[caption id="attachment_40138" align="aligncenter" width="1670"] The Höhenjäger 2 project would spawn one of the strangest-looking, and most troubled experimental aircraft during the second world war. (Smith & Creek)[/caption] As the Second World War progressed, the development of high altitude aircraft became of critical importance. At the beginning of the war, extreme altitude flights were conducted only…

[caption id="attachment_36652" align="aligncenter" width="2009"] The Raiden proved to be an oddity during the Second World War. Beset by numerous technical challenges and a meandering developmental cycle, it nonetheless entered mass production, and saw service amidst the most brutal air campaigns of the Second World War. (Phillip Jarrett)[/caption] Intro The J2M Raiden, Japanese for Thunderbolt, was…

[caption id="attachment_34391" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ponderous looking, yet agile, the G4M1 proved to be among the most dangerous weapons in Japan’s Naval Arsenal for early years of WWII. (SDASM)[/caption] Designed as a replacement for the aging G3M ‘Nell’, as a long range bomber and torpedo attack aircraft, the G4M represented a comprehensive improvement. In this plane,…

[caption id="attachment_33225" align="aligncenter" width="1981"] The fastest variant of the Ju 88, the S featured a massive increase in engine power and numerous aerodynamic improvements. (beeldbank)[/caption] The Junkers Ju 88 was among the most versatile and longest serving aircraft of the Second World War, and can be counted among the very few that weren’t completely obsolete…

Intro The Junkers J.I represented a massive leap in aircraft design philosophy, while also being a truly exceptional combat airplane in its own right. Designed to fly close along the frontlines and support infantry operations, the J.I was uniquely capable thanks to its armor plated fuselage and duralumin construction. It was exceptionally durable, able to…

[caption id="attachment_28249" align="alignnone" width="2182"] Skyknights on the muddy ground of K-6, Korea. (USAG Humphreys)[/caption] Designed after the Second World War, the Douglas Skyknight was meant to be the defender of the American carrier group after dark. The ambitious design sought to use all of the lessons learned from night fighter design and tactics in the…

[caption id="attachment_26838" align="alignnone" width="924"] A Ta 152H undergoing compass calibration. (flugrevue)[/caption] Introduction: Throughout the Second World War, the job of the interceptor would become ever more challenging. Their targets, mostly bombers and photo reconnaissance aircraft, would fly ever higher and faster thanks to new advancements in turbo and supercharging. With Germany under a state of…

Approximately 690 Built [caption id="attachment_23010" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] The small compressor scoop behind the inertial starter is among the only features to differentiate this G-5 from its unpressurized counterpart. (asisbiz)[/caption] Introduction: The end of the battle of Britain was the beginning of an escalating air war which would claim nearly all of Europe as its theater.…

[caption id="attachment_22178" align="aligncenter" width="1999"] An S-3 Viking comes in to land on the aircraft carrier USS Independence. [National Archives][/caption]The Lockheed S-3 Viking was an anti-submarine warfare aircraft designed to replace the aging S-2 Tracker, later becoming one of the most important components of the US Navy’s anti-submarine strategy during the late Cold War. Designed in…

[caption id="attachment_17812" align="aligncenter" width="1768"] The airliner Hansa prepares to depart from Potsdam. (stampcircuit)[/caption] Intro: While the age of the airship has long since passed, these aircraft were involved in a nearly 30 year battle for aerial supremacy with the airplane. This competition would lay the foundations for modern air travel and, as the railway once…