Aircraft | War History

Boeing E-4: The Cold War-Era ‘Doomsday Plane’ the US Air Force is Looking to Replace

Ground crewmen walking toward a Boeing E-4 that's parked on the tarmac

Everyone has heard of the US Air Force’s “Doomsday Planes,” but do you actually know what they are? Stationed out of Offutt Air Force Base,…

C-5 Galaxy vs C-17 Globemaster III: What’s the Difference Between These Cargo Aircraft?

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III parked on the tarmac

When it comes to strategic airlift operations, the US Air Force has two aces up its sleeve: the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and the Boeing (formerly…

The Kamov Ka-50 ‘Black Shark’ Was Battle-Tested in the Harsh Conditions of the Second Chechen War

Kamov Ka-50 "Black Shark" in flight

The Kamov Ka-50 “Black Shark” is a Russian single-seat attack helicopter developed by JSC Kamov. The chopper entered service with the Russian Armed Forces in…

Northrop YF-23: The Diamond-Winged Fighter That Couldn’t Out-Perform Lockheed’s F-22 Raptor

Northrop YF-23 in flight

Northrop (today Northrop Grumman) is among the most famous military aircraft producers in North America, so it’s no surprise the company became involved in developing…

Is the Shenyang FC-31 China’s Answer to the US Air Force’s F-35 Lightning II?

Shenyang FC-31 taking off

When it comes to advanced military technology, many nations look to the United States for inspiration. This includes China, with the country constantly developing equipment…

Bell AH-1Z Viper: The US Marine Corps’ Secret (and Powerful) Weapon in the Sky

Crewman waving a Bell AH-1Z Viper toward the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3)

When it comes to attack choppers, Bell Textron (formerly Bell Helicopter) is a major player in the North American market. The brains behind the famed…

The B-29 Superfortress ‘Enola Gay’ Forever Changed Warfare When It Dropped the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima

Boeing B-29 Superfortress 'Enola Gay' parked on the tarmac

For many, the development of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a turning point of the Second World War. Hitting the skies in mid-1944, the bomber…

The Most Iconic Cargo Aircraft in Military History

Lockheed C-130E Hercules in flight + Douglas C-47 Skytrain in flight

When discussing military aircraft, much of the conversation centers around fighters and bombers. However, there’s a category that is deserving of more recognition: military cargo…

The 309th Maintenance and Regeneration Group Manages the Largest Aircraft Boneyard in the World

Aerial view of Boeing B-52 Stratofortresses parked in a field

Military enthusiasts and aviation fans alike often marvel at aircraft boneyards, and the largest one in the world is located in the southwestern United States.…

The A-10 Warthog Was Built to Last – And These Facts Prove It

Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II parked on a runway

The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II – better known among airmen as the “Warthog” – is one of the most powerful pieces of Cold War-era…

Northrop F-5: The Supersonic Lightweight Fighter That Was More Beloved By American Allies Than the US Air Force

Northrop F-5E Tiger II in flight

When it comes to fighter jets, the emphasis has always been on making them faster and cheaper to procure and maintain, while not sacrificing their…

Two Dead Following Crash Involving World War II-Era Aircraft in California

Lockheed Model 12A Electra Junior in flight

Two individuals aboard a World War II-era Lockheed Model 12 Electra Junior – better known as the L12 – died when the aircraft crashed shortly…