Aircraft | War History

Bell D-188A: The US Military’s Early Attempt at Developing a VTOL Aircraft

Illustration of the Bell D-188 in flight

Throughout the Cold War, militaries across the world were interested in bettering their arsenals in the event of an enemy attack. One particular type of…

The B-29 Superfortress ‘Kee Bird’ Was Frozen in Time for 47 Years – It Was Almost Rescued

Boeing B-29 Superfortress 'Kee Bird' parked in the snow + Aerial view of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress 'Kee Bird' partially buried in the snow

On February 20, 1947, US Air Force Lt. Vern H. Arnett and his 11-man crew took off for what was meant to be a routine…

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…