Machinery & Gear | War History

North American X-15: The Fastest Manned Rocket Aircraft Ever Developed

North American X-15 in flight

Known as the fastest manned rocket aircraft ever flown, the North American X-15 is an engineering marvel. It made the first manned flights to the…

Carcano: The Italian Firearm That Has Been Completely Forgotten By History

Lee Harvey Oswald holding his Carcano rifle and a newspaper in his backyard + John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy riding in a car with Texas Governor John Connally and his wife, Nellie Brill

On a sunny November day in Dallas, Texas, Lee Harvey Oswald leaned out the sixth-floor window of the Texas School Book Depository and aimed his…

The Cessna O-1 Bird Dog Flew Missions in Korea and Vietnam

Cessna O-1 Bird Dog in flight

Following the Second World War and the creation of the US Air Force, the US Army was in need of a new observation and liaison…

Grease Gun: The US Military’s Longest-Serving Submachine Weapon

Infantryman aiming an M3 "Grease Gun"

When the lightweight and cheap US Submachine Gun, Cal. 45, M3 was introduced into service in 1944, it was intended for use across all theaters…

The M202 FLASH Has Been in Pseudo-Retirement for Decades – Why?

Clare Fitzgerald
US Marine aiming an M202 FLASH while another kneels beside him

The US military has designed a number of rocket launchers for use in combat. Some have seen years of service, while others have seemingly faded…

The Remarkably Effective WWII-Era PIAT Anti-Tank Weapon

Rosemary Giles
Two soldiers lying on the ground while aiming a PIAT

By 1942, the Second World War had dragged on for three years. The British had seen a good deal of combat in various theaters, frequently…

The F-117 Nighthawk Had a Relatively Short Service Life with the US Air Force

Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk parked on a runway

The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk was the first ever operational US Air Force stealth aircraft. It proved to be highly successful and effective, operating in a…

Korean War Epic ‘Devotion’ Features Authentic Aircraft from the Period

Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell as Jesse Brown and Thomas Hudner in 'Devotion'

Actors Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell portray famed naval aviators Jesse L. Brown and Thomas J. Hudner Jr. in the upcoming Korean War film, Devotion.…

M270 MLRS: The Incredible Rocket Launch System That Continues to See Combat

Samantha Franco
M270 MLRS launching a rocket

The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is an armored multiple rocket launcher that has been used by the US Army for decades. Jointly developed…

The M320 Grenade Launcher is a Serious Step-Up From the M203

Samantha Franco
Soldier aiming an M320 grenade launcher

The M320 grenade launcher is one of the newest in the US military’s arsenal. It was created with the intention of having an equally effective…

US Air Force Deploys F-22 Raptors to Poland to Defend Eastern Flank of NATO

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor in flight

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors with the US Air Force have landed in the United Kingdom, with their final destination being Poland. The deployment of the…

How the Legend of the Gurhkas’ Kukri Blade was Forged

Gurkhas standing in a line with their Kukri blades

In 1814, the British Army first encountered Nepalese soldiers known as Gurkhas. While both were initially enemies, the British later brought the Gurkhas into their…