planes | War History

Remember That Time Israel Stole a MiG 21?

The Mossad is well known and considered one of the elite intelligence institutions in the world. The organization has accomplished many incredible feats over the…

VTOL – From Harriers to “Uber Air”?

Vertical take-off and landing (or VTOL) has been largely the stuff of science-fiction.  It usually features something like rotating jets angle downwards and then fire,…

The Famous Messerschmitt Bf109 – Facts You May Not Know

The most famous German fighter plane of the Second World War, the Messerschmitt Bf109 played a hugely important part in that conflict. First Flight The…

Operation Eagle Claw – The Disaster that Changed American Special Operations

The April 24th Op is a major event in the history of the United States’ Special Forces operations not just because it was among the…

The L-39 Albatros – Czech Engineering at Its Finest

The Aero L-39 Albatros is a high-performance jet trainer and light-ground attack aircraft. It was developed by Aero Vodochody in the 1960s in Czechoslovakia.  Along…

RAF Celebrates Brilliant 100 Years, but Not Without Some Controversy

A study has found that only 25% of British citizens know that the Royal Air Force (RAF) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. More…

P-51 Mustangs of the 8th Air Force (video included)

The Americans entered the European theater with their mind set firmly on daylight bombing. This was something the British had tried and given up due…

Firing His M16 Out of His Cessna Bird Dog in Vietnam, Pilot Hilliard Wilbanks was Awarded Medal of Honor

Air superiority is often a factor in combat that can lead to a decisive victory. However, when you are flying a Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog…

Air Power in the Battle for Normandy

When the Allies invaded Normandy in June 1944, one of the most important advantages they had was their air power. The Royal Air Force (RAF)…

19 Facts About the Grumman F6F Hellcat with Photos

The Grumman F6F Hellcat was one of the most important fighter planes of the Second World War, described by many as a war-winning weapon. Building…

Inspiring the Nation – “Butch” O’Hare Became the 1st Naval Aviator to be Awarded MoH

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Edward “Butch” O’Hare holds the distinction of being the first Naval Aviator to be awarded the Medal of Honor—the United States’ highest…

6 Hawker Fighter Planes that Took the RAF from Biplanes to Jets

Founded between the world wars, Hawker Aircraft Limited produced some of Britain’s most successful fighters. The Hawker Fury The Fury was a small biplane. First…