190 total airframes built: 85 converted to SH-2F w/ 48 new airframes. [caption id="attachment_20487" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] A SeaSprite takes on fuel aboard the Destroyer USS Briscoe. (National Archives)[/caption] Introduction Kaman’s SH-2 proved an exceptional asset for the US Navy through the mid to late Cold War, serving a variety of roles across nearly the entirety…

[caption id="attachment_17915" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The enigmatic and misunderstood ‘Messerspit’ test aircraft lies at the center of a number of theories, its original purpose largely forgotten. (google.uk)[/caption] Introduction Few aspects of the Second World War have been so misunderstood, misrepresented, and pushed into near mythology as the Luftwaffe’s test programs. Their discussion in less academic circles…

The Merlin powered P-51’s share the distinction of being among the most successful fighter aircraft ever developed, but also having one of the convoluted development paths of any mass production fighter. While the aircraft would make its first flights in 1943, it had its roots in the late interwar period where many of the technologies…

The US Army’s night air defense services during the interwar years were perhaps their most neglected and least developed. This was in part due to the meager capabilities of the aircraft and detection systems of the time, but also general disinterest from senior leadership and, resultantly, poor funding. Despite advances in night flying instrumentation and…

1943 was a year of highs and lows for the Luftwaffe’s night fighter force, one that saw their tactics change considerably to match those of RAF’s Bomber Command. The year started with the Luftwaffe continuing the heavy use of its long standing fixed network of defensive ‘Himmelbett’ cells. These contained searchlights, radar, and night fighters…