare Fitzgerald
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James E. Foehl tosses a flashbang grenade while two other armed servicemen watch

Stun devices are among the most important non-lethal tools at a soldier’s disposal. They have the ability to disorient a target without causing harm, allowing…

The Loss of Kaga and Three Other Aircraft Carriers Ultimately Led to Japan’s Defeat in WWII

Aerial view of Kaga at sea

Early on in World War II, it looked like the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy would be an unstoppable force. Their servicemen were brave and…

North American X-15: The Fastest Manned Rocket Aircraft Ever Developed

North American X-15 in flight

Known as the fastest manned rocket aircraft ever flown, the North American X-15 is an engineering marvel. It made the first manned flights to the…

Carcano: The Italian Firearm That Has Been Completely Forgotten By History

Lee Harvey Oswald holding his Carcano rifle and a newspaper in his backyard + John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy riding in a car with Texas Governor John Connally and his wife, Nellie Brill

On a sunny November day in Dallas, Texas, Lee Harvey Oswald leaned out the sixth-floor window of the Texas School Book Depository and aimed his…

The Cessna O-1 Bird Dog Flew Missions in Korea and Vietnam

Cessna O-1 Bird Dog in flight

Following the Second World War and the creation of the US Air Force, the US Army was in need of a new observation and liaison…

Grease Gun: The US Military’s Longest-Serving Submachine Weapon

Infantryman aiming an M3 "Grease Gun"

When the lightweight and cheap US Submachine Gun, Cal. 45, M3 was introduced into service in 1944, it was intended for use across all theaters…

The M202 FLASH Has Been in Pseudo-Retirement for Decades – Why?

Clare Fitzgerald
US Marine aiming an M202 FLASH while another kneels beside him

The US military has designed a number of rocket launchers for use in combat. Some have seen years of service, while others have seemingly faded…

The Remarkably Effective WWII-Era PIAT Anti-Tank Weapon

Rosemary Giles
Two soldiers lying on the ground while aiming a PIAT

By 1942, the Second World War had dragged on for three years. The British had seen a good deal of combat in various theaters, frequently…

The F-117 Nighthawk Had a Relatively Short Service Life with the US Air Force

Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk parked on a runway

The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk was the first ever operational US Air Force stealth aircraft. It proved to be highly successful and effective, operating in a…

Korean War Epic ‘Devotion’ Features Authentic Aircraft from the Period

Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell as Jesse Brown and Thomas Hudner in 'Devotion'

Actors Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell portray famed naval aviators Jesse L. Brown and Thomas J. Hudner Jr. in the upcoming Korean War film, Devotion.…